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YouTube Will Stop Providing Streaming Data to Billboard in 2026, Affecting Artists’ Chart Rankings

Billboard serves as a cornerstone of the music industry, and since 1940, the publication has been monitoring the top-selling albums weekly. Naturally, the methods by which we engage with music have experienced numerous considerable transformations over the years. Recently, music streaming has thoroughly dominated the industry, with the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) indicating that streaming accounts for 84% of recorded music revenue in the U.S.

Since 2005, YouTube has emerged as one of the leading music streaming services, particularly for music videos. The platform began influencing Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart in 2013 and started affecting the Billboard Hot 200 albums chart in 2019. In essence, YouTube has impacted at least one Billboard chart for over a decade, but that is about to change next month.

Effective Jan. 16, 2026, YouTube will cease reporting streaming data to Billboard. YouTube streams will no longer affect Billboard’s top singles or albums charts, which will immediately alter how the most popular songs on YouTube rank on the leaderboards. This change will have an effect on everyone, whether you are a casual YouTube user or a passionate music fan.

Reasons for YouTube’s withdrawal from Billboard reporting next year

In 2025, tracking the performance metrics of albums and songs presents a complex challenge. Music streams, album acquisitions, and various intermediary metrics must all be considered. Charts like Billboard utilize “album units” to assess a song or album’s relative success. One complete album sale counts as one album unit, but multiple individual track purchases, paid streams, or free and ad-supported streams can cumulatively amount to one album unit.

YouTube disputes the latter aspect of Billboard’s album unit calculation — free or ad-supported streams and paid streams hold different weights. Streaming a song on Spotify via a subscription is valued higher than a free YouTube stream. Specifically, this is how Billboard currently computes an album unit for its charts:

At present, each consumption unit for an album means one album sale, 10 individual tracks bought from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand audio or video streams derived from songs on an album.

According to a blog post, YouTube has engaged in “extensive discussions” with Billboard about these calculations. Billboard announced intentions to increase the weight of both paid and free streams earlier this month, effective for Billboard charts dated Jan. 17, 2026. After this change, an album unit will represent 2,500 ad-supported streams or 1,000 paid or subscription on-demand streams.

“This alteration implies that it will require 33.3% fewer ad-supported on-demand streams from songs of an album and 20% fewer paid/subscription on-demand streams of songs from an album to equal an album unit,” Billboard stated.

While Billboard is attempting to lessen the disparity between paid and ad-supported streams starting next month, it has not acquiesced to YouTube’s requests. The Google-owned streaming platform demands complete value equality between ad-supported and paid streams. Billboard remains unmoved for now, leading YouTube to withdraw its data from Billboard charts just one day prior to the new streaming values taking effect.

Billboard employs an antiquated calculation that places heavier weight on subscription-supported streams compared to ad-supported… We are merely requesting that all streams are fairly and equitably counted, irrespective of whether they arise from subscription or ad-supported formats—because every fan is important and each play should matter.

In YouTube’s blog post, penned by global music head Lyor Cohen, it was noted that YouTube’s music streaming data encompasses both paid and ad-supported streams. Some users enjoy streaming through the ad-free YouTube Premium subscription, while others utilize the ad-supported free version of YouTube.

A representative for Billboard commented that “there are numerous ways for fans to support their favorite artists, each holding a unique place in the music ecosystem.”

“Billboard aims to accurately measure this activity, balanced across various factors including consumer access, revenue evaluation, data integrity, and industry standards,” the Billboard representative continued. “We hope that YouTube reconsiders and collaborates with Billboard to acknowledge the reach and popularity of artists across all music platforms, celebrating their accomplishments through fan engagement with the music they cherish.”

At present, it seems both YouTube and Billboard acknowledge their interdependent relationship within the music streaming landscape and have left the possibility open for YouTube’s data to return to the charts. However, neither Billboard nor YouTube appears willing to yield on the firm positions they have articulated regarding album unit consumption weighting.

Implications for YouTube users and the music sector

For users, there will be a shift in how music is consumed on YouTube, with the extent of the impact depending on how much you value supporting your favorite artists. If you wish for your favorite songs or albums to bolster an artist

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Why It’s Crucial to Upgrade Your 2.4GHz Router

If your Wi-Fi continues to feel sluggish, the problem might be with your router instead of your internet service provider. In numerous households, the internet modem obtains the promised speed from your ISP but suffers a decline in performance during Wi-Fi transmission because the device is a single-band variant that operates only on 2.4GHz.

For many years, the single-band 2.4GHz technology was the default for Wi-Fi, but it has proven inadequate for today’s requirements. An increase in connected devices, 4K content streaming, and online gaming raise the expectations for bandwidth and stability beyond what older equipment can provide. Retaining such a router can squander the complete capacity of your internet plan and slow down the overall home network.

