- Youku's (NYSE:YOKU +0.1%) new Cloud Entertainment unit is its fourth consumer business unit, joining Youku, Tudou, and the recently-launched Heyi Pictures film production arm.
- The business will be run by CTO Leo Yao. Its responsibilities include "developing hardware and services that make Youku Tudou's content more accessible to users," as well as operating games and "making the user experience more compelling."
- Among the hardware products to be offered by the unit: A set-top, a 15.6" Android tablet, and a Wi-Fi router that go on sale in January. The routers will be used to create a P2P content deliver network (potentially lowering Youku's bandwidth costs). The set-top will support 4K video and Android games, and will eventually use partner Alibaba's Aliyun OS.
- Several other Chinese Internet firms have also rolled out hardware lines, hoping to strengthen their brands and keep consumers actively using the services supported by the hardware.