Meta AI goes global and brings new features to WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook

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Meta AI goes global and brings new features to WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook
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Plus, you can now interact with Meta AI across WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, and Facebook in new languages:
  • French
  • German
  • Hindi
  • Hindi-Romanized Script
  • Italian
  • Portuguese
  • Spanish

But that is not all because the tech giant is also rolling out new capabilities to its most popular platforms: Instagram, Facebook, Messenger, and one of the world’s most used messaging apps, WhatsApp.

Meta is upping the game with Meta AI by letting you effortlessly create and customize images. Just type “imagine” to describe what you want, and then tell Meta AI to tweak it—whether that is adding or removing objects or even animating parts of the image. This new feature, called Imagine Edit, is launching in English first, with plans to add more languages soon.

If you’ve ever daydreamed about seeing yourself as royalty, a 3D sticker, or with a wild new hairstyle, Meta AI’s got you covered. Just type “Imagine me” in a chat with Meta AI to kick things off.

The “Imagine me” feature allows you to put yourself in all sorts of scenarios. | Image credit – Meta

After a quick setup, you can prompt it with something like “Imagine me with an ostrich,” and voilà, Meta AI will whip up an image of you in that scene. You can reset or delete your setup photos anytime. This feature is currently in beta in the US, with more languages and countries on the horizon.Soon, you will be able to share images made with Meta AI directly to your posts, too. Meta is rolling out this feature, allowing you to create pictures, right within the feed, stories, comments, and messages across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. This will be available in English starting this week.

By rolling out new Meta AI creative tools and expanding availability in seven new languages and more countries, Meta shows that AI is a major focus right now. However, I think these AI features could potentially add to the confusion and disinformation on social media platforms.

Previously, Meta promised to label AI-generated content, but this feature isn’t widely available yet. The AI label only appears if Meta detects industry-standard AI image indicators or if users disclose they upload AI-generated content, meaning many images might go unlabeled.


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YouTube’s weaker than expected Q2 performance hurts Google parent Alphabet

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YouTube’s weaker than expected Q2 performance hurts Google parent Alphabet
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A 13% year-over-year increase in revenue from YouTube ads during the second quarter of 2024 and a 13.8% annual increase in revenue from Google Search ads helped lead Alphabet subsidiary Google to report an 11% annual gain in advertising for Q2 of 2024. Google Search ad revenue rose from $42.63 billion to $48.51 billion year-over-year and YouTube ad revenue amounted to $8.66 billion up from the $7.67 billion that was generated during the same quarter last year.

Google said that for the three months ended in June 2024, total Google advertising revenue came to $64.62 billion compared to the $58.14 billion in advertising revenue that came into Google’s coffers during the second quarter of 2023. Traffic acquisition costs rose 6.8% to $13.39 billion which was well worth it to Google thanks to the aforementioned 11% annual hike in Q2 advertising revenue.

“Our strong performance this quarter highlights ongoing strength in Search and momentum in Cloud. We are innovating at every layer of the AI stack. Our longstanding infrastructure leadership and in-house research teams position us well as technology evolves and as we pursue the many opportunities ahead.”-Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet, Google

The business unit which includes Pixel devices, Google subscriptions, platforms, and devices, saw top-line growth of 14.4% to $9.31 billion from $8.14 billion. That could indicate growing demand for Pixel phones, tablets, smartwatches, and earbuds. Google’s Cloud business was very strong with the top-line rising 28.8% to $10.35 billion compared to the $8.03 billion that this business generated during the same quarter last year. This was the first time that Google’s Cloud business topped $10 billion in revenue and $1 billion in operating profit during a single quarter.

Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL will be unveiled next month along with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. | Image credit-Rozetked.me - YouTube's weaker than expected Q2 performance hurts Google parent Alphabet

Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL will be unveiled next month along with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. | Image credit-Rozetked.me

Alphabet’s total revenue of $84.74 billion during the second quarter was up from the $74.60 billion reported during the 2023 second quarter. This was a 13.6% increase and helped Alphabet report a 28.6% gain in net income to $23.62 billion for the second quarter of 2024. During the same quarter last year, Alphabet had net income of $18.37 billion. Diluted earnings per share, which assumes the conversion to equity of all convertible debt, was reported by Alphabet to be $1.89 for  Q2 of 2024, up 31.3% from the $1.44 reported for the same quarter in 2023.