Resolving the situation is simple, yet it often necessitates a hardware upgrade. Replacing your outdated equipment with a dual-band router (or even a current Wi-Fi 6 or 7 model) is the fastest solution to enhance internet speeds throughout your home.

How 2.4GHz routers limit your Wi-Fi connection

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Apple Updates App Store Regulations After Resolution of Brazilian Antitrust Dispute

Beginning next year, Apple will permit app sideloading and external payment links for users in Brazil, following an antitrust agreement with local authorities. Here are the specifics.

### Some background

In 2022, Latin American e-commerce leader MercadoLibre lodged a complaint with Brazil’s competition authority, the Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica (CADE), disputing Apple’s iOS App Store regulations, which included limitations on app distribution and the compulsory use of Apple’s in-app payment system.

Since that time, the legal maneuvering has mirrored the pattern observed in other nations where Apple has encountered comparable antitrust examination. Both Apple and MercadoLibre achieved legal victories, which were promptly contested by the opposing party.

In mid-2025, CADE endorsed a provisional measure that would mandate Apple to permit alternative app distribution and third-party payment links in Brazil, contingent upon a compliance period.

Days prior to the implementation of these changes, CADE and Apple entered yet another phase of negotiations, temporarily halting enforcement.

That leads us to today’s announcement.

### Today’s announcement

In a statement released this morning, CADE announced that its board has endorsed Apple’s proposed Term of Commitment to Cease (TCC), a settlement framework utilized by Brazilian antitrust authorities to conclude investigations in return for enforceable remedies.

As part of the settlement, Apple is required to permit alternative app distribution channels in Brazil, enable developers to link to external payment options, and allow third-party payment methods to be available alongside Apple’s in-app purchase system.

Apple must also ensure that any user-facing notifications regarding these options are “structured in a neutral and objective manner, and shall not create control measures that impede the user experience.”

With today’s settlement, Apple now has a maximum of 105 days to execute the agreed modifications, facing potential fines of up to R$150 million ($27.1 million) for noncompliance, in addition to the possibility of reopening the administrative investigation.

In a statement to 9to5Mac, Apple remarked:

> “To align with regulatory requirements from CADE, Apple is making modifications that will influence iOS applications in Brazil. While these changes may introduce new privacy and security challenges for users, we have endeavored to maintain safeguards against certain threats, including preserving critical protections for younger users. These measures will not eliminate all risks, but they will assist in ensuring that iOS continues to be the premier, most secure mobile platform accessible in Brazil and we will persist in advocating for users and developers.”

Apple has not yet disclosed details regarding the new fee structure or the protections it will establish for the Brazilian App Store, though they are expected to align with the frameworks in Europe, Japan, and the U.S. The final terms are anticipated to be revealed in the upcoming weeks, as the 105-day countdown is already underway.

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Google One Presents 50% Off Annual 2 TB and AI Pro Plans

**Google One Presents Limited-Time Discounts for 2026: Seize Every Moment of the New Year**

Google One is currently offering a limited-time discount for new users in 2026, giving them the chance to save 50% on select annual plans, particularly the 2 TB and AI Pro options. This initiative promotes the idea of “Seizing every moment of the new year,” motivating users to benefit from increased storage and features.

### Pricing and Plans

1. **Basic 100 GB Plan**:
– **Discounted Price**: $9.99 (previously $19.99) for one year.
– **Usage**: The storage can be used across Gmail, Google Photos, and Google Drive.

2. **Premium 2 TB Plan**:
– **Discounted Price**: $49.99 for the first year (standard price $99.99).
– **Benefits**: Subscribers will earn 10% back in the Google Store and gain access to premium Workspace features, including extended Google Meet calls that can be broadcast to YouTube and enhanced Calendar scheduling options.

3. **Google AI Pro Plan**:
– **Discounted Price**: $99.99 for the first year (initially $199.99).
– **Features**: This plan comes with 2 TB of storage, Google Home Premium Standard, and a discount on YouTube Premium (14% off).

### Enhanced Features in the Gemini App

With the Google AI Pro plan, users can utilize the Gemini app, which features higher usage limits and advanced functionalities:

– **Gemini 3 Pro**:
– **Usage Limits**: 100 prompts daily.
– **Image Generation**:
– **Nano Banana**: Generate up to 1,000 images per day (compared to 100/day on the free version).
– **Nano Banana Pro**: Up to 100 images per day (versus 3/day on the free version).

– **Video Generation**:
– **Veo 3.1 Fast**: Create up to 3 videos daily.

– **Deep Research Reports**:
– Generate up to 20 reports using Gemini 3 Pro each day.

