AllYouCanTech

Problems with YouTube Performance for Opera GX Users Employing Ad Blockers

YouTube’s continuous struggle with ad blockers has intensified as Opera GX users are encountering significant access problems, overshadowing its streaming capabilities.

A growing discussion is taking place on the YouTube subreddit where users are talking about the recent difficulties accessing the site (via 9to5Google). The current issues seem to be highly particular, with numerous reports from users of the Opera GX browser. The original poster noted that they were listening to music on YouTube when suddenly, everything ceased to function.

The website went blank, and the video thumbnails disappeared.

While many users assumed this meant YouTube was down or experiencing server issues, further reports suggest that ad blockers may be the culprit. One user indicates that accessing YouTube via Opera GX encounters the same trouble, while others mention that using a different browser does not lead to any problems. Another user remarked, “Mine was also broken, it seems related to Adblock, as the site operates perfectly without it, but fails completely with it. At least from my perspective.”

Interestingly, another user claims they haven’t been able to open YouTube through Opera GX with ad block activated; however, entering via Google Chrome (with ad block) works without a hitch. User SH4DE_RL asserts that the built-in ad blocker in Opera GX is the source of the issue and that turning it off “resolves the problem.”

These complications began arising for users earlier today (Nov 7). If you’re still facing them and you’re using the Opera GX browser, consider trying the solutions that some users have proposed on Reddit. This might rectify the situation, but it’s worth noting that users with AdBlock on YouTube have faced similar challenges.

Earlier this summer, there was an incident involving users and ad blockers, where reports suggested YouTube was “slowing down” videos. The platform reportedly chose to throttle or dampen videos for those employing ad blockers.

Reports indicated that the platform would postpone videos and also attempt to redirect users to a Google support page, pretending it was a different issue. Naturally, the support page recommended removing any extensions (such as AdBlock).

YouTube has been embroiled in this conflict against ad blockers for several years now, trying various strategies. One of the most visible attempts was its experiment of completely halting video streaming unless users disabled the blocker or subscribed to YouTube Premium.

YouTube is already dealing with several issues, as users are becoming increasingly frustrated with its TV streaming aspect. Recent reports suggest that users are contemplating abandoning the service, especially as they miss channels provided by Disney, including ESPN and ABC. Furthermore, a substantial number of surveyed users reportedly indicate that if these problems persist, they will seek alternatives.

Google Declares End of Clock App Support for Non-Pixel Watches After User Outcry

Maintaining Exclusivity for Pixel Watch Users

What You Need to Know
– Google’s Wear OS Clock application is now solely for Pixel smartwatches.
– Users of non-Pixel watches will lose access to the Clock application and any updates.
– Wear OS 6 upgrades are being distributed to eligible devices, improving user experience.

Earlier this week, Google announced that it will withdraw its Wear OS Clock application from non-Pixel smartwatches, impacting users who depended on its functionalities. The choice to reserve this feature for Pixel watches supposedly arises from intensifying competition as brands pursue their own proprietary solutions, shifting the Wear OS environment.

In a Wear OS support discussion, the tech company stated that it has ceased support for its Clock application on all non-Pixel smartwatches. The message indicates that if you own a Pixel Watch, this new move will not affect you. Conversely, if you possess “any other Wear OS” watch, you will notice this alteration. To clarify, Google mentions that watches that do not have the Clock application already installed will no longer be able to find it on the Play Store.

If you have previously installed the Clock application, you can continue utilizing it; however, it is important to note that it will not receive updates any longer.

Google clarifies that this change is due to other “watch brands providing their own default clock applications on Wear OS.” Consequently, Google’s Clock application, which could previously be downloaded on a Galaxy Watch, has been removed. The clock feature is gone, along with the integrated alarm, timer, and stopwatch functionalities within the application.

Some users on the Wear OS support discussion have expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision, but it appears that Google’s choice is definitive. The company highlights that there are alternative clock applications available on the Play Store for Wear OS watches for users seeking different options.

This is Certainly a Shift

Wear OS 6 began transitioning eligible devices into its new, more dynamic wrist-based interface this year. The Pixel Watch 4 already included this updated software, and Google initiated its rollout to older devices in October.

A few weeks ago, users of Pixel Watch 3 and 2 began receiving their Wear OS 6 upgrade (the outlook is not promising for the original Pixel Watch). Initially, the OTA images began appearing for the update, and Android Central swiftly confirmed that it had started being officially deployed to the two previously mentioned watches. Users were expected to see this earlier this month, but it’s likely that by now, late in October, many more should have it.

The Wear OS 6 demonstration that Google presented showcased a more seamless scrolling experience with a fully immersive UI for its unique glass-domed Pixel Watch display.

Does This Impact the Google Clock Application on Pixel Watches?
Owners of Pixel Watches remain unaffected. The Google Clock application will continue to be pre-installed, operate as intended, and receive future updates from the Play Store across all Pixel Watch models.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): Highly Rated ANC Headphones Currently on the Market

Android Central Conclusion

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

From my initial encounter with Bose’s noise-cancelling headphones, they have significantly advanced, and I’m pleased to express that I can fully endorse them to more than just the frequent flyers. Their ANC is outstanding, and the sound quality this year is impressively detailed, featuring some additional perks that justify the cost.

