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YouTube is testing Premium music controls for those who won’t switch to YouTube Music
Only for paying customers, though
Even though Google offers a dedicated music application, a good chunk of people still can't shake the habit of catching their favorite tracks on YouTube. Google previously tried to prompt users to switch to YT Music, but it seems like it's tired of doing so as it's testing a new YouTube interface that's meant to improve the music listening experience.
False alarm: Google isn't planning a new free Photo backup plan for Pixels
It's just testing new names
Google Photos is dropping its free unlimited "high quality" backups for non-Pixels at the end of this month. Apparently, the company decided it's time to start cashing in on one of its best products and pushing more customers to paid Google One plans. While Google's current stance doesn't make any future Pixels eligible for free unlimited backups, a new "storage saver" tier was seen in a teardown by 9to5Google. While they first thought it could be a new unlimited photo storage plan, Google has since confirmed it's just a name-change being considered for the existing "high quality" option.
Toshiba doesn't have a Community star to sell its new TVs, but it's hoping it can attract you with a few cool features. Its newly launched series comes in various sizes and offers the Fire TV experience with a voice-enabled Alexa remote.No matter which size you choose — 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, or 75” — you'll get a 4K LCD panel that's Dolby Vision and HDR10 certified. The bezels are appreciably thin, and there's support for DTS: Virtual X which should add some depth to your media experience.With Fire TV onboard, you get the regular smarts, including support for just about every streaming service available for you to dive into. These TVs will also be able to show video feeds from compatible doorbell cameras on top of the content you're watching. Simply ask Alexa to show you a preview of the camera, and a PiP window will serve your needs.
Twitter is working on a subscription service, hoping to get people hooked with incentives such as an Undo Send button. In its latest attempt to spice up this service Twitter acquired Scroll, which lets readers support their favorite publishers (including us) while blocking ads. This development also sunsets a personalized daily news service called Nuzzel, which is owned by Scroll.
Samsung Internet just left Google Chrome's 'Send tab to your devices' in the dust (APK Download)
Currently in beta and only across select Samsung devices, though
Samsung Internet is a formidable browser and might be a better choice than Google Chrome if you care about a customizable experience. Its latest beta, v14.2, introduces some notable features and improves existing ones.
Signal and Facebook embroiled in very public squabble about Instagram ads
Regardless of who's telling the truth, this is hilarious
When there was a public outcry regarding WhatsApp's change of privacy policy, Signal made most of the opportunity to push its privacy-focused messaging service. Now, the company is taking a dig at Facebook's behavior of commodifying troves of data about its users with hilarious Instagram ads. Signal claims the ads were rejected and its ad account was disabled although Facebook denies this and calls it a stunt. Go grab some popcorn.
Google releases Android Studio 4.2 with IntelliJ upgrade and wizard UI refresh
Upgrading your project to the latest version will be less complicated
Android Studio is the primary tool developers use to make apps for Android. After being in beta for months, the latest version of the SDK — Studio 4.2 — is available to download through the stable channel.
New, dodgy Galaxy Z Flip3 and Z Fold3 leaks give us panda Pixel vibes
A bigger secondary display seems like a good move, but check out these camera bumps
A handful of renders and what is claimed to be a promotional video for Samsung's upcoming foldables have been circulating today, ostensibly showing off the Z Fold3 and Z Flip3. While we remain a little skeptical and cannot corroborate the details with our own sources, a handful of known leakers are convinced, and a few key details do jibe with what we would expect. Still, some design details are a little unusual, so take the news with an appropriate (if not massive) dose of salt.
Samsung Mexico just name-checked the Galaxy S21 FE
The website promises to tell you all about it but fails to deliver
Read update
With the Galaxy S20 starting at a steep price of $999, the introduction of the Galaxy S20 FE was more than just a welcome move. The "flagship on the cheap" offered a whole lot of value for $699, and made it almost irrational to spend more to get the Note20 or the S20. We're expecting the same from the Galaxy S21 FE, and now a new leak gives us our first look at the device.