“We delivered revenues of $85 billion, up 14% year-on-year driven by Search as well as Cloud, which for the first time exceeded $10 billion in quarterly revenues and $1 billion in operating profit. As we invest to support our highest growth opportunities, we remain committed to creating investment capacity with our ongoing work to durably re-engineer our cost base”-Ruth Porat, Alphabet president, chief investment officer

The report did not sit well with Alphabet investors; the shares rose 12 cents during the regular trading session to $181.79 but plunged $3.96 or 2.18% to $177.83 in after-hours trading after the earnings were released. While Alphabet’s earnings and revenue were higher than expected, YouTube’s performance disappointed investors which explains the subsequent sell-off in the stock during the extra trading session.


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TNT matches Amazon’s Bid for NBA Media Rights

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Not too long ago, it seemed like TNT and Inside the NBA was going to be ending after next season, with the NBA moving to new media rights partners. But, Warner Bros Discovery informed the NBA on Monday that it is going to match the $1.8 billion per year offer from Amazon Prime Video.

In a statement, the company said, “We have reviewed the offers and matched one of them. This will allow fans to keep enjoying our unparalleled coverage, including the best live game productions in the industry and our iconic studio shows and talent while building on our proven 40-year commitment for many more years.”

If the NBA accepts the TNT offer, Inside the NBA will likely continue. Which is the most popular studio sports show on TV right now, thanks to Ernie, Kenny, Chuck and Shaq. Turner has had NBA games on their networks since 1984, with games on TNT since 1988. So if the NBA doesn’t accept this offer, it would be the first time in 40 years that the Turner networks don’t broadcast any NBA games, truly the end of an era.

The new NBA Media Rights total around $76 billion

The new media rights for the NBA would start with the 2025-26 season and are estimated to be worth around $76 billion. This includes having a game aired or streamed nationally every night during the second half of the season. Amazon was planning to broadcast games on Thursday nights after Thursday Night Football is finished for the season, as well as on Friday and Saturday throughout the first half of the season. TNT would likely continue to carry games on Thursday, as it does currently. And other nights would be streamed on Max.

The NBA is expected to announce the finalized deals sometime this week. However, don’t be surprised if Amazon ups its offer, as it does have a lot of cash to burn compared to WBD.


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Congress wants the FCC to Challenge T-Mobile’s purchase of US Cellular

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Congress wants the FCC to Challenge T-Mobile’s purchase of US Cellular
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Back in May, T-Mobile announced that it would acquire most of US Cellular. Wanting to use the wireless spectrum from US Cellular to help improve its coverage in rural areas, it would give it access to four million new customers as well. At least, that’s what T-Mobile told the Justice Department and Federal Communications Commission.

Now, Congress is getting involved. Six senators, all Democrats, wrote in a letter that they believe the plan would raise customer costs and limit choices. In the letter, the Senators write, “Additional consolidation in the market would have far-reaching effects, reducing choices for customers, further concentrating wireless spectrum holdings, and potentially leading to higher prices and other harms for consumers across the country.”

The Senators are right that it would likely raise rates for customers, but the thing to remember here is that US Cellular was only available in about 21 States. This means less than half of the country couldn’t use US Cellular anyway. As of the end of 2023, the carrier currently has about 4.5 million retail connections. US Cellular is the fifth largest carrier in the country, behind Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Boost Mobile. With the addition of US Cellular’s customers, T-Mobile would remain in third place, but it would be getting even closer to AT&T’s numbers. This is an argument they used to get the Sprint merger approved a few years ago.

Senators also ask the Justice Department to consider unwinding the T-Mobile/Spring Merger

Speaking of the Spring merger, Senators Warren and Klobuchar both raised concerns previously about the T-Mobile acquisition of Sprint. Now, the group of six are asking the Justice Department to consider unwinding the merger. They argue that it costs customers of competing wireless carriers billions of dollars.

In the letter, the Senators noted that the merger “eliminated a low-cost carrier from the market, reducing the competitive pressure on the remaining national wireless carriers to aggressively compete to lower their prices.”

Could the Justice Department reverse course on the Sprint merger? It’s possible. The merger was approved under the Trump Administration, and typically, Democratic administrations are more reluctant to approve mergers like this. In fact, the two tried to merge under the Obama Administration, but that wasn’t going to work out, so they waited for a Republican to get into office.


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Galaxy Tab S9 users, your July update has arrived

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Galaxy Tab S9 users, your July update has arrived
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Calling all Galaxy Tab S9 users! Samsung has just released the July update for your premium Android tablet. The update doesn’t contain anything big—it’s all about the latest security fixes. However, it should be the last one before the company gets around seeding One UI 6.1.1 to the lineup. The new One UI update should follow soon with a host of AI features and other improvements.

