Category: Software

  • Spotify Given Permission by Google to Avoid Play Store Fees

    Spotify Given Permission by Google to Avoid Play Store Fees

    Spotify’s Deal with Google to Avoid Play Store Fees

    During Google’s legal battle with Epic Games, an interesting agreement between Google and Spotify was revealed. Don Harrison, Google’s executive responsible for international partnerships, testified that Spotify had struck a generous deal with Google. Under this agreement, Spotify did not have to pay any commission to Google for users who paid their subscription fees using Spotify’s own payment method. For users who made purchases using Google’s payment method, the commission paid was only 4%.

    Google’s Privileges for Spotify

    According to Harrison, Spotify’s popularity was deemed “unprecedented” and Google believed that it was crucial for Spotify to work seamlessly within the Android ecosystem. As a result, Google granted Spotify certain privileges to ensure its smooth operation. This decision was made to prevent users from considering a switch away from Android.

    Spotify’s Criticism of Commission Rates

    Spotify has been a vocal critic of app store commission rates, particularly in the case involving Apple and Epic Games. The company has accused Apple of monopolizing the market. In fact, a few months ago, Spotify made a bold move to stop accepting payments through the App Store in an effort to avoid paying commissions to Apple.

    Overall, while the issue of app store commissions remains a topic of debate, it appears that Google has shown favoritism towards Spotify by offering a more lenient commission structure. This highlights the ongoing competition and power dynamics between app developers and the major app stores.

    Source: 1, 2

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  • Firefox and Edge Users Experience Slow Load Times due to YouTube’s Ad Blocker Crackdown

    Firefox and Edge Users Experience Slow Load Times due to YouTube’s Ad Blocker Crackdown

    YouTube’s Battle Against Ad-Blockers: Google Slows Down Browsers to Punish Users

    In its ongoing battle against ad-blocking programs, YouTube has taken a new approach to discourage users from blocking ads. The company insists that users who do not wish to see ads should pay for its Premium service. To enforce this, YouTube has started issuing warnings to users who have ad-blockers enabled. However, it seems that the measures taken by YouTube are disproportionately affecting users who use browsers other than Chrome, putting them in a difficult position.

    Slower Loading Times for YouTube Videos on Non-Chrome Browsers

    Google Chrome is the most popular web browser worldwide. However, there are still a significant number of users who prefer alternative browsers for various reasons. Unfortunately, YouTube’s recent measures against ad-blockers seem to be causing slower loading times for videos on browsers other than Chrome. Upon investigation, it was discovered that Google had introduced a deliberate five-second delay specifically for users of Firefox and Edge when visiting YouTube.

    Technical Necessity or Deliberate Measure?

    While some users speculate that this delay is a deliberate attempt to discourage the use of ad-blockers, Google denies these allegations. According to Google, the delay is a technical necessity to ensure that ads can still be loaded and displayed properly. However, it remains unclear how long Google intends to continue implementing this delay.

    The Impact on Users

    The introduction of this delay has put users of Firefox and Edge in a difficult position. Those who rely on ad-blockers to enhance their browsing experience now face slower loading times when accessing YouTube. This has sparked frustration among users who feel that their choice of browser should not affect their ability to block ads.

    In conclusion, YouTube’s battle against ad-blockers is intensifying, with the company implementing measures to discourage users from blocking ads. While Google claims that the five-second delay on YouTube is a technical necessity, users of non-Chrome browsers are experiencing slower loading times. As the battle between YouTube and ad-blockers continues, it remains to be seen how this issue will be resolved and whether alternative browser users will be able to enjoy ad-free YouTube browsing without any penalties.

    Source: 1, 2

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  • Report: Android app support to remain for Huawei devices worldwide

    Report: Android app support to remain for Huawei devices worldwide

    Huawei’s HarmonyOS Next Operating System Will Not Support Android Apps on Its Devices in China

    In a recent announcement, Huawei revealed that its upcoming HarmonyOS Next operating system will not support Android apps on its own devices. However, the company is likely to make this change only in China, as per a report by China Mobile.

    EMUI to Remain as the Operating System for International Huawei Devices

    This means, international Huawei devices will continue to run on EMUI, a custom Android-based operating system developed by Huawei. While EMUI shares a similar look and feel to HarmonyOS, it is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). But does not include Google services or apps. However, users can still install native Android apps through sideloading.

    Huawei’s Commitment to Supporting Developers Worldwide

    China Mobile also reported that Huawei is committed to supporting developers worldwide, ensuring that apps continue to function seamlessly on devices without Google services. The company has a thriving app developer community dedicated to maintaining compatibility.

    EMUI Provides Latest Android Features and App Support for International Users

    While international users will not receive the HarmonyOS update, they will still have access to the latest Android features and app support through EMUI. The possibility of HarmonyOS expanding globally remains open, but for now, international consumers will continue using EMUI with native Android app support.

    We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.

    Source: 1, 2

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  • Stable One UI 6 Update Rolled Out to Galaxy S22 Series Users

    Stable One UI 6 Update Rolled Out to Galaxy S22 Series Users

    Samsung has started rolling out the stable Android 14-based One UI 6.0 update to the Galaxy S22 series in Europe. This update was previously available to beta testers but is now being made available to all Galaxy S22 users in the region. It is expected that the update will be rolled out to other regions in the coming weeks.

