Google

Google expands free TV channels, faces antitrust battle, and pushes YouTube pause ads

Published

2 weeks ago

September 19, 2024

Tom Carter

Top 3 Key Points:

Google TV adds more free channels, including The Bob Ross Channel, reaching 157 total.
Google faces a second antitrust trial, this time focused on its dominance in online advertising.
YouTube rolls out Pause ads, encouraging users to subscribe to YouTube Premium.

Google is continuously expanding its free TV offerings. This week, Google TV added seven new channels, bringing the total to 157. New channels include The Bob Ross Channel, Comedy Dynamics, and The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. These channels are available on Chromecast and other Google TV devices, allowing users to watch them directly through the home screen or the Freeplay app.

Initially, when Google TV launched its free channel service in 2023, there were around 80 channels. Through partnerships with platforms like Plex and Tubi, users can now access even more content through Google TV’s “Live” tab. As of now, this feature is only available in the U.S., and there’s no information on expanding it internationally.

On a different front, Google is facing another antitrust trial. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has accused Google of maintaining an illegal monopoly in online advertising. This is the second major antitrust case against the company in just a few months, following a ruling in August that Google held a monopoly in online search.

Unlike the search case, this ad case is more complex. Google’s dominance in advertising largely stems from its acquisition of several competitors, creating a highly sophisticated system for managing ads across platforms. Now, the DOJ is arguing that Google used these acquisitions to unfairly maintain control over the digital ad market.

As the trial unfolds, witnesses from news publishers and advertising experts are testifying on how Google’s practices have impacted competition. If the court rules against Google again, the company could face serious consequences, possibly even having parts of its business broken up.

Meanwhile, over on YouTube, the platform has started expanding its Pause ads feature. These ads appear when a user pauses a video, with a static ad popping up next to the video screen. YouTube’s goal is to make these ads feel less intrusive compared to the usual pre-roll and mid-roll ads, but it’s also a clear push to get users to subscribe to YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience.

Although some users are frustrated by the increasing number of ads, YouTube claims that advertisers are responding positively to the new format. However, the platform has made no indication that it plans to reduce the number of other ads users encounter, especially for those who aren’t subscribed to Premium.

In conclusion, Google’s expanding presence in TV, ongoing legal battles, and evolving advertising strategies reflect its continuing influence on both entertainment and online business.

Source/Via/Via

Google

Google Photos gets smarter with “Ask Photos” and Google Shopping revamps logo

Published

23 hours ago

October 6, 2024

Tom Carter

Google Photos is rolling out a powerful new feature called Ask Photos! This AI-powered tool lets you search your photo library with natural language questions. Gone are the days of clunky keywords. Now, you can ask things like “Show me Halloween costumes over the years” or “When did my child learn to swim?”

The feature is still in its early stages, but it shows great promise. It appears as a new tab in the Photos app, replacing the “Search” function. Initially, it focuses on recognizing people and places in your photos. It might not be perfect for events or objects yet, but it’s constantly learning.

Signing Up for Ask Photos:

While not available to everyone yet, Google opened a waitlist last month. If you signed up, keep an eye out for the update! For others, the waitlist is still open (US only for now).

A New Look for Google Shopping:

In addition to the exciting Photos update, Google Shopping is getting a makeover! It seems a new logo is on the way, replacing the familiar price tag icon. The new logo is a simplified shopping bag in Google’s signature colors, swirling together for a clean, modern look.

The website itself might also be getting a refresh. We spotted glimpses of a redesigned site with a user-friendly layout and helpful features like browsing recommendations and price comparisons.

What’s Next?

While official announcements from Google are likely forthcoming, these updates hint at exciting things to come for Google Photos and Shopping. Ask Photos has the potential to revolutionize how you search your memories, and the Google Shopping revamp promises a more streamlined shopping experience.

Source/Via

Android

Android Auto gets a behind-the-scenes update

Published

23 hours ago

October 6, 2024

Tom Carter

Google has released a new version of Android Auto, version 13.0. While you won’t see any big changes on the surface, some important updates are happening under the hood.

What’s New?

Car Media: Google is working on a new feature called “Car Media.” This feature will allow you to easily control your car’s AM/FM radio and local media.
Bug Fixes: The update includes bug fixes and improvements to make Android Auto run smoothly.

When Will Car Media Be Available?

Google hasn’t announced an official release date for Car Media yet. But they’re actively working on it, and we might see it in a future update.

How to Get Android Auto 13.0

The Android Auto 13.0 update is available now on the Google Play Store. Just search for “Android Auto” and install the latest version.

Source

Google

Google boosts Android Security with new theft protection features

Published

2 days ago

October 5, 2024

Tom Carter

Google is rolling out a trio of powerful features designed to protect your Android phone (version 10 and above) from theft. These features, accessible through Google Play services updates, aim to automatically safeguard your data in case your phone goes missing.

Here’s how it works:

Theft Detection Lock: This clever feature utilizes your phone’s sensors, Wi-Fi, and even smart device connections to detect suspicious activity. If someone snatches your unlocked phone and takes off running (think snatch-and-grab), Theft Detection Lock will automatically lock your screen, preventing access to your sensitive information.
Offline Device Lock: This feature acts as a safeguard against thieves who might try to disable your phone’s internet connection to avoid location tracking. Offline Device Lock triggers a lock if your phone is stolen while unlocked and subsequently goes offline. Google emphasizes that this feature works under two conditions: your phone must be actively unlocked when stolen, and the screen can only be locked automatically twice a day.
Remote Lock (Coming Soon): This feature, currently under testing, offers a faster alternative to accessing Find My Device. In case of theft, you can visit a dedicated website (android.com/lock) from any trusted device, enter your pre-registered phone number, and complete a security challenge. This will remotely lock your stolen phone.

These features were initially tested in Brazil back in June 2024. While a full global launch hasn’t happened yet, users worldwide are starting to see some Theft Detection features rolling out on their Pixel, Samsung, and other Android devices.

Availability:

Full features are currently appearing for users enrolled in the Google Play services beta (version 24.40.33).
Stable channel rollout is expected soon.

Keeping Your Android Safe:

These theft protection features are a valuable addition to your Android security arsenal. Remember, it’s always a good practice to enable a strong lock screen password or PIN and utilize Find My Device to locate your phone in case it gets misplaced. With these tools in place, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your data is protected.

Source