Apple to launch Apple TV with gaming focus: NY Times

(Reuters) – Apple Inc will make gaming a key part of an Apple TV product it is expected to unveil at an event on Wednesday, according to a New York Times online report on Sunday. The article, which cited unnamed people briefed on Apple's plans, said the new product is expected to have a starting price around $150, more power for better graphics, a new remote that could double as a controller and an app store for buying games. Apple representatives were not immediately available for comment.

Read more

U.S. TV networks court YouTube crowd in quest for digital viewers

By Lisa Richwine ANAHEIM, California (Reuters) – For the first time, cable TV network Nickelodeon staged a casting call at VidCon, a convention that draws stars of YouTube and social media like Vine, Instagram and Snapchat and their passionate followers. The Viacom-owned channel's talent search is one way traditional TV networks are recruiting Internet personalities to build audiences. YouTube stars include comedians, beauty gurus, product reviewers, gamers, musicians and fitness buffs who post videos of themselves, often looking directly into the camera.

Read more

Google gains billions in value as YouTube drives ad growth

Google's class A shares chalked up their largest single-day percentage change in more than seven years on Friday. The rise in Google's market value was more than the total market capitalization of Caterpillar Inc , the world's biggest construction equipment maker

Read more

Ex-Maker Studios CEO Zappin sees $5 billion valuation for new venture

Two years after his messy departure from Maker Studios, the YouTube network he co-founded, Internet entrepreneur Danny Zappin has big plans for his newest venture, Zealot Networks. Zappin says he expects the digital media company, which announced the purchase of viral content website ViralNova on Thursday, to be worth at least $5 billion in about two years. Zealot, founded in August 2014, helps digital media startups connect with media companies, brands and advertisers.

Read more