– **Context Window**:
– A 1 million token context window (roughly 1,500 pages of text) supports extensive tasks, including spreadsheet and code analysis.

### Additional Features

Subscribers will also gain from broader model access in Google AI Mode and the Gemini side panel in Google Workspace apps like Gmail, Drive, and Docs. Enhanced AI features are accessible in Google Photos, NotebookLM, Flow, and Whisk, while developers enjoy increased access in Google Antigravity, Gemini CLI, Gemini Code Assist, and Jules.

### Availability and Sign-Up

This Google One discount is specifically available for new subscribers and is anticipated to end around New Year’s Eve. Interested individuals can sign up by visiting [one.google.com/ai-nye](https://one.google.com/ai-nye).

In conclusion, Google One’s limited-time promotion for 2026 provides a fantastic opportunity for new subscribers to take advantage of significant savings on storage plans while experiencing enhanced features that cater to both personal and professional requirements.

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Sandra Bullock Rejected Two Parts in a Leading ’90s Sci-Fi Movie

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“The Matrix” movies – not (at least initially) as Trinity, but as Neo. In other words, the part that Keanu Reeves made legendary almost went to Bullock.

In a conversation with The Wrap a few years back, seasoned film producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura mentioned that the “The Matrix” team faced significant challenges in finding the suitable actor to portray Neo. This was, of course, prior to the producers focusing on Reeves. Consequently, the team briefly thought about altering the character to be female.

“We reached out to so many people I can’t recall,” di Bonaventura shared. “We were becoming desperate. We approached Sandy Bullock and suggested ‘We’ll switch Neo to a girl.’

“The Matrix” producers ultimately provided Bullock with the script, but it never materialized into anything. Moreover, and as a reflection of Bullock’s popularity at that time, she also declined the role of Trinity in “The Matrix” films.

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Samsung Unveils Update to Resolve Ongoing Crashing Problem in Galaxy Buds App

Samsung has rolled out a fresh update for the Galaxy Buds Manager app, tackling a major bug that had been causing users considerable annoyance. The problem, which surfaced in an earlier update, resulted in the app crashing whenever users took their Galaxy Buds out of the case, leading to ongoing pop-up notifications on their devices. This issue has been fixed in the new version, v8.0.00.2500, or later, as per Samsung’s announcement.

The Galaxy Buds Manager app, crucial for overseeing and customizing Samsung Galaxy Buds, had introduced this issue in version v8.0.00.2300. Users experienced repeated app crashes and the emergence of “Galaxy Buds keeps stopping” notifications, quickly turning into a hassle. Samsung recognized the problem and shared the solution on their online forum, as highlighted by SamMobile.

To get rid of these bothersome pop-ups and crashes, users are advised to update their Galaxy Buds app via the Galaxy Store. By finding the app and clicking the “Update” button, users can enjoy a more seamless experience with their Galaxy Buds and Samsung Galaxy phones.

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Samsung Unveils Update to Resolve Ongoing Crashing Problem in Galaxy Buds App
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Android Auto to Launch Media Casting Functionality from Smartphones

New code snippets indicate that Google is developing Cast support for Android Auto

What you need to understand

– Google is advancing the integration of Google Cast into Android Auto, enabling audio and video casting from smartphones to vehicles.
– Code snippets in Android Auto 15.9 allude to Cast inclusion, indicating that Google is in the process of enhancing in-car casting functionalities.
– Android Auto is also embracing the Material 3 Expressive design, with new media controls observed in the latest version.

If you have been waiting to cast videos and audio from your Android device to Android Auto in your vehicle, this feature might soon be available.

New code snippets discovered in Android Auto version 15.9.655104 suggest that Google is looking to incorporate Google Cast support into Android Auto (via 9to5Google). These snippets were found within the Media Router framework and feature numerous mentions of Cast, indicating that Google is actively crafting casting support for in-car Android interactions.

That being said, the report mentions that the snippets are quite general, so it’s plausible that Google isn’t yet directly implementing Cast support in Android Auto. However, it would be strange for these mentions to surface in Android Auto unless they were intended for use.

It’s also important to note that Android Automotive already has Google Cast functionality, making it sensible for Google to provide similar capabilities to Android Auto.

For those who may not know, Android Auto depends on your smartphone to project Android onto your car’s display, while Android Automotive operates natively on the vehicle and doesn’t necessarily need a phone.

Google is experimenting with something fresh inside Android Auto

Google has previously hinted at video support for Android Auto, and this might be one of the features being refined ahead of an official launch.

In addition to Cast support, Android Auto 15.9 seems to be adopting more aspects of the Material 3 Expressive design language.