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 series gets the July security update

First reported by SammyFans, the July update for the Galaxy Tab S9, Galaxy Tab S9+, and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is available in Europe and comes with the firmware build number BXG7 (the last four characters). Samsung’s official changelog confirms the update is all about this month’s security fixes, aka SMR (Security Maintenance Release). “The device is protected with improved security,” the changelog states.

Samsung’s July 2024 SMR contains over 60 vulnerability patches. These include at least six critical vulnerabilities, some affecting the entire Android ecosystem while others are exclusive to the Galaxy family. The Korean firm addresses security flaws in One UI Home, System UI, Secure Folder, and other critical system components. It has already pushed the update to most other eligible Galaxy devices.

The July update for the Galaxy Tab S9 trio should soon reach other markets, including the US. If you are using the 2023 flagship tablet, watch out for it in the coming days. Alternatively, navigate to Settings > Software update > Download and install to check for updates manually. These steps work on every Android-powered Samsung device, so you can check for updates on your Galaxy phone or tablet anytime.

The lineup should soon get One UI 6.1.1

This should be the last update before Samsung rolls out One UI 6.1.1 to the Galaxy Tab S9 series. Introduced with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 earlier this month, the new One UI version brings AI features, camera enhancements, and more. The company will push the goodies to older foldables, flagship tablets, and flagship smartphones. Galaxy phones will get them as part of a new One UI 6.1 update, though.

Following the One UI 6.1.1 rollout, Samsung should open One UI 7.0 beta programs for Galaxy devices. It brings Android 15 with more new features and AI tools. The Galaxy Tab S9 series should pick up the big update before the end of this year. The Korean behemoth is also preparing to release the Galaxy Tab S10 series later this year, probably with Android 14 and One UI 6.1.1. We will keep you informed on the new tablets and One UI updates.


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Meta could face sanctions in the EU for its paid ad-free tier

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Meta could face sanctions in the EU for its paid ad-free tier
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Meta’s “consent or pay” policy continues to generate friction with the EU. Previously, the EDPB recommended that Mark Zuckerberg’s company make adjustments that give more alternatives to users. Now, Meta could be exposed to sanctions for its paid “ad-free” tier in the EU in a new investigation.

In some regions, Meta offers a paid plan for users who do not want to receive targeted ads based on their activity. The creation of the tier was to try to comply with EU privacy requirements. However, it offers limited possibilities to people who do not want their activity to be tracked. Currently, they can only choose between paying or not using the service.

This model still does not convince the EU, which wants more alternatives where folks can use the service for free without Meta tracking their activity. If found guilty, the company could get a penalty of up to 10% of its annual gross revenue.

Meta facing a new investigation in the EU for its paid ad-free tier

Now, in a separate investigation, the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) network has sent a letter to Meta describing how the company could be violating current laws. Meta has until September 1 to respond to the CPC requirements. Otherwise, they could begin to receive sanctions for non-compliance. The CPC letter addresses shady practices related to the Meta’s paid ad-free tier available in the EU, the EEA (European Economic Area), and Switzerland.

However, there are also allegations about the ToS for the free tier. For example, the company promotes that people can use its services for free, but it does not make it clear that it will monetize their activity through targeted ads.

Meta’s ToS could be imprecise or misleading

Regarding the paid tier, the letter claims that it includes “imprecise terms and language.” In this case, the ToS makes users believe that they will not receive ads at all. However, they could still get ads “when engaging with content shared via Facebook or Instagram by other members of the platform.” Additionally, users are being forced to decide immediately about the handling of their data. Otherwise, they will not be able to continue using their accounts. This could pressure them to agree to the use of their data, without letting them think about the implications.

The latter appears to be one of the key allegations against Meta. After all, many might fear losing their accounts and contacts if they do not accept the free-use conditions. This could lead them to make a hasty decision without other alternatives. Perhaps offering more time to decide while they can access their accounts, and a clearer and more concise ToS are potential solutions.


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One UI 6.1.1 blocks app sideloading by default on Galaxy devices

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One UI 6.1.1 blocks app sideloading by default on Galaxy devices
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One UI 6.1.1 brings some changes related to security and privacy. Now, starting with the latest Galaxy phones (Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6), app sideloading is not allowed by default. However, you can change this setting if you wish.

