Weekly news round-up: AT&T talks fail & RT launches in France

AT&T and US Justice Dept talks fail
Settlement talks between AT&T and the US Justice Department over the wireless and pay-TV company’s attempts to buy Time Warner have foundered, according to Reuters. The US Justice Department is reportedly concerned that the proposed $85bn deal could result in higher prices for rivals, subscribers and impede the development of online video. 

Magic Leap partners with Sigur Rós
Secretive augmented reality startup Magic Leap has embarked on a collaboration with Icelandic rock band Sigur Rós. According to Road To VR, the musical experience fills a user’s surroundings with ethereal visuals and an interactive soundscape.

RT begins broadcasting in France
The latest division of RT, the global TV network formerly known as Russia Today, has begun broadcasting in France. Rapid TV News reported the new broadcasting hub located just outside of Paris will feature a mix of live news, documentary content, debates, interviews and original programming. 

Faster broadband promised by 2020
The UK government has stipulated that the whole UK must have access to a minimum 10 Mbps broadband connection by 2020. The new initative will mean broadband providers will face a legal requirement to provide high-speed internet access. Ofcom said that 1.1 million UK premises could not access the minimum requirement, according to the BBC.   

LCD TV shipments to grow in 2018
Global shipments of branded LCD TV sets for 2017 will likely total 210 million units, a decrease of 4.1% compared with the prior year, according to a report by RapidTV News. The research from display tech firm WitsView also suggests that for 2018 the shipments decline will reverse and is set to grow by 3.9% to 218 million.

Thales bids for security firm Gemalto
French aerospace firm Thales SA outbid rivals for Dutch cyber security provider Gemalto SA. Bloomberg reported the cash offer valued at €4.76bn knocked out a lower offer from Atos. 

Technicolor to exit licensing business
Technicolor has suspended its patent discussions as it seeks a buyer for its licensing business. According to Advanced Television, the proposed offloading of the division is in line with the company’s wider strategic aims of allocating capital and resources to its operating businesses. 

Discovery launches Motor Trend On Demand in UK
Car enthusiasts wil be able to stream hundreds of hours of content on Amazon channels after Discovery Communications announced it will launch Motor Trend On Demand in the UK, according to Multichannel.