YouTube TV and Disney Sign Multi-Year Deal to Bring Back ABC, ESPN, and Other Channels
The two-week-long drama concludes as 21 channels make their return to YouTube TV.
Essential Information
- YouTube and Disney struck a multi-year agreement on Friday, reinstating major channels on the live TV streaming platform.
- Channels and content owned by Disney are now live on YouTube TV, effective immediately.
- Subscribers will also have access to previously-recorded content restored to their YouTube TV accounts.
Disclaimer
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How to Watch ‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ for Free on Apple TV This Weekend
### Apple TV’s Holiday Streaming Event: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Apple has unveiled its holiday streaming agenda for Apple TV, commencing with a complimentary weekend event showcasing the cherished classic, **A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving**. This event enables viewers, including those without a subscription, to relish the animated special that has been a cornerstone of holiday watching since its release in 1973.
#### ‘Think of it as Friendsgiving’
This weekend, Apple is offering **A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving** for free to all users. To view the film, audiences only need an Apple Account to log into the Apple TV app. This move is part of Apple’s approach to deliver seasonal content that strikes a chord with viewers, particularly during the holiday period.
The 25-minute animation depicts Peppermint Patty inviting her friends to Charlie Brown’s house for Thanksgiving, despite Charlie’s intention to visit his grandmother. In an unexpected turn, Snoopy takes charge of preparing a Thanksgiving feast, emphasizing the themes of friendship and unity that are fundamental to the Peanuts universe.
#### Exclusive Collaboration with Peanuts Worldwide
In 2020, Apple formed an exclusive collaboration with Peanuts Worldwide, establishing Apple TV as the primary platform for all Peanuts-related content until at least 2030. This partnership has enabled Apple to merge classic Peanuts specials with innovative original programming, enhancing the viewing experience for fans of any age.
#### Upcoming Holiday Content
Besides **A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving**, Apple TV will also broadcast **A Charlie Brown Christmas** for free on December 13 and 14. This is a component of an extensive holiday programming slate that Apple has curated, which can be further explored on their official website.
#### How to View
To watch **A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving** for free, users can follow this
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iPhone 17 Fuels 22% Surge in iPhone Sales in China During First Month, Based on Report
**Apple’s iPhone 17 Triumph in China: An In-Depth Analysis**
In the recent Q4 2025 earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook conveyed strong enthusiasm regarding the reception of the iPhone 17 series in China, stating that the company “couldn’t be more satisfied.” This perspective follows a difficult stretch of dwindling sales in the area, rendering the favorable feedback on the iPhone 17 especially important.
**Sales Metrics and Market Reaction**
Counterpoint Research has delivered insights that underscore the effect of the iPhone 17 launch. As per their analysis, nearly 80% of the devices sold to Chinese customers following the September 19 launch were from the iPhone 17 lineup. This increase in sales is remarkable, particularly in light of the fact that the overall smartphone market in China saw a 2.7% downturn year-over-year during the same period.
In the first month subsequent to the launch, iPhone sales in China grew by 22% compared to the previous year. This is a sharp contrast to the 5% drop in sales recorded after the debut of the iPhone 16 last year. Such a rebound signifies not only a revival for Apple but also an escalating consumer interest in the latest iPhone models.
**Tim Cook’s Perspectives**
During the earnings call, Cook responded to inquiries about the iPhone’s performance in China. He recognized that although there had been a subdued performance in the past quarter, it was not because of a lack of interest but rather due to supply limitations. He voiced confidence that the iPhone 17 range would assist Apple in regaining growth in the next quarter, highlighting the positive reception and heightened foot traffic in Apple stores.
Cook also mentioned that recent government incentives had played a role in the sales increase, although he clarified that many of Apple’s items were not eligible for these incentives, indicating that the demand for the new iPhones was strong on its own.
**Conclusion**
The early success of the iPhone 17 in China signifies a notable recovery for Apple in a crucial market. With solid sales figures and favorable consumer responses, the company seems prepared for growth as it transitions into the next quarter. The data from Counterpoint Research not only bolsters Cook’s positive outlook but also emphasizes the strength of Apple’s brand in a tough economic environment. As Apple continues to navigate the intricacies of the Chinese market, the iPhone 17’s performance may forecast a bright future for the tech giant in the region.
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Former Apple COO Jeff Williams Has Officially Retired
**Jeff Williams Retires: Reflecting on His Influence at Apple**
In July of last year, Apple revealed that its longtime Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Williams, would retire “late in the year.” It has recently been confirmed that Williams has clocked out for the final time, signaling the conclusion of an era for the tech powerhouse.
