Google TV once again expands its built-in free channel offerings

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Google TV once again expands its built-in free channel offerings
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Image credit — Google

Google TV has silently expanded its free channel offerings on its Live tab, adding 10 new channels to its growing collection. This move brings the total number of free channels on Google TV to over 130, up from the original 77.

The new channels added in June 2024 cover a wide range of interests, including:

  • FilmRise Western: For fans of classic Western films.
  • ION Plus: A general entertainment channel with a variety of programming.
  • Johnny Carson TV: Featuring classic episodes of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
  • Noticias Telemundo Ahora: A Spanish-language news channel.
  • Property & Reno: For those interested in home improvement and renovation.
  • Real Disaster Channel: Documentaries and shows about natural disasters and other real-life events.
  • Supermarket Sweep: A classic game show where contestants race through a grocery store to win cash and prizes.
  • The FBI Files: A documentary series about real FBI cases.
  • World’s Wildest Police Videos: A reality show featuring footage of police chases, arrests, and other law enforcement activities.
  • Yahoo Finance: A business news channel.
These new channels join a lineup of over 800 free channels available on Google TV, which are sourced from a variety of content partners including Tubi, Plex, Pluto TV, and Haystack. However, Google’s own channels, listed under “Google TV” in the Live tab, do not require the installation of any third-party apps to watch.

Google’s increasing focus on free ad-supported channels indicates a potential revenue stream for the tech giant. The recent announcement of a new Google TV network specifically for advertisers on these channels suggests that Google sees value in this growing market. This could lead to even more free channels being added in the future, offering viewers a greater variety of content choices.

The expansion of Google TV’s free channel lineup is a positive move for users who are looking for more entertainment options without having to pay for additional subscriptions. With a diverse selection of channels to choose from, there will hopefully be something available for everyone to be entertained by on Google TV.

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OnePlus just announced its most powerful tablet to date

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OnePlus just announced its most powerful tablet to date
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OnePlus has just announced its most powerful tablet to date, the OnePlus Pad Pro. This device was announced in China, as part of the company’s latest event. It launched alongside the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro, and a couple of other products.

The OnePlus Pad Pro just launched in China, and it’ll likely launch globally as the OnePlus Pad 2

Before we get down to it, do note that this product will likely be on offer globally, but with a different name. The OnePlus Pad Pro will likely be called the OnePlus Pad 2 once it launches outside of China.

In any case, the device itself does look a lot like the OnePlus Pad. OnePlus didn’t change much in terms of the design, but it did mix up the internals. You’re still getting rather thin bezels around the display, well, thin for a tablet. The circular camera island is still in the same place on the back.

It has a 12.1-inch display, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 fuels the device

There is a 12.1-inch 3200 x 2120 144Hz display included here, with a 7:5 aspect ratio. The PPI here is 330, and Dolby Vision is supported. The display’s brightness goes up to 900 nits, and it has a 540Hz touch sampling rate. It’s also TUV Rheinland 3.0 certified.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 fuels this tablet, while 8GB, 12GB, and 16GB LPDDR5X RAM models are on offer. Those three variants come with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB of UFS 4.0 flash storage.

67W charging is supported, while Android 14 comes out of the box

A 9,510mAh battery is included on the inside, while 67W SuperVOOC charging is supported. Android 14 comes pre-installed with ColorOS for Pad skin on top. There are four speakers included on the tablet, by the way.

A 13-megapixel camera sits on the back of the device, while an 8-megapixel one is included on the front. A side-facing fingerprint scanner is also a part of the offering, as is Bluetooth 5.3 support.

The OnePlus Pad Pro comes in two color options, and it’s very thin

The OnePlus Pad Pro is 6.49mm thick, and it weighs 584 grams. It comes in Khaki Green and Space Gray color options, and its pricing starts at CNY2,899 ($398). The most expensive model costs CNY3,799 ($522).

Along with the tablet, OnePlus also announced some accessories. Those accessories are the Smart Protective Case, Smart Stylus Pro, and Smart Touch Keyboard.


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Google Tasks explores floating action button for Android redesign

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Google Tasks explores floating action button for Android redesign
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Image credit — Google

Google appears to be shaking things up in its productivity apps. Following a similar test in Google Keep, the tech giant is now experimenting with a new interface for Google Tasks on Android. The core of this change is a floating action button (FAB) designed to streamline task creation.This update was spotted in a pre-release version of the Google Tasks app (2024.06.24.645928003.0) after activating a hidden feature flag. It replaces the existing bottom bar with a more minimalist FAB. Tapping the “+” icon on the FAB mirrors the current functionality of creating a new task.

