TV ad-skipping technology in development at Apple

Apple Inc. is developing ad-skipping technology that would let owners of its Apple TV set-top box and future television devices watch shows without commercials, people with knowledge of the matter said.

Apple executives have briefed at least two owners of broadcast TV networks and cable channels, as well as some of the biggest U.S. pay-TV systems, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the talks are private. One proposal is for Apple to reimburse programmers for skipped ads, they said.

The company is seeking to develop TV products with broader appeal than Apple TV, a set-top device purchased by 13 million consumers, Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said in May at the D: All Things Digital conference. Apple TV is more appropriate for "hobbyists" than mainstream viewers, he said. Apple continues to work on a "grand vision" to update TV-viewing that remains "much like 10 or 20 years ago," Cook said.

Jessica Lessin, a technology writer, reported on July 15 that Apple was working on the ad-skipping initiative.

With advertising accounting for the largest share of their revenue, commercially supported TV networks have resisted skipping technology.

Dish Network Corp. introduced ad-skipping for broadcast network TV shows in its Hopper TV set-top box in March 2012. 21st Century Fox Inc., Comcast Corp.’s NBCUniversal and CBS Corp. sued, claiming the service will destroy free, over-the-air prime-time television. Dish sued the networks in New York, seeking a court ruling that it isn’t infringing copyrights.

Almost three-quarters of consumers in a survey cited the ability to skip commercials as a main reason to use a digital video recorder, Google Inc.’s Motorola Mobility unit said in its annual media engagement barometer released on March 19.

Total recall

About 795,000 Kenmore brand 35-, 50- and 70-pint dehumidifiers made by LG Electronics between 2003 and 2005 have been recalled. They were sold at Sears and Kmart stores nationwide and on Sears.com and Kmart.com from 2003 to 2009.

The model number can be found on the right side of the interior of the unit when the bucket has been removed. Recalled units have the following model numbers: 35-pint (2004) — 580.54351400, 50-pint (2003) — 580.53509300, 70-pint (2003) — 580.53701300, 70-pint (2004) — 580.54701400, and 70-pint (2005) — 580.54701500.

The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke, melt, and catch on fire, posing fire and burn hazards. Seven incident reports of shorting and fire are associated with the dehumidifiers, including one incident with a severe burn to a consumer’s foot and three fires resulting in more than $300,000 of property damage.

Call LG recall fulfillment center at 855-400-4641 or visit www.Kenmoredehumidifierrecall.com