### Williams’ Final Day at Apple
Having overseen Apple’s operations for ten years, Williams had already stepped down as de facto COO earlier this year, transferring the duties to Sabih Khan, who now serves as Apple’s Senior Vice President of Operations. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, conveyed immense appreciation for Williams’ efforts, stating, “Apple wouldn’t be what it is without him.” He emphasized Williams’ involvement in crafting a reputable global supply chain, introducing the Apple Watch, and formulating the company’s health strategy.
### Contributions and Duties
Beyond his role as COO, Williams directed customer service and support, the design team, and the engineering for both software and hardware related to the Apple Watch. He played a key role in establishing Apple’s overall health initiatives, which have become a crucial aspect of the company’s ecosystem.
As Williams made his exit, reports indicated that various aspects of his responsibilities would be reallocated. The health and fitness teams will now come under Eddy Cue, Senior Vice President of Services, while Craig Federighi will manage watchOS, and John Ternus will oversee the engineering of Apple Watch hardware.
### Leadership Shifts on the Horizon
Williams’ retirement heralds a broader shift in leadership at Apple, with several executives expected to step down in the near future, including Tim Cook. Presently, Ternus is regarded as a leading candidate for the CEO role, though a timeline for this transition remains uncertain.
### Conclusion
Jeff Williams departs leaving a legacy of innovation and excellence at Apple. His contributions have forged the company into a leader in technology and design, and his exit signifies a pivotal moment in Apple’s history as it gears up for new leadership and forthcoming challenges.
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Google Messages Set to Launch Function for Simplified Engagement in Group Chats
core messaging application Google Messages for some time. Fortunately, Google is addressing that.
We’ve been aware that @mentions were on their way to Google Messages for a while; or, at the very least, that Google was developing them. Nevertheless, a recent article from 9to5 Google indicates that the feature is actually being deployed to users, enabling you to specifically mention individuals within the app in group conversations. Some users have already noticed it on Reddit, and it seems to be linked to the latest beta edition of the Google Messages application.
A significant enhancement for group chats on Android
Firefox Unveils AI Window for Improved AI-Enhanced Browsing Experience
**Mozilla Unveils AI Window: A New Chapter in AI-Powered Browsing for Firefox**
Yesterday, Mozilla revealed an intriguing new experimental function for its Firefox browser named AI Window. This project is designed to consolidate the browser’s forthcoming AI features, offering users an inventive method to elevate their browsing journey.
### What is AI Window?
In a post on Mozilla’s Distilled blog, Ajit Varma, the VP of Product at Mozilla, characterized AI Window as “a novel, intelligent and user-governed area” within Firefox. This feature enables users to engage with an AI assistant during their browsing experience, providing assistance customized to their preferences. Notably, the feature is entirely optional, meaning users retain complete control over its functionality. If they deem it unhelpful, they can swiftly turn it off.
### User-Focused Strategy
Varma highlighted that although AI can deliver significant support, it may not attract every user consistently. Unlike other browsers that compel users to pick between universal AI integration or none at all, Mozilla is pursuing an alternative approach. The firm is encouraging users to take part in shaping the AI Window, making certain that the development process is guided by genuine user insights.
This “build in the open” tactic is a notable advantage for Mozilla. By involving users from the beginning, the company can sidestep errors and unnecessary duplication of features that have failed in competing browsers.
### How to Participate
Users keen on discovering the possibilities of AI Window can sign up for a waitlist by following [this link](https://www.firefox.com/en-US/ai/). For those wishing to delve further into the specifics, Varma’s complete blog post is accessible
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iOS 26.2: Summary of New Features for iPhone Users
# iOS 26.2: Fresh Features and Improvements
iOS 26.2 is now accessible for beta testing, bringing a variety of fresh features and enhancements for iPhone users. This update aims to improve user experience across numerous applications, such as Apple Podcasts, Reminders, and more. Below is a detailed summary of the new features found in the latest beta version.
## New Features in iOS 26.2
### Reminders
A highlighted addition in iOS 26.2 is the new “Urgent” option in the Reminders app. This functionality enables users to set alarms for tasks designated as urgent, ensuring that crucial tasks aren’t missed.
### Apple Music
The Apple Music app has undergone considerable improvements, especially regarding its lyrics feature. Users can now view lyrics for songs in their library without requiring a Wi-Fi or cellular connection. This encompasses complete lyrics, translations, and beat-by-beat syncing.