Google Tasks with bottom bar versus more minimalist FAB

| Image credits — PhoneArena (before) and Android Authority (FAB)

Other features that were previously housed in the bottom bar have been strategically relocated within the app’s layout. For example, the option to sort tasks now conveniently resides next to the task list itself, tucked into the right corner of the screen.

The FAB’s presence contributes to a less cluttered visual experience, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the app. This aligns with the current design trends in mobile apps, where simplicity and ease of use are paramount.

While this redesign appears to be primarily a visual enhancement, it’s worth noting that such changes often go hand-in-hand with improving user experience. By consolidating key functions and decluttering the interface, Google may be aiming to make task management more intuitive and efficient for its users.

It’s important to remember that this is still an experimental feature, thus Google has not officially announced a timeline for rolling out the new FAB to all users. It’s possible that the company is still gathering feedback and making adjustments before a wider release.

For Google Tasks users eager to see this change in action, keep an eye on future app updates. If the FAB proves successful in testing, it could become a standard feature.


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Ulefone celebrates Euro 2024 with a giveaway

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Ulefone celebrates Euro 2024 with a giveaway
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Ulefone has decided to celebrate the ongoing Euro 2024 football (aka soccer) tournament. The company is inviting football fans to participate in the company’s ‘Guess and Win Giveaway’.

Ulefone’s Euro 2024 giveaway / content is currently ongoing, guess & win

If you end up doing great with your guesses, you have a chance to win the latest Ulefone flagship devices. Ulefone asks that you guess the Last 8, the Final 4, and ultimately the team that will win the tournament.

The prizes are the Ulefone Armor 25T Pro and the Ulefone Note 18 Ultra. The former is the more powerful of the two phones, and also a rugged phone at the same time. Both are quite compelling, though.

If you’d like to participate in the giveaway, follow the link provided below the article. There you’ll be able to access all the giveaway information and participate in it.

Now, to provide you with some more information regarding the prizes. The Ulefone Armor 25T Pro features a 6.78-inch fullHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The phone also comes with 12GB of RAM and it’s fueled by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC.

A large battery sits inside the Ulefone Armor 25T Pro, while wireless charging is also supported

That phone also has a 6,500mAh battery and supports 33W wired charging. 30W wireless charging is also on offer, though. Android 14 comes pre-installed on this smartphone.

The Ulefone Note 18 Ultra is fueled by the MediaTek Dimenstiy 720 SoC. It has a rather compelling camera system led by Samsung’s ISOCELL GN1 camera sensor.

If you’re interested in any other Ulefone smartphone or would like to buy these two, Ulefone is also offering deep discounts on the Ulefone Armor 25T Pro and Armor 26 Ultra.

If you’d like to participate in the giveaway, or know more about some of these devices, check out the links below.

Ulefone’s Euro 2024 giveaway

Ulefone Armor 25T Pro (more info)

Ulefone Note 18 Pro (more info)

Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra (more info)


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Spotify hosts 250,000 video podcast shows in 2024 – up from 100,000 in 2023

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Spotify hosts 250,000 video podcast shows in 2024 – up from 100,000 in 2023
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If you want to see the podcast you’re listening to and you’re a Spotify user – guess what, there’s a quarter of a million of video podcasts on Spotify!

That’s what the latest insight data from the popular app claims. Spotify launched video podcasts for a select number of shows in 2020, and has since expanded the format to creators in almost every market.

Obviously, video podcasts have gained popularity (thanks, YouTube!), with creators worldwide embracing the format to enhance engagement. Over half of Spotify’s top 20 podcasts now feature video, including major shows like The Joe Rogan Experience.

Globally, the average daily streams of video podcasts on Spotify have increased by over 39% year-over-year. In the U.S., nearly two-thirds of podcast listeners prefer shows with video, Spotify says.

What the numbers say


Globally, video consumption hours on Spotify have increased more rapidly than audio-only consumption hours year-over-year, with higher retention rates for video podcasts. Spotify shared new statistics highlighting the growing popularity of video on the platform:
  • There are now over 250,000 video podcast shows on Spotify, up from 100,000 in 2023.
  • More than 170 million users have watched a video podcast on Spotify.
  • Over 70% of users watching video podcasts do so in the foreground.
  • Nearly one in three U.S. podcast monthly active users (MAUs) engage with video, while nearly one in four global podcast MAUs engage with video. Globally, the number of video podcast MAUs has grown by 40% year-over-year.
  • The number of creators actively publishing video each month has increased by nearly 70% year-over-year.
  • The largest markets for creators publishing video are the U.S., Brazil, and Mexico.
  • In Brazil and the Philippines, about 20% of all monthly active podcast creators are publishing video, a share that has nearly doubled since last year.
  • In Chile and Brazil, video is increasing its share of total podcast consumption hours. In Chile, video hours make up a quarter of total podcast consumption hours, and in Brazil, more than 15%.