Advantages
– Noise cancelling (Naturally!)
– Detail extraction
– Charge while listening
– Flat fold disconnect
– USB-C Audio
– Comfort

Disadvantages
– Microphones are inactive when Bluetooth is not in use
– LDAC offers wider compatibility compared to aptX Adaptive

How Selectively Overlooking Advanced Metrics on My Garmin Watch Boosts My Preparation for the Garmin Tucson Marathon

I’ve increased my mileage twofold over the last two months. I managed to do this by ignoring Garmin’s training recommendations.

Next weekend, I’ll participate in the Garmin Tucson Marathon. While this isn’t my inaugural marathon, it feels like the first one for which I’ve genuinely prepared; I’ve more than doubled my monthly mileage with multiple 15- to 20-mile runs and achieved a half-marathon personal record.

This has been a great chance to try out new watches like the COROS APEX 4, Pixel Watch 4, and Suunto Race 2. Nevertheless, I kept my Garmin watch on my other wrist, not only as a reference for testing but also because I needed its metrics to remain focused throughout my marathon training.

I’m not a running expert or a marathon training strategist; my goal is simply to break the 4-hour mark. However, I’m knowledgeable about fitness watches and accessories, and I can share which functionalities (whether from Garmin or others) proved to be the most beneficial for preparing as a committed amateur.

While adhering to AI running suggestions can be helpful up to a certain point, it was by deviating from Garmin’s guidelines that I realized my marathon potential.

To keep it straightforward: Mileage is key

I utilized Hal Higdon’s Novice 1 and Novice 2 plans to create my personalized workout schedule (screenshot above) in Google Sheets. I aimed to complete the Novice 2 distances but gave myself the simpler Novice 1 alternative as a fallback whenever I felt fatigued or concerned about muscle soreness.

The main advice from Higdon is to avoid overcomplicating your training regimen.

Novice and intermediate marathoners should “reserve their speedwork” for periods when they aren’t “building up marathon mileage,” and it’s best to avoid strength training unless you’re already a “gym enthusiast”; even then, “reduce the weights.”

Many smartwatch marathon training programs emphasize speed work, strength training, and cross-training. This approach is logical for serious marathoners who can train six to seven days per week! However, for novices like us, we need to focus our limited energy on running whenever feasible. Everything else is merely a distraction.

Higdon recommended once-weekly cross-training, especially cycling or swimming. Yet, I kept it simple and opted for walking. It can be challenging to stay motivated for 14-18 weeks if every Saturday consists of running for 2-3 hours and subsequently recovering, just to do another lengthy workout on Sunday. I found that focusing on reaching my 10,000 steps while enjoying an audiobook or podcast was easier, prioritizing gentle, active recovery to get back to running quickly.

Gradually increase your body’s running endurance — and skip the sprints

Prior to starting my marathon plan, I used my Garmin Forerunner 970 (as well as other Garmin watches before it) to balance my training load between low- and high-aerobic and anaerobic sessions, aiming to enhance my VO2 Max. However, since October, I’ve ignored Garmin’s prompts urging me to engage in more tempo or sprint workouts.

Performing enough anaerobic training to meet Garmin’s criteria considerably impacts my body’s biomechanics. My weekly mileage was low because going all out for 3 miles would strain my muscles and joints, necessitating several days for recovery.

I ditched my weekly track workouts, which made it much easier to incorporate several short runs into my week and gradually increase my mileage. I’ll start concerning myself with VO2 Max again once I’ve completed this race.

At the beginning of my marathon training, Garmin’s running tolerance indicator suggested my body was capable of safely managing 20 miles per week. Higdon’s marathon plan begins around 15-20 miles per week, steadily increasing to 25-40 miles per week.

By adhering to his system, slowly boosting my mileage and keeping an easy pace, I’ve raised my Garmin tolerance to 30 miles per week and have safely achieved 35 miles in some weeks. I’m confident I’ll complete my marathon without injury because I prioritized mileage over speed.

Low-aerobic training IS important

I didn’t completely disregard Garmin’s advice, though. My training load focus widget reminds me to accumulate low-aerobic load as much as possible. Low-aerobic HR training enhances your body’s endurance, allowing your aerobic threshold — the steady-state HR at which you can sustain a consistent pace for hours — to remain low.

Essentially, by adhering to Garmin’s low-aerobic requirements, I aim to maintain a strong target pace during the race while keeping my heart rate stable so I don’t produce too much lactic acid in my muscles.

It’s never enjoyable having to slow down dramatically, staring at your wrist until your HR drops back into the desired range; it prolongs the workout when you’d rather be running freely. But in the long run, it pays off.

The fitness technology I’ll utilize during the Garmin marathon

Google Maps Upgraded with Gemini for Better Navigation on Android and iOS

Navigate expertly with the Gemini feature of Google Maps.