    To check for the update, users can navigate to Settings » Software update and tap Download and Install. The update has a size of approximately 3.1GB, according to Sammobile.

    Galaxy S22 One UI 6 update

    This update marks the second major Android OS update for the Galaxy S22 series. Samsung has committed to providing four major Android OS updates for the series, and so far, it has delivered two of them. In addition to the Android 14 update, the Galaxy S22 is also set to receive the Android 15 update in late 2024 and the Android 16 update in late 2025.

    One UI 6 brings a wide range of new features to the Galaxy S22 series. Notable changes include significant visual alterations to the Quick Settings panel, Lockscreen, and Notification panel. Users will also have access to a new Studio video editor app, an Auto Blocker setting to enhance device security, and various other minor improvements.

    To learn more about the features of One UI 6, you can visit the official Samsung website.

    Remember to keep an eye out for the update on your Galaxy S22 device and enjoy the new features and improvements that come with One UI 6.

    Sourcce: 1

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  • Code breadcrumbs suggest Google teases secretive “Cubes” project

    Code breadcrumbs suggest Google teases secretive “Cubes” project

    Google’s Mysterious “Cubes” Feature: Revolutionizing App Discovery on Android

    Google has a knack for leaving digital breadcrumbs in its code, and this time, the trail leads to a mysterious feature called “Cubes.” While its exact functionality is still shrouded in secrecy, recent discoveries suggest that Cubes might be a central hub for discovering new apps tailored to each user’s preferences.

    Unearthing Evidence of Cubes

    Evidence of Cubes has been unearthed in recent Android updates, indicating that the project is nearing completion. The feature was first spotted in January as a basic framework, but subsequent discoveries suggest that development is steadily progressing.

    Facilitating App Discovery

    According to Google News Telegram, Cubes will likely facilitate app discovery across various categories, curating a personalized feed of app information, deals, and updates based on user-selected categories and individual app preferences. This suggests that Cubes will offer a more refined and tailored experience compared to the existing Play Store structure.

    The Possibility of Direct Shopping

    X/Twitter user AssembleDebug has further uncovered the possibility of direct shopping within Cubes, though the extent of this feature remains unclear. If true, this would add another layer of convenience for users, allowing them to seamlessly discover and purchase apps within the Cubes interface.

    Revolutionizing App Discovery on Android

    With much of its functionality still shrouded in mystery, Cubes is poised to revolutionize app discovery on Android. Its personalized approach could provide users with a more refined and tailored experience compared to the existing Play Store structure. By curating a personalized feed based on user preferences, Cubes aims to make app discovery more efficient and enjoyable.

    The Future of Cubes

    While the exact timing of Cubes’ release is unknown, it appears to be another step towards personalized feeds, potentially based on existing apps or those yet to be discovered. While the concept might seem familiar within the Play Store’s existing structure, Cubes could bring a more refined and tailored experience. As Google continues to develop and refine Cubes, users can look forward to a more personalized and efficient app discovery process on Android.

    Source: 1, 2

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  • Android 14: Google Removes “Long-Pressing on Icons for Notifications”

    Android 14: Google Removes “Long-Pressing on Icons for Notifications”

    Android 14 Update Removes App Notification Feature

    Google’s latest Android 14 update has brought about a significant change in how users interact with app icons on their home screens. Unlike its predecessor, Android 13, which allowed users to view recent notifications for an app by long-pressing its icon, Android 14 has done away with this feature. Instead, long-pressing an app icon now presents options such as app shortcuts, app info, the ability to pause the app, and widgets.

    Altering Notification Management

    While this change may not appear to be groundbreaking at first glance, it subtly alters how users manage and view their notifications. Previously, if a user’s notification tray was overflowing with alerts, they could easily access notifications for a specific app directly from the home screen. This feature proved to be particularly useful for individuals who receive a large volume of notifications and prefer to handle them on an app-by-app basis.

    However, with the introduction of Android 14, this convenience has been stripped away. Google has not provided a clear explanation for this change, but it is speculated that internal usage statistics may have influenced their decision. During the Android 14 Beta Program, Google confirmed that the removal of this notification feature was intentional and not something they plan to rectify.

    Mixed User Response

    The response from users to this change has been mixed. Some, like myself, rarely utilized the long-press feature for checking notifications, as they preferred using the notification tray. On the other hand, there are those who found this feature incredibly useful and are now calling for its reinstatement. Since the stable launch of Android 14 on Pixel devices, over a hundred new comments have been posted by users requesting the return of this capability.

    Despite these user requests, it appears that Google has no immediate plans to bring back the feature. The current long-press menu in Android 14, which primarily focuses on shortcuts and app information, does not seem to be undergoing any significant changes. While restoring the notification feature may not cause much disruption, users will have to adapt to this new way of handling their notifications on Android devices for the time being.

