More cable news from across the Web:
> Streaming optimization specialist Beamr has acquired HEVC and H.264 codec technologies provider Vanguard Video, and has also announced a new $15 million funding round. CED Magazine story
> OTA and OTT DVR maker Channel Master has added over-the-top programmer Newsy to its lineup. Multichannel News story
> Vimeo added the ability to rent and purchase movies to its Roku app. Variety story
> Yahoo has given potential suitors, including Verizon, two weeks to submit preliminary bids for its core web services. Wall Street Journal story
> Nearly 55 percent of U.K. households now use OTT services, according to Parks Associates. Multichannel News story
> Global Capacity has named tw telecom veteran Tony Thakur as its new CTO, capping off the latest in a series of new management appointments the company has made to enhance its service reach. Article
> Communications Sales & Leasing, the real estate investment trust spinoff of Windstream, is growing its network property portfolio by acquiring 32 wireless towers and operating rights for 40 towers from Windstream for $3 million. Article
> T-Mobile announced plans to issue $1 billion in bonds to fund the acquisition of more 700 MHz A Block spectrum and other airwaves. Article
> The U.S. Department of Justice moved to vacate a court order forcing Apple to cooperate in a high-profile investigation, saying it was finally able to unlock an iPhone without the company's help. But Apple's battles with federal prosecutors aren't likely to go away soon. Article
And finally… Samsung has announced a new partnership with Vice Media in which Vice will create virtual reality content for both of Samsung's VR platforms. Adweek story