Quickflix signs content deal with Sony PlayStation, World reacts to death of Gaddafi: Midday Roundup

Australian DVD rental and streaming business Quickflix has struck a deal with Sony to stream content over PlayStation 3 consoles, in a move that will begin later this year.

Chief executive Chris Taylor said in a statement the move expands upon its existing agreement to stream films over Sony Bravia televisions.

“Over 1.3 million Australian consumers who own an internet connectable PlayStation 3 will have access to Quickflix’s on demand movie streaming service. This is a significant moment in the evolution of IPTV delivered entertainment in Australia and a major development for our company,” Taylor said.

Quickflix has tipped it would start incorporating more of a digital model alongside its existing DVD services for some time.

The company says the new deal will allow users unlimited views of films from its catalogue of over 50,000 titles.

World reacts to death of Gaddafi

World leaders have largely welcomed the news Libya dictator Muammar Gaddafi was captured and killed by rebels early this morning.

According to various reports coming out of the country, Gaddafi was captured and killed. Video broadcast on Al-Jazeera show a wounded Gaddafi surrounded by armed rebels.

“Australia recognises today as a day of relief in Libya as the long war of liberation comes to an end,” Prime Minister Julia Gillard said in a statement, according to AAP. “Australia also recognises today as a beginning as well as an end.”

Barack Obama also reacted to the news, saying the news was a warning to the world’s dictators.

“This marks the end of a long and painful chapter for the people of Libya who now have the opportunity to determine their own destiny in a new and democratic Libya,” he said at the White House.

Qantas gets three-week reprieve from engineer strikes

Qantas engineers have called off three weeks of strikes after discussions involving Fair Work Australia, The Australian has reported.

However, the company has said this doesn’t necessarily help its position.

“Qantas has already had to ground seven aircraft and cancel 500 flights as a direct result of the industrial action by the union which has been ongoing since August,” a spokesperson told the publication.

Moreover, strikes conducted by ground staff have continued.

Shares flat after weak US lead

The Australian sharemarket has opened flat this morning after a weak lead from the United States, where investors are still nervous over the ongoing debt crisis in Europe, despite Greece passing its austerity bill.

The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up eight points or 0.2% to 4153.2 at 12.00 AEST, while the Australian dollar rose slightly to $US1.02c.

AMP shares rose 0.49% to $4.09, while Commonwealth Bank 0.04% to $47.74. NAB shares rose 0.85% to $24.51 as Westpac rose 0.10% to $21.57.

In the United States, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 37 points or 0.3% to 11,541.8.

Greece passes austerity bill, following violent protests

Greece has easily passed an austerity, following months of protests over tax rises, cuts to pensions, and falls in public service numbers and pay.

Violent demonstrations against the bill caused one death and more than 100 injuries.

According to reports, one socialist MP opposed the bill.