### Apple Podcasts
iOS 26.2 brings three significant features to Apple Podcasts:
1. **AI-Generated Chapters**: The app will automatically generate chapters for podcast episodes using AI, while producers can still submit their own chapters.
2. **Podcast Mentions**: When a podcast mentions another show, users can easily access it via a link included in the episode description.
### Sleep Score
The Sleep Score functionality on the Apple Watch has been improved based on user feedback. The classification criteria have been refined, making it more difficult to achieve higher scores. The new levels are:
– Very Low: 0-40 points
– Low: 41-60 points
– OK: 61-80 points
– High: 81-95 points
– Very High: 96-100 points
### Apple News
The Apple News app has experienced design modifications to enhance navigation. Users will discover dedicated buttons for quick access to Sports, Puzzles, Politics, and Food sections. Moreover, a new “Following” tab has been introduced to better manage favorites and saved articles.
### iOS 26.2 EU Changes
For users within the European Union, iOS 26.2 extends the Live Translation feature with AirPods, which had been previously delayed. Nonetheless, it also removes Wi-Fi network syncing between iPhones and Apple Watches due to regulatory standards.
### Liquid Glass
iOS 26.2 upgrades the Liquid Glass feature, allowing users to modify the transparency of the clock on their Lock Screen. The Measure app also received a Liquid Glass design enhancement for its Level tool, accompanied by new animations across the system.
### CarPlay Updates
CarPlay users will enjoy two important updates:
1. The option to disable Pinned Conversations in the Messages app.
2. An increase in widget stacks available for certain vehicles, providing more customization.
### Additional Changes
Other minor modifications in iOS 26.2 include:
– A new “Enhanced Safety Alerts” menu for toggling alerts for earthquakes and imminent dangers.
– Support for tables in the Freeform app.
– An “Excluded Websites” menu in the Passwords app.
– A new Accessibility option for “Flash to Alerts.”
– Upgrades to the Games app, including sorting and filtering capabilities.
## Conclusion
iOS 26.2 is presently in beta testing for developers and public beta users, with a complete release anticipated around mid-December. As testing progresses, more features may be included, and users are encouraged to share feedback about their favorite updates. This release aims to enhance the overall functionality and user experience of iOS devices, marking an exciting advancement for iPhone users.
Base Power Unveils Membership-Oriented Electricity Sales Approach Comparable to Costco
partially because of the widespread use of AI — and trust is diminishing, with potential local electrical fluctuations and interruptions. Hence, it stands to reason that backup power is gaining in attractiveness, merely to maintain essential functions. Backup power options present a feasible solution, yet a genuine backup generator that can support a household and family can exceed $15,000. That constitutes a significant initial investment.
Base is working to provide a more attainable and economical option for homeowners, featuring a monthly membership fee of $19, and a leased battery backup system for a singular payment of $695. However, the Base membership rate isn’t fixed. You might incur higher costs depending on fees, services, and other platform options, but overall, it’s still preferable to the exorbitant installation costs of a full-house generator, at least for some consumers. Zach Dell, CEO of Base Power, stated to Fortune that the product is secure and dependable, while a Costco-like subscription is “just significantly more economical.” He characterizes the competition as “premium” providers catering to “very affluent individuals,” in contrast to Base, which aims to deliver solutions for the general population.
Where and when will Base be accessible?
Douglas Rissing/Getty Images
At present, Base Power has rolled out over 100 megawatt-hours of battery capacity in residential zones, with ambitions to establish an initial battery production facility in Austin, Texas. They’ve also indicated plans for a second factory
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16 Essential Meta Quest Game Announcements and Unexpected Releases Accessible Now
Almost half of these titles are available for play today, with a lot to anticipate in the upcoming months.
The holiday season has arrived, bringing along a multitude of new games ready for those unwrapping new consoles hidden beneath the tree, in addition to plenty of options for those of us who already own one. The Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S are experiencing a significant influx of new titles, and the latest VR Games Showcase recently revealed 20 more announcements that will certainly delight your headset.
However, the VRGS is not the only show in town; several developers have also stealthily released new trailers and announcements for upcoming games that you simply cannot miss. Here’s everything I’ve carefully selected below!
Available now!
You can catch the complete VR Games Showcase above, which includes the announcements I have compiled here along with a multitude of others, but let’s first explore the games available to play right now before we dive into the wishlist items. I will provide links to each trailer and store listing below so you can experience the games without delay!
Vampire Survivors but it’s in virtual reality (trailer) (Meta store link): This one caught me by surprise! Vampire Survivors transitions to pseudo-3D with this exclusive VR version, featuring all the massive hordes you’ve come to know in the iconic game, now with the uniquely immersive experience of a diorama.