Personally, I think video podcasts are going to get even more popular in the next few years. Except for those who run five miles each morning: they’re strictly on audio!Hey, did you know that we launched our own new tech podcast: PhoneArena Show? Do check it out!

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New OnePlus Watch 2 is different from the current one

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New OnePlus Watch 2 is different from the current one
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OnePlus has just announced a new OnePlus Watch 2 smartwatch, and it’s different from the current one. Confused? Well, we’re not surprised. Let’s take it one step at a time.

The new OnePlus Watch 2 is different from the current (global) model

OnePlus announced the Watch 2 already, for global markets, and we reviewed it. That watch never launched in the company’s homeland, however. Well, now it did, but it’s not the same watch that was announced for global markets.

You will immediately notice that this device looks different. Its design is closer to that of other smartwatches, without any frame protrusions on the right-hand side. That’s not the only difference, but it’s the most notable one.

A circular display is included, while the watch comes in two colors

This watch still has a circular display, while there are two physical buttons on the right-hand side, which have a good placement. The watch comes with a silicone strap in two colors, green and black. The green one is combined with a silver watch, while the black one is combined with a black OnePlus Watch 2.

This watch also has a different case than the global model. It has an aluminum alloy case compared to the stainless steel model that was launched globally. Most of its specs are similar, but there are some differences compared to the global model.

New OnePlus Watch 2 image China model 1

There is a 1.43-inch AMOLED display included here

This OnePlus Watch 2 has a 1.43-inch 466 x 466 AMOLED display with a default maximum brightness of 600 nits, while its peak brightness is 1,000 nits. The Snapdragon W5 and BES2700BP processors are used here

OnePlus also included 2GB of RAM on the inside and 32GB of storage. ColorOS Watch 6.0 skin comes pre-installed, and the watch is compatible with both Android (8+) and iOS (13+).

The new OnePlus Watch 2 supports over 100 workout modes and is 5 ATM rated

The company included over 100 workout modes on the watch, and it also features automatic workout detection for 6 workouts. There are a bunch of sensors included here: acceleration, gyroscope, geomagnetic, optical heart rate, blood oxygen, ambient light, and barometer.

The watch is 5 ATM rated, while a 500mAh battery is included here. The company says you can get up to 4 days of use in smart mode and 12 days in Power Saver Mode. VOOC magnetic charging is used here, and it can fully recharge the device in an hour.

Bluetooth 5.3 is supported here, while the watch does come with a speaker. The new OnePlus Watch 2 measures 47.6 x 46.6 x 12.1mm, and weighs 37 grams.

New OnePlus Watch 2 image China model 2


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Google Nest Cam & Doorbell blurry video quality to be fixed soon

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Google Nest Cam & Doorbell blurry video quality to be fixed soon
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Google is already working on a fix for the blurry video issue that is affecting some Nest Cams and Doorbells. The problem occurs during livestreams and does not seem to have a solution on the user’s side. Affected people have been struggling with the annoying bug since the middle of this month.

According to reports, the image quality during livestreams is really poor on some devices. The very low video resolution in these conditions results in blurry or pixelated images. In general, this reduces the livestream feature’s usefulness by not being able to clearly distinguish what is happening outside your home. This could even be dangerous in emergency situations.

Google to fix the blurry video quality during Nest Cam and Doorbell livestreams

Nest Cams and Doorbells support livestreams from the Google Home app. This allows users to receive a real-time image directly on their phone or compatible device. So, the sudden worsening in image quality was causing frustration among users who could not find how to solve or mitigate it. Factors such as internet speed were not relevant. Plus, the video recordings maintained good quality, further denoting the difference with livestreams.

Fortunately, Google has acknowledged the bug and confirmed that the problem is not with the devices. Actually, the “blurry video” issue that is affecting some Nest Cams and Doorbells occurs on the server side. The company confirmed that they are already working on a fix. Google did not offer an ETA to get things back to normal. However, they say they are actively working on a solution to implement it “as soon as possible.”

Let’s hope that Google doesn’t take much longer to resolve the problem. Affected users have been struggling with the issue for a couple of weeks now. At least they can now be sure that their devices are not damaged.


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Google Chat and Sheets get significant improvements in latest updates

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Google Chat and Sheets get significant improvements in latest updates
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Google updates some of its apps every week, and this time around two of the search giant’s most popular apps, Chat and Sheets, are getting some major improvements via updates. Although these improvements might not concern everyone, they feel like major achievements for both apps.

Let’s start with Google Chat, which has just received support for 500,000 members. Yes, you read it right. Spaces in Google Chat can have up to 500,000 members starting today.