Auto Blocker is a One UI feature designed to keep the device safe from malicious files or USB hacking attempts. It has been available since the Android 14-based One UI 6 update. However, the company has improved the option in One UI 6.1.1 with more capabilities.

App sideloading not available by default on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6

The automatic app sideloading lock is debuting on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6. There’s a dedicated page that will appear during your phone’s initial setup. The page shows the items that Auto Blocker can act on, now including a “Blocks apps” entry. You may skip this page, either accidentally or because you’re in a hurry. In this case, the app sideloading from APKs will not be available on your Galaxy phone by default. You’ll get the error message below every time you tap in an APK file.

This security and privacy option can be quite useful in certain cases. For example, for people who surf the Internet carelessly. There are malicious websites that even try to trigger the automatic download of a malware-infected APK file. Depending on the browser, the user will receive a warning about a potential “harmful file” as a first layer of security. However, if somehow the download completes, Auto Blocker will be there to protect the device.

That said, for more experienced users, the option can be somewhat annoying. Fortunately, even if you skip the initial setup page, you can disable Auto Blocker from your phone’s Settings. You just have to go to Settings > Security and privacy > Auto Blocker, then tap the switch.

galaxy phones no app sideloading by default
Source: 9to5Google

New Maximum Restrictions option for more security

Interestingly, there is another new Auto Blocker option called “Maximum Restrictions.” Its name and description suggest that it will block both the installation and downloading of APKs, among other things. It is likely that, starting with the One UI 6.1.1 update, Auto Blocker will prevent app sideloading by default on all compatible Galaxy devices. So, now you will have to be more attentive to the initial setup of your device.


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Spotify ‘Supremium’ tier with Hi-Res Audio across all content teased

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Spotify ‘Supremium’ tier with Hi-Res Audio across all content teased
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Spotify is ready with a Spotify Supremium tier, hinted the company’s CEO Daniel Ek. Priced noticeably above the prevalent Spotify Premium plan, it would offer “Hi-Res Audio” for almost all of the content available on the platform.

What is Spotify Supremium tier and how much will it cost?

Spotify has long hinted about a “Supremium” tier. As the name indicates, this subscription sits above the Spotify Premium plan, and it has been officially confirmed by the company’s CEO.

During Spotify’s latest earnings call, Spotify’s CEO referred to Spotify Supremium as, “sort of a deluxe version of Spotify that has all of the benefits that this normal Spotify version has, but a lot more control, a lot higher quality across the board.”

Daniel even indicated that the Spotify Deluxe or Spotify Supremium would, “probably [be] around a $17 or $18 price point.”

The prevalent Spotify Premium tier costs $11.99 in the US. In other words, the new tier would cost about $5 more per month. The Premium tier offers ad-free listening, “high audio quality”, offline or download rights, and other benefits.

Spotify Supremium would have to offer significantly more benefits to attract subscribers. Interestingly, Spotify as a company isn’t too concerned about customer acquisition and retention.

Spotify’s paying customers remain loyal even after price hikes

Spotify has been able to get subscribers comfortable with paying a premium for an ad-free, high-quality audio listening experience. Moreover, the company even managed to retain customers even after a price hike earlier this year.

Spotify’s total number of monthly active users reportedly grew 14 percent year-over-year to reach 626 million. Daniel observed, “We’re seeing less churn in this round of increases than we did in our prior one”. What this means is that a price increase pushed far fewer subscribers to cancel their Spotify subscription.

Spotify does offer a $10.99 per month ad-free plan but this tier does not include audiobooks. Additionally, the company offers ad-supported tiers in several developing countries.

Now that Spotify has officially acknowledged the existence of Spotify Supremium, it is only a matter of time before the company launches the new tier. When probed about a launch date, Daniel indicated the tier is coming, but refused to commit to a launch date.


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Galaxy Z Flip 6’s boasts its resistance in extreme durability test

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Galaxy Z Flip 6’s boasts its resistance in extreme durability test
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The durability of a smartphone is a key point for potential buyers. On foldable phones, whose structure is inherently more susceptible to damage than traditional ones, it is especially important. If you are interested in the Galaxy Z Flip 6, there is already a severe durability test to clear up your doubts.

Zack from JerryRigEverything carried out the Galaxy Z Flip 6 durability test. The video begins by highlighting the few design differences it has compared to the Z Fold 5. Basically, there’s a less visible screen crease, a squarer design on the outside edges, and 4 top audio slits instead of 3. Starting with the test, there are 3 stages: scratch resistance, burn resistance, and bending resistance.

