More cable news from across the web:
> Verizon renewed its multi-year patent license with Rovi Corporation today. With that agreement, Rovi now has eight of the top 10 U.S. pay-TV providers under license. Release
> U.S. TV broadcast station M&A volume reached $681.2 million in Q2 2016, according to S&P Global's SNL Kagan broadcast media analyst group. Release
> Motor Trend OnDemand, an auto-centric SVOD service, announced it will now be available on the Xbox 360 and Xbox One. Broadcasting & Cable article
> Liberty Global Ventures has invested $9.79 million in Technetix, a global broadband cable network transmission technology provider. Advanced Television article
> The MPAA argued recently that the FCC lacks the authority on its planned steps to expand influence in video described programming. Multichannel News article
Mobile Developer News
> With its new partnership with online course provider Udacity, Google said it aims to bring Android app development to the masses. Its new Android Basics Nanodegree program offers free courses and is appropriate for students of practically any skill level. Article
> Google reportedly intends to design and manufacture its own branded Android phone this year, moving the tech giant to more directly compete with Apple's iPhone. The tech giant also hopes the move could make its Android platform more attractive to developers. Article
Telecom News
> Lightower Fiber Networks has acquired Columbus, Ohio-based Datacenter 101, providing the company an essential connectivity point. Datacenter 101 offers data center and colocation services. Article
Wireless Tech News
> Straight Path laid out a challenge to Lockheed Martin, asserting in a recent filing that the company is "simply wrong" in its characterization of the FCC's proceeding on the use of spectrum bands above 24 GHz. Article
European Wireless News
> Deutsche Telekom could reportedly be the latest European operator to sell off its mobile masts. Citing unnamed sources, Reuters reported that the German operator is preparing an auction to sell its masts for up to $5.5 billion. Article
Wireless News
> Following the death of TracFone's founder and CEO F.J. Pollack, the company said it is looking for an interim leader. Article
And finally… The UN Human Rights Council has declared that internet service interruptions constitute a human rights violation. The Mary Sue article