Top 3 Key Points:

1. Google TV adds more free channels, including The Bob Ross Channel, reaching 157 total.
2. Google faces a second antitrust trial, this time focused on its dominance in online advertising.
3. 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

Key Points:

• WhatsApp is getting customizable themes for chat bubbles and wallpapers.
• Google Meet is bringing AI-powered meeting note-taking to smartphones.
• These new features aim to improve user experience and productivity.

WhatsApp Themes: A Personal Touch

Ever wanted to give your WhatsApp chats a unique look? Well, you might be in luck soon! WhatsApp is working on a feature that lets you choose your preferred colors and wallpapers for your chat bubbles. This means you can customize your app to match your style or mood.

Google Meet Gets Smarter with AI

Google Meet is also getting a major upgrade. The app is introducing an AI-powered feature that automatically summarizes your meetings and creates detailed notes. This will save you time and help you remember important points from your discussions. While this feature is currently available on desktops, it’s expected to make its way to smartphones soon.

The Future of Messaging and Collaboration

These new features are just a glimpse into the future of messaging and collaboration. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative ways to communicate and work together.

Key points:

• Android 15 for Pixel devices was pushed back to October 15.
• Gemini Live, Google’s AI assistant, is now available for free Android users.
• Pixel 6 and later devices will get Android 15, but Pixel 6/6 Pro won’t get future updates.

Android 15 Delayed

Google’s latest Android update, Android 15, is taking a bit longer to reach Pixel phones. While it was released for developers in September, it won’t be available for Pixel users until October 15th. This delay is likely due to Google wanting to make sure the update is as bug-free as possible.

Gemini Live Goes Free

In other Google news, Gemini Live, the company’s AI assistant, is now free for Android users. This means you can use Gemini to help you with tasks like writing emails, summarizing articles, or even translating languages.

Pixel 6 and Later

The Pixel 6 and later devices will be the first to get Android 15. However, this will also be the last guaranteed update for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. While they will continue to receive security updates, they won’t get any new features after Android 15.