Galaxy Z Flip 6 is tortured in extreme durability test

The screens of foldable mobile devices are not the most resistant to sharp objects. This is inevitable when using plastic materials to achieve a flexible structure. In the scratch resistance test, the Z Flip 6’s inner foldable screen got visible scratches at level 2. At level 3, it showed deeper grooves palpable with a finger. It is on par with the Z Fold 5 in this section.

The story is pretty different on the 3.4-inch AMOLED external display. This one is protected by a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, similar to other multiple flagship phone screens. As expected, it withstood the test much better, getting visible scratches at level 6, and deeper ones at level 7. While this year’s model got a more resistant aluminum frame, Zack managed to scratch it with his razor. On the other hand, the camera lenses proved to be resistant enough not to be scratched with daily use.

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 durability test also showed its resistance to dust ingress. However, it was done in an extreme way to test its limits. Zack covered the device (including the hinge openings) with sand. After testing the fold/unfold mechanism under these conditions, the device held up well, but the hinge began to make a slight sound. In any case, it is not a situation that you will encounter in your daily life.

Foldable display still functional after burning test

There’s also a burn resistance test. The inner foldable screen lasted around 14 seconds in front of a lit cigarette lighter. While the display showed permanent burn marks, it continues to function without problems.

In the bending test, the Z Flip 6 again shows to have a solid structure. Neither the screen nor the hinge was damaged when Zack tried to break it in half. He then showed that the inner foldable screen is much more fragile after removing the plastic layer, causing notable damage with the razor.

Z Flip 6 proved to be solid and resistant for normal use

Overall, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 structure proved to be pretty solid for a foldable phone. It shouldn’t give any problems for normal daily use and could even withstand some accidents. In any case, as is normal, a traditional phone is still much more resistant. However, there’s a notable leap compared to the fragility of the first foldable models.


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T-Mobile’s affordable SyncUP KIDS Watch 2 is launching tomorrow

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T-Mobile’s affordable SyncUP KIDS Watch 2 is launching tomorrow
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Are you among those conscious parents who don’t want kids to have smartphones but care enough for their safety and well-being when they’re outdoors? Well, T-Mobile SyncUP KIDS Watch 2 is here to take care of all your worries. The SyncUP KIDS Watch 2 is an upgraded version of the 1st-gen SyncUP KIDS Watch launched back in 2021.

As far as design is concerned, the SyncUP KIDS Watch 2 looks a bit similar to the previous edition. The upcoming smartwatch still features the same old bulky case. Whereas, the large AMOLED display aims to offer kids enough entertainment from within their wrists.

T-Mobile’s affordable SyncUP KIDS Watch 2 features Bluetooth, an LED flashlight, dual cameras & more

As T-Mobile notes, SyncUP KIDS Watch 2 is suitable for kids ages 5 to 12 years and comes with loads of features. In comparison to the original SyncUP KIDS Watch, this one comes with Bluetooth connectivity for seamless pairing with wireless earbuds. There’s an LED flashlight feature for additional safety, night photography, and more.

What’s more interesting is this smartwatch comes with dual cameras which is something you don’t even really see in high-end Android smartwatches. The dual-camera setup within the watch allows taking selfies and is quite handy for making video calls. All thanks to the in-built games, your kids will have all the fun during car rides and free time at home.

One of the major highlights of T-Mobile SyncUP KIDS Watch 2 is the talk and text feature. As the name suggests, this feature ensures that your kids text, call, or video chat with approved contacts while keeping them far from spam and wrong numbers.

Real-time tracking and emergency features help keep your kids closely monitored

Real-time location tracking makes sure that you always have your kids back even when they aren’t around you. There’s also a dedicated help button that provides alerts to the emergency contacts of the kids. Plus, it also makes calls to 911 in case of an emergency.

Next, you have the virtual boundary alerts feature that notifies parents when kids leave the designated areas. Talking of durability, this smartwatch is water-resistant and splash-friendly. On top of that, there’s a pre-installed screen protector for additional durability and protection.

T-Mobile is set to officially launch this watch online tomorrow, Wednesday, July 24. So, if you are keen enough to get this wearable for your beloved child, you can grab it online. It is worth noting that new and existing T-Mobile customers can pick the SyncUP KIDS Watch 2 for free when adding a $174 SyncUP KIDS Watch standalone plan. If not, you can also grab it for just $7.25/month on a 24-month T-Mobile equipment installment plan.

T Mobile SyncUP KIDS Watch 2 features
Image credit: T-Mobile

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