As reported by Android Authority, the media player in the latest Android Auto version has started shifting to the revised design, featuring a new progress bar and updated button styles. This feature is not activated by default, but the publication successfully triggered it manually.

Currently, none of these features seem set for public launch, as Google is still actively working on them. Nevertheless, we will keep you informed as these updates start to roll out more broadly.

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Top 4 Essential Apps to Set Up on Your Android Smartwatch Initially

Google Gemini’s Wear OS application, which will take over from Google Assistant, enhances efficiency on Wear OS with quicker, more intuitive voice commands, AI-driven reasoning, and enhanced automation. Imagine Gemini as the guide on your wrist, providing immediate access to nearly all the features you’d desire from a smartwatch: checking the weather, setting reminders, sending messages via apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, making phone calls, scheduling appointments, or managing smart home devices.

Gemini also revolutionizes the way you manage fitness applications on your smartwatch. You can effortlessly start, pause, or completely end workouts without using your hands. With its seamless Google integration, you can pose health or fitness-related inquiries instantly, whether you’re running, working out at the gym, or enjoying a stroll. If you are a Gmail user, Gemini can supercharge your email efficiency. It can summarize emails, read

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Top 4 Essential Apps to Set Up on Your Android Smartwatch Initially
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Recommended Free Apple CarPlay Application for EV Owners Beyond Apple Maps

extending the range of their electric vehicle, downloading ABRP could be the most beneficial action an EV driver undertakes to improve their next journey.

A customizable route map for EVs

Apple Maps serves as a valuable resource for EV drivers whose vehicles are compatible with Apple CarPlay, providing various functionalities tailored for EVs. Nonetheless, some users encounter challenges with the navigation system if their vehicle does not feature EV routing capabilities that align directions with the vehicle’s battery levels. Consequently, these users often have to manually locate charging stations along their route, which can be a challenging task. Additionally, while reviews, charging types, and images are available on charging station profiles, this information is not as easily retrievable during navigation. ABRP provides EV drivers with a more straightforward approach to planning extensive road trips.

Upon downloading the

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Recommended Free Apple CarPlay Application for EV Owners Beyond Apple Maps
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iOS 26.3 Brings Fresh Capabilities for iPhone Users

# iOS 26.3: Fresh Features and Upgrades

Apple has just unveiled the first beta iteration of iOS 26.3, concentrating on enhancing compatibility between iPhone and Android devices, alongside boosting support for third-party smartwatches. This article highlights the main features brought forth in this update.

## iOS 26.3 Fresh Features

### Android Transfer

Among the most prominent updates in iOS 26.3 is the newly introduced “Transfer to Android” functionality. This system streamlines the transition for iPhone users moving to Android devices, developed through a partnership between Apple and Google. Users can now position their Android device next to their iPhone to start a wireless transfer of photos, messages, notes, applications, and contact numbers. However, sensitive information like Health data and locked notes will not be transferred. Apple and Google intend to broaden the types of transferable data as the beta testing moves forward.

### Notification Forwarding

Another key enhancement is the “Notification Forwarding” feature, which enables iPhone notifications to be shown on third-party smartwatches or wearables. Users can activate this feature in the Notifications menu found in the Settings app. However, it is crucial to mention that notifications will not be visible on the Apple Watch while this feature is in use. Currently, this functionality is restricted to users located in the European Union, as Apple adheres to the new Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations.

### Additional EU Features

Besides Notification Forwarding, iOS 26.3 brings several other enhancements aimed at improving interoperability for EU users:

– **Proximity Pairing**: Similar to AirPods, this feature simplifies the connection of third-party accessories.
– **Enhanced NFC Capabilities**: Users can start connections with devices without needing the iPhone’s presence.
– **High-Bandwidth Wi-Fi Connection**: This feature facilitates peer-to-peer connections, supporting the recent Android-iPhone switching functionalities.

The European Union has embraced these updates, stressing the new possibilities for developers and users arising from the DMA enactment.

### Wallpapers

Apple has also made slight modifications to the wallpapers section in iOS 26.3. The former single category for Weather and Astronomy wallpapers has been split into two separate sections. New pre-designed wallpapers have been added to the Weather category, which continues to showcase live weather conditions for the user’s area.

## iOS 26.3 Launch Date

The formal launch of iOS 26.3 is expected in late January 2026. This schedule aligns with earlier iOS releases, such as iOS 18.3 and iOS 17.3, which were introduced in late January of their respective years.

## Conclusion

Although iOS 26.3 may seem like a minor update compared to its predecessor, it brings forth noteworthy features aimed at enhancing user experience and compatibility between devices. As the beta testing phase progresses, more features may be incorporated or adjusted. Users are encouraged to share their experiences and any new discoveries throughout this time.

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