Inside Netflix’s Streaming Technology; SpaceX Begins Broadcast of Starship Tests; Zoosk Sold to Spark Networks

Spark Networks Pays $255 Million for Zoosk

Spark Networks Inc., owner of several online dating sites including ChristianMingle.com and JDate, acquired dating app Zoosk Inc. for $255 million. Spark Networks will double in size as a result of the acquisition, which it paid for in a combination of cash and stock. Spark Networks SE, based in Berlin, was founded by a 2017 merger of Berlin-based Affinitas GmbH and Spark Networks Inc., located in West LA, according to Socaltech.

SpaceX Broadcasts Starship Tests in South Texas

Hawthorne-based SpaceX broadcast a test of its Starship vehicle March 21. Live broadcasts of routine tests such as propellant loading, which SpaceX filmed, are unorthodox for the spaceflight industry but not for SpaceX, which tends to think outside the box, ArsTechnica notes. SpaceX moved production of its Starship test vehicle from the Port of LA to its South Texas site in Jan., citing a need to “streamline operations.” SpaceX Chief Executive Elon Musk has already sold tickets for a Moon voyage on the Starship vehicle in 2023.

Netflix Demonstrates Technology at Work

In a recent series of events at its Hollywood office, streaming tycoon Netflix Inc. offered a look at the technology it uses to produce shows. In particular, Netflix’s Hollywood outpost focuses on dubbing films, distributing versions of its content in up to 27 languages including English. Variety reports the focus on dubbing reflects Netflix statistics that only 5 percent of its users speak English. Other technology at work in Netflix’s offices includes a team at work developing production schedule management mobile apps and producing content in HDR.

Tech reporter Samson Amore can be reached at [email protected] or (323) 556-8335. Follow him on Twitter @samsonamore.