This is especially important for very big organizations that want to make major announcements that concern every employee. Obviously, it will take some time to populate a space with so many members, so here is how long companies will have to wait for all (or most) of their employees to pop up in a Google Chat space:
  • 100 members: 10 seconds
  • 1,000 members: 1 minute
  • 150,000 members: 45 minutes
  • 500,000 members: 150 minutes

The upgrade to 500,000 members is an incredible milestone considering that last year Google increased the number of users organizations can add to a space from 8,000 to 50,000. The jump to half a million people is quite impressive.The updated version of Google Chat will be rolled out in waves starting on June 26, and it will take up to 15 days to be visible to everyone. This one is available to all Google Workspace customers.

Moving on to Sheets, Google managed to improve the calculation speed in this app by a lot. The Mountain View company claims that it had doubled the speed of calculation in Google Sheets on Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge browsers.

The latest Sheets update improves the speed of actions, including formulas, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and more, regardless of the file size.

The improvements are already available for all users, including Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts.


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Qualcomm plans to make Android update process smoother

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Qualcomm plans to make Android update process smoother
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Android smartphone manufacturers have been able to improve their software update process in the past few years. Many brands have increased the years of software update support they provide for their devices. Companies like Samsung and Google are now promising as many as seven years of Android update support on select phones. Now, the chipset maker Qualcomm is planning to make the Android update process smoother in the near future.

Qualcomm acknowledges that providing the latest Android updates is a complex process for OEMs

In a recent interview with Android Authority, Chris Patrick, Qualcomm’s SVP and General Manager of Handsets, said that Android updates are a significant concern for the company. Qualcomm acknowledges that it’s “very expensive and very complicated” for OEMs to get the latest Android and security updates to the consumers. The company has been working towards a solution to improve this situation.

Patrick mentioned that he doesn’t think Qualcomm is the main bottleneck for issues around Android updates. The chipset maker has been working towards a solution to make things easier for quite a while. “One of the things we’ve been working on for the past several years with Google and with the OEMs is to change the structure of inline code — to kind of change the machinery for how we do those updates”, he told the publication.

The code optimization to provide smoother Android updates has been in the process for years. A solution from the chipset maker will certainly make things easier for OEMs to provide the latest Android updates. We could see longer Android and security update support for devices with older Qualcomm chipsets in the future.

Qualcomm could make some announcements around the topic at the upcoming IFA or Snapdragon Summit

The Qualcomm executive didn’t provide many details about what’s to come. However, he did hint that the company will announce “something” around this topic “later this year”. There’s a possibility that we will see a solution from the brand regarding Android updates at the upcoming IFA in early September.

The source also suggests that the chipset maker could make some announcements at the annual Snapdragon Summit event in October. At the event, the company will also introduce its upcoming flagship chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. It will be powering the latest high-end products from major OEMs like Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus.


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OnePlus intros 12,000mAh power bank with 100W charging support

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OnePlus intros 12,000mAh power bank with 100W charging support
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During its press event in its homeland, OnePlus announced a bunch of products. It announced the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro, OnePlus Pad Pro, and a new version of the OnePlus Watch 2. In addition to that, OnePlus also announced the product we’ll talk about here, a 12,000mAh power bank with 100W charging support.

OnePlus announced a 12,000mAh power bank with 100W charging output

If you are on the move often, own a OnePlus device, and are away from the outlet frequently, this power bank is an ideal companion. It offers 12,000mAh of capacity and 100W SuperVOOC output.

So, it basically acts as a 100W wall adapter when charging a OnePlus device, which is great, needless to say. It can charge any supported device extremely fast. You should be able to charge the OnePlus 12 in less than half an hour, for example.

This power bank also supports 45W PD charging output for computers, laptops, and smartwatches. In order to charge the power bank itself, you can use 45W SuperVOOC adapters. With that adapter, the power bank will charge from 1 to 100% in only 90 minutes.

OnePlus 12 000mAh power bank image 1

There are 12 layers of safety protection included here

The device itself weighs 318 grams, and it’s equipped with 12 layers of safety protection. OnePlus includes a battery core temperature monitor, overcharge protection, and over-discharge protection. This power bank also complies with international air transportation standards.

When it comes to output, there are USB-A and Type-C ports on the thing. This power bank supports PD 2.0, PD 3.0, PPS, Quick Charge 2.0, Quick Charge 3.0, AFC, BC 1.2 and SuperVOOC standards.

Yes, you can use this power bank to charge more than one device at the same time. The OnePlus 12,000mAh power bank measures 149 x 72.8 x 19.1mm.

This device has a dual-tone design, as you can see in the provided image. It comes in Green Cloud and Silver Wing White colors. The device is priced at CNY299 ($41) in OnePlus’ homeland. Let’s hope that this thing will make its way to global markets.

OnePlus 12 000mAh power bank image 2


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