Chromebooks will have even more pre-installed Google apps soon
Expected from Chrome OS 92 or soon after
Google's Chrome OS is naturally a breeding ground for its apps and services. Google Docs, Drive, Sheets, Keep, and many more come pre-installed on Chromebooks. This list of apps is soon going to grow as Google is preparing to add Google Meet and Chat to the mix.
Chromecast with Google TV update introduces advanced video controls
Along with the April security patch
Google's previous update for the Chromecast with Google TV fixed the annoying recovery screen error which, in certain cases, would require a reset to get the device working again. With that bug firmly in the past, a new update mainly focuses on improving the device and delivering some new functionality.
Samsung sued over fragile camera glass on the Galaxy S20 series
Samsung hasn't taken corrective measures even after acknowledging the problem
Samsung is being sued, but no, it's not by Apple this time. The lawsuit was filed by disgruntled Galaxy S20 series owners facing issues with the camera module's glass fracturing or shattering without any external force being applied to it. While the problem isn't widespread, it should have been notable enough to warrant Samsung's attention — but apparently, the company largely tried to ignore it.
The OnePlus 6 and 6T probably won't get Android 11 until August at the soonest
And that's just for the Open Beta
OnePlus isn't the nimble startup it used to be, and its update policy has taken a turn for the worse in the last couple of years, especially for phones that aren't the latest flagships anymore. After months of radio silence, the company has finally confirmed when Android 11 will hit the OnePlus 6 and the 6T — but it's further out than you'd hope.
The Indian market is yet to witness a single 5G network, but that's not stopping companies from shipping 5G phones. Samsung has already launched a handful in the country and its latest, the Galaxy M42 5G, is the cheapest one yet. Also, if it seems familiar, that's because it's a rebranded version of the Galaxy A42 5G.
Google Play Store in India is swapping millions and billions for lakhs and crores
Following in YouTube's footsteps
Last year, Google acknowledged the Indian numbering system by changing the count of views, subscribers, likes, and other number elements on YouTube from millions and billions to lakhs and crores. Now, Google is bringing this change to the Play Store.
Google Pay is adding support for UPI payments over NFC
Faster than scanning a QR code or typing in a UPI ID
In India, Google Pay primarily revolves around sending money via UPI, the country's leading digital payment platform. It was only last year that the India-exclusive version of the app got support for debit and credit card payments over NFC. Now, Google is looking to further improve the mobile payment solution with NFC-initiated UPI payments.
Spotify’s paid podcast subscription service one-ups Apple’s offering
Creators won't have to pay a cut for the first two years
With the video streaming market starting to feel a little saturated, audio and podcasts, in particular, could be the next big focus. Apple reiterated its commitment to the medium by introducing a paid subscription service. Shortly after, arch-rival Spotify has come up with its own subscription platform that one-ups the Cupertino giant in one major way.
Google Tasks for web now lets you add details and dates with zero extra clicks
Extra time for work or play — or just making more lists
Google Tasks is not the most comprehensive to-do solution out there, but it integrates well with other Google services and that's the reason why it hasn't faded into irrelevancy. While it's not getting a complete makeover, a tweak to the web version will make it easier and faster to create new tasks.
Moto's latest budget phone has a processor you've probably never heard of
And nor had we, to be honest
Motorola only recently announced the feature-packed Moto G40 Fusion and the G60, but it isn't done adding phones to its increasingly bloated G lineup. The company has released yet another product in the form of the Moto G20. It's an entry-level device, but it boasts a couple of features that are not as common in the price segment.
You probably forgot the Assistant could read websites to you, but the feature just got a new look
It can't do anything new, but it has a new monochrome look with outline icons
Google constantly experiments with the UI of its applications. While some changes go down well with users, others — like the recent redesign of the YouTube resolution picker — spark criticism. The latest product to get a makeover is Google Assistant's web page reading tool that reads articles and other text on websites out loud for you.