Hotel Infinity (trailer) (Meta store link): Set aside a 2m by 2m square space of your physical floor and get ready to explore Hotel Infinity as if you were Tanjiro entering the Infinity Castle. The environment consistently shifts and transforms as you physically navigate through it, showcasing MC Escher-style impossible architecture that will continually amaze you. It’s an ideal representation of the capabilities of VR.
Glassbreakers: Champions of Moss (trailer) (Meta store link): I don’t have much knowledge about MOBAs and have never played DOTA, but this Moss offshoot has piqued my interest. It’s a real-time strategy game resembling a mix between Demeo Battles and classic board games like Catan, and its quick battle format makes it perfect for an engaging weeknight VR session.
Syberia VR (trailer) (Meta store link): The classic point-and-click adventure game from the early 2000s has just been remastered and is fully playable in VR on the Meta Quest. I adored this game in my high school years and am excited to experience the entire journey again from a new viewpoint!
EXOSHOCK (trailer) (Meta store link): There are plenty of VR shooters available, but occasionally one emerges that distinguishes itself from the crowd. This co-op PvE sci-fi squad shooter aims to redefine teamwork among friends with unique combat mechanics and a memorable art style. Give the alpha client a try by joining the Discord now.
Banners & Bastions (trailer) (Meta store link): I previously played Banners & Bastions during its early access phase, and now a significant update introduces loads of new content, including major UX enhancements, controller compatibility, new bosses and adversaries, and more! It’s a fast-paced strategy puzzle game you’ve got to experience!
Dimensional Double Shift (trailer) (Meta store link): The creators of Job Simulator have taken the well-established formula and incorporated multiplayer, encouraging teammates to collaborate for high scores while fulfilling orders, repairing cars, and exploring the uniqueness of each dimension. The New Joysey dimension recently launched on Meta Quest, and the game will also be available on Galaxy XR starting December 11.
Coming soon
Star Trek: Infection: This sci-fi horror title offers a notably different perspective on what I would typically expect from a Star Trek game, but perhaps that’s what makes it so captivating! We anticipate this one to debut before the year concludes.
Deadly Delivery (trailer): Have you ever pondered how all those creatures inhabit dungeons in the age of Amazon and Door Dash? Deadly Delivery provides the answer by allowing you and three friends to dress as goblins and deliver packages to the dungeon inhabitants. But beware, as these dungeons come equipped with numerous traps and hostile residents. Set to release on December 4.
How To God (trailer): Ever played Black & White on the PC in the 2000s? How to God places players in control of a world, granting them divine powers and a giant creature that may or may not heed their commands. It’s a virtual pet simulation combined with a Civilization-style world builder! I tried it in early access, and now it is launching for everyone on December 4.
Men in Black (trailer): Talk about a surprise release! From the developers of Jurassic World Aftermath and Augmented Empire comes a game that places you directly in the literal shoes of the famous Men in Black. It’s characterized as a stealth action game providing you with access to countless gadgets and the mission to eliminate
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Save More Than 20% on Hulu’s Streaming Package by Transitioning from YouTube TV
Who needs Black Friday when streaming offers are already this impressive?
The season for Black Friday streaming offers is upon us, but there’s no need to wait until November 28th to seize one of Hulu’s top deals. Register for the Hulu with Live TV, Disney Plus, and ESPN+ package before November 18th and you will receive a 20% discount on your first three months of streaming. That date is just around the corner, so if you’re interested, don’t delay!
This Black Friday streaming offer emerges during a well-publicized dispute between Disney Plus and YouTube TV. The Google-managed live TV platform recently lost access to several Disney channels due to the ongoing conflict, and as talks progress, the abrupt removal of ABC and ESPN content has prompted many users to abandon YouTube TV entirely.
Luckily for users (and unfortunately for YouTube), Hulu has come to the rescue with this package deal, ensuring you won’t miss anything. Hulu with Live TV provides immediate access to 95 live channels – comprising local news, ESPN sports, and cable networks like NBC, Paramount, and Discovery – along with regular streaming content from Hulu, Disney Plus (with advertisements), and ESPN Select.
Of course, a resolution between Disney and YouTube TV is expected to occur eventually, so if you’d prefer to stick with your current service, it’s worth noting that YouTube is providing a $20 credit as a form of apology. However, if you’re tired of corporate executives interfering with your beloved live programming – after all, they did disrupt Monday Night Football – there are numerous streaming alternatives to explore. The Hulu discount mentioned earlier is just the cherry on top.