YouTube Premium is pricey, but Google is slowly starting to expand a “Premium Lite” plan to more countries with a price that’s roughly half off.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube ‘Premium Lite’ plan expands to more countries with ‘limited’ ads
Author
Ben Schoon is a Senior Editor at 9to5Google, working for the publication as one of its primary news writers since 2016.
In 2013, Ben helped start an independent tech publication where he learned the skills used at 9to5Google including writing, product photography, and videography. He is located in the city of Winston-Salem in North Carolina where he lives with his wife Melissa. Ben is an avid disc golf player.
He primarily covers Android products, including Google Pixel devices, Samsung Galaxy smartphones, as well as devices from OnePlus, Oppo, Motorola, and more. Beyond just covering news about these products, Ben also spends time using these products himself, speaking from experience with the articles he writes. Some of Ben’s most recent hands-on reviews include; Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Watch 2, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Motorola Razr+, HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook, and more.
Ben is also a leading source for information about Google’s Android TV, diving deeply into important parts of the platform including its powerful Operator Tier, explaining future changes to the platform, and reviewing its products such as Chromecast with Google TV, Nvidia Shield TV, and more.
In 2019, Ben leaked one of the first in-person photos of the Pixel 4 before later revealing the Recorder and Pixel Themes apps months ahead of launch. In 2020, Ben also reported on multiple upcoming Pixel devices including Pixel 5a and the first report of Google working on a foldable Pixel smartphone. That same month, he was also the first to correctly report the $49 price point of what became the Chromecast with Google TV.
Ben Schoon is active on Twitter, @nexusben, but can also be found on Instagram and LinkedIn. For questions or tips, you can email him directly, and his portfolio is also available online.
Email: schoon@9to5mac.com | Encrypted Email: benschoon@protonmail.com
Facer is working with Google to bring its watch faces to Wear OS 5, some already available
Google has made a huge change to how watch faces work in Wear OS 5, and it’s led to Facer, one of the most popular watch face marketplaces, not working.
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Instagram app breaks for some Pixel users following Android 15 update, fix rolling out
Following yesterday’s Android 15 update, the Instagram app has unexpectedly starting running into some big issues for Pixel users.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel battery charge limit was never coming in the first Android 15 update
Google Pixel phones are set to get a new feature that allows users to limit battery charging to 80%, but the feature was never coming in this week’s first Android 15 update.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle now sells a Pixel Watch 3 screen protector meant to feel ‘just like glass’
If you’re looking for a Pixel Watch 3 screen protector, Google is now selling an option in its official store.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle starts selling 3-in-1 charging dock for Pixel phones, Watch, and Buds – just not the one you want
The Google Store has started selling a new 3-in-1 charging dock for your Pixel phone, Pixel Watch, and Pixel Buds.
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Samsung’s September 2024 update is rolling out to these Galaxy devices
Samsung is rolling out its September 2024 update to various Galaxy smartphones and tablets and, for once, it’s also a pretty big update. Here’s what’s new and which devices are being updated.
Expand Expanding CloseHow to install Android 15 on Google Pixel
While the timing feels a bit odd with new Pixel phones already on the market, Android 15 is now finally available to Google Pixel smartphones. Here’s how to install it.
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SimpliSafe’s latest camera tries to prevent break-ins by having someone watch your yard
Security systems and cameras can go a long way in helping stop a break-in as it’s happening, but at that point damage has already been done. With its latest outdoor camera, SimpliSafe wants to stop burglars before they enter the home by having someone monitor your yard.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung wants to use AI to basically replace the Settings menu on Galaxy devices
Samsung is pushing hard for new AI features on Galaxy devices, and according to a new report, one of the company’s goals is to use AI to effectively replace the various settings menus we deal with on a regular basis.
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Roku update turns your TV into a security monitor with camera feeds, notifications
A new Roku update is bringing additional smart home features that lets your TV act as a security monitor for cameras.
Expand Expanding CloseTicWatch Atlas launches with stainless steel build and Wear OS 4 for the same $349
Mobvoi is launching its latest smartwatch, the TicWatch Atlas, alongside its first Wear OS 4 update.
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Arlo launches Wired Floodlight Camera for half the price of Google Nest
Arlo has just annoucned a new wired floodlight with video camera that comes with an affordable price tag.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung rolling out One UI to TVs, adds Google TV features – here’s everything new
As announced earlier this month, Samsung is bringing One UI to its Tizen-powered TVs, and the updates are rolling out now.
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LG is rolling out Google Cast support to some 2023 TVs
LG is now rolling out an update to its 2023 TVs which delivers Google Cast support.
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Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is free at Verizon, its true purpose in life
The Galaxy S24 FE is a confusing value on paper, but there’s an obvious reason for its existence – freebies and promotions. Currently, Galaxy S24 FE is free for Verizon customers.
Expand Expanding CloseOppo previews Find X8’s shutter button, works just like iPhone 16 Camera Control [Video]
Oppo is adding a new feature to its upcoming Find X8, with a shutter button that works exactly like Apple’s new “Camera Control” feature on iPhone 16.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat makes something an ‘ad’ on Google TV?
Ads are a huge part of, well, everything online in 2024. That includes Google TV, but the company’s living room experience also splits hairs on what could be considered an “ad.” So, what makes something an ad?
Expand Expanding CloseI wish every tablet had the same matte display as TCL Tab 10 NXTPAPER 5G
One of the best trends in mobile devices lately is a push for anti-reflective displays, and no one does that better than TCL. Lately, I’ve been able to try out the TCL Tab 10 NXTPAPER 5G, and the biggest standout to me has been the display, which I just want on every tablet from now on.
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Android Automotive is now coming to motorcycles too
When you think of Android Automotive, you probably think of cars, EVs to be specific. But that’s not the only place the OS can be used, as KTM is now using Android Automotive OS on motorcycles.
Expand Expanding CloseMicrosoft will let you buy and play Xbox games through Android app next month
After first announcing its intentions to launch an Android game store earlier this year, Microsoft has confirmed that the Xbox app will let users buy and play games through the Xbox app starting in November.
Expand Expanding CloseThese Motorola phones are probably getting Android 15… eventually
Motorola has a bit of an iffy track record as far as Android updates go, and the company has yet to formally announce details regarding its Android 15 update. However, an initial list has been uncovered.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid may make floating ‘bubbles’ useful by letting any app use them
Google introduced “bubbles” as a means of keeping messaging apps easily accessible by letting them float on top of other apps. In future versions of Android, it sounds like Google may make these a lot more useful by letting you run any app in a “bubble.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle responds to report that claims Pixel 9 shares ‘excessive’ data
A report has stirred up fears around how Google’s Pixel 9 series “shares” personal data, but it’s clearly not fully accurate, and missing some very important context.
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