    Source: 1, 2

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  • Stable HyperOS Update Rolling Out to Five Xiaomi Devices, including Redmi K60 Pro

    Stable HyperOS Update Rolling Out to Five Xiaomi Devices, including Redmi K60 Pro

    Xiaomi is set to release a stable update for its self-developed operating system, HyperOS, on five of its flagship smartphones, according to a report by GSMChina. The update, which will be based on Android 14, will bring new features and improvements to the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Xiaomi 13T, Xiaomi 12T, Xiaomi Pad 6 Max, and Redmi K60 Pro.

    HyperOS Stable Update for Xiaomi Flagship Smartphones

    Xiaomi’s HyperOS stable update is on the horizon for its flagship smartphones. The update is expected to enhance the user experience and deliver new functionalities to the devices. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra will be the first to receive the update in China, followed by the Xiaomi 12T and Xiaomi 13T in the European market. Other regions will also receive the update in the near future.

    Xiaomi’s Roadmap for HyperOS Update

    To provide transparency and clarity to its users, Xiaomi has shared a roadmap for the HyperOS update. The roadmap outlines the release schedule for both Chinese and international devices. The update will be rolled out in phases, with the first batch of international devices receiving HyperOS in the first quarter of 2024.

    Supported Devices

    The stable update will be available for the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Xiaomi 13T, Xiaomi 12T, Xiaomi Pad 6 Max, and Redmi K60 Pro. These smartphones have already been spotted with HyperOS builds on Xiaomi’s official server, indicating that the update is imminent.

    Conclusion

    Xiaomi’s HyperOS stable update is set to bring exciting new features and improvements to its flagship smartphones. Users can look forward to an enhanced user experience and increased functionality with the update. The release schedule for the update has been shared by Xiaomi, ensuring that users are aware of when they can expect to receive the HyperOS update on their devices.

    Source: 1, 2

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  • WhatsApp’s Latest Beta Version Unveils New AI Chatbot Shortcut

    WhatsApp’s Latest Beta Version Unveils New AI Chatbot Shortcut

    WhatsApp Unveils Revolutionary AI Chatbot Functionality

    WhatsApp is elevating its user interaction by incorporating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology into its platform. Following successful trials of AI-generated stickers, the renowned messaging service has now unveiled an AI chatbot feature currently undergoing beta testing. This significant revelation took place during Meta Connect 2023.

    Simplifying Communications Through AI Integration

    Within the most recent WhatsApp update (version 2.23.24.26) accessible via the Google Play Beta Program, users will observe a fresh shortcut located in the Chats section. Positioned above the newly introduced chat icon, this shortcut offers a direct pathway for users to engage in AI-enhanced conversations without the hassle of scrolling through their contact roster.

    The primary objective of this enhancement is to amplify user convenience and productivity by streamlining the process of initiating AI-guided chats within the application. Although the AI chatbot function is presently limited to a select group of beta testers, it is expected to be gradually introduced to a broader user base in the upcoming days.

    Anticipate a Range of Dynamic Beta Features

    Alongside the AI chatbot capability, WhatsApp is actively developing a series of captivating beta features. Among these is a secret code that grants users access to secured chats, introducing an additional security layer for enhanced privacy. Another impending feature involves the implementation of a distinct profile option, facilitating the seamless differentiation between professional and personal communications.

    These imminent enhancements are poised to render WhatsApp even more adaptable and user-centric, catering to the diverse requirements of its wide user base.

    Source: Gizmochina

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  • Play Store removes ‘Nothing Chats’ due to security concerns

    Play Store removes ‘Nothing Chats’ due to security concerns

    Nothing Chats App Removed from Google Play Store

    The Nothing Chats app, an iMessage alternative that was launched earlier this week, has been removed from the Google Play Store. The company behind the app, Nothing, initially attributed the removal to “several bugs” that needed to be fixed. However, a comprehensive technical analysis by security researchers suggests that the app’s removal was likely due to significant security concerns.

    Security Concerns Raised

    Kishan Bagaria, Founder of Texts.com, initially raised these concerns on X/Twitter. Later, the Texts.com team also published a detailed blog outlining the app’s vulnerabilities.

    Their investigation revealed that Sunbird, Nothing’s service provider, had been misleading users about the end-to-end encryption of messages routed through its servers. While messages sent to Sunbird’s servers were encrypted, the JSON Web Tokens (JWT) generated by the service were sent without any encryption to another Sunbird server, making them vulnerable to interception.

    Additionally, the messages were decrypted and stored on Sunbird servers, leaving them susceptible to unauthorized access.

    Demonstrating Vulnerabilities

    Texts.com demonstrated this by intercepting the JWTs exchanged between two devices, gaining access to the Firebase real-time database. Researchers then were able to intercept JWT tokens and access user information and conversations with just 23 lines of code.

    While the privacy issues are directly attributable to Sunbird, Nothing has drawn criticism for choosing to work with the company and for downplaying the severity of the situation by labeling it as “bugs.

    Diminishing Appeal

    With Apple’s recent announcement of RCS support, the Nothing Chats app’s appeal has diminished further. Users should exercise caution when logging into third-party services using their Apple IDs, even if encryption is promised.

    It remains to be seen whether Nothing Chats will be able to address these security concerns and make a successful return to the Play Store.

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