AllYouCanTech

Google and Disney Encounter Dispute Regarding Agreement Conditions, Putting Consumers at a Disadvantage

**Nuttin’ but a Number: The Disney and Google Dispute**

In the continually changing environment of streaming platforms, the recent contractual disagreement between Google and Disney has drawn considerable notice. This confrontation, mainly focused on the licensing conditions for Disney’s streaming media channels on YouTube TV, has left a multitude of subscribers without access to well-liked channels such as ESPN, ABC, and National Geographic.

**The Core Issue**

The essence of the conflict is rooted in the monetary discussions between the two behemoths. Google has claimed that Disney is attempting to enforce deal provisions that would lead to higher expenses for consumers. On the other hand, Disney asserts that Google is utilizing its market supremacy to undervalue Disney’s content, thereby hindering negotiations.

**Impact on Subscribers**

As of October 30, 2025, Disney’s extensive range of channels was taken off YouTube TV, impacting millions of viewers who depend on the platform for their beloved programs and sports broadcasts. This blackout has ignited dissatisfaction among subscribers, many of whom are contemplating other streaming options.

**Corporate Standoff**

Both firms have released statements advocating for their views. Google maintains that Disney’s requests would unjustly inflate prices for consumers, while Disney argues that Google is disinterested in a just agreement, instead aiming to undercut the worth of Disney’s offerings.

**The Bigger Picture**

This conflict echoes past corporate confrontations in the technology and media sectors, where the main emphasis frequently shifts from customer contentment to financial profit. As both corporations hold their ground, the true victims are the subscribers ensnared in the fray.

**Consumer Power**

In the midst of this standoff, consumers are reminded of their ability to sway corporate choices. By opting to unsubscribe or switch services, they can deliver a powerful message to organizations focusing on profits rather than customer satisfaction.

**Conclusion**

As discussions progress, the result remains unclear. Nevertheless, this dispute underscores the intricate dynamics of the streaming sector and the persistent challenges consumers face in maneuvering through these corporate conflicts.

“CMF Headphone Pro: Budget-Friendly Over-Ear ANC Headphones Featuring High-Quality Audio, 100-Hour Battery Life, and Responsive Controls for Less Than $100”

I didn’t anticipate much from headphones at this price point, yet Nothing and CMF truly impressed me.

CMF, the sub-brand of Nothing, offers affordable tech gadgets with a unique twist, and has recently launched its inaugural over-ear headphones, the CMF Headphone Pro. This release follows the debut of the Nothing Headphone 1 earlier this year but features a more understated design and a significantly lower price. The CMF Headphone Pro is priced at just $99, with the latest promotion bringing it down to only $84.

I usually view the ideal range for over-ear headphone pricing to be around $300, which is what the mainline Nothing headphones cost. I adjusted my expectations for the Headphone Pro accordingly; however, as I began testing them, it became clear that they offer far fewer compromises compared to their rivals. They also perfectly embody Nothing’s philosophy, thanks to their thoughtful design, tactile controls, physical ports, and modularity.

Transitioning from more expensive models like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 and earbuds like the AirPods Pro 3, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the CMF Headphone Pro could easily become my go-to headphones.

CMF Headphone Pro features a comfortable design with tactile input.

Nothing emphasizes design, whether we examine their mainline offerings or CMF versions. The CMF Headphone Pro showcases a shiny plastic finish with a metal slider that adjusts the headband. This glossy plastic will appear more appealing in certain colorways than in others — I tested the light green variant that resembles teal or blue — but I believe it works well on the Headphone Pro. It’s iPod plastic, not low-quality plastic.

Both the ear cushions and headband are soft, with the former being replaceable via a twist-lock system. However, replacements must be purchased separately. There is a small gap between the headphone chassis and the cushions, which gives the Headphone Pro a slightly incomplete feel and might lead to confusion when swapping styles.

In typical Nothing style, there are numerous ports and buttons available — a USB-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, two buttons, a slider, and a roller. The Energy Slider acts as an EQ directly on the headphones, allowing real-time adjustments to bass or treble levels. While customization through the Nothing X app is excellent, it’s a nice touch to modify your sound profile without it.

Most of the controls you’re likely to use frequently are within the “multi-function roller,” which manages volume, ANC modes, and playback. Would dedicated buttons for each function be preferable over the EQ slider? Likely, but to CMF’s credit, the roller operates effectively. It offers more reliability and utility than the capacitive controls found on premium headphones I’ve tried.

The sound quality is outstanding for the price — I could use them daily.

When I envision sound quality for headphones under $100, I often think of a tinny sound with poor separation and weak bass. The CMF Headphone Pro does everything to challenge that perception. These headphones incorporate 40mm drivers with nickel-plated diaphragms that Nothing claims help reduce distortion and enhance clarity. They’re matched with a 16.5 mm copper voice coil, precision bass duct, and dual-chamber construction, as stated by the company.

The hardware provides a sound signature that’s more balanced than I’ve typically experienced with Nothing. The bass is clearly present but does not overpower like the Headphone 1 or Ear 3. Sounds in the mid or high frequencies may not be as crisp as those on more expensive headphones, but they crucially avoid being piercing or excessively bright.

The best way to characterize the Headphone Pro’s sound is to note that I own all the top wireless headphones available and switched to CMF’s $100 pair without any issues. Sure, I would prefer the superior sound quality and ANC from pricier models, but I didn’t feel deprived using the Headphone Pro.

With LDAC support up to 990 kbps via Bluetooth, these headphones do accommodate high-resolution audio. There’s also a function that creates a Personal Sound profile tailored to your ears, based on your hearing of distinct audio frequencies.

CMF’s Headphone Pro also features “Hybrid Adaptive ANC” with three levels of noise-canceling intensity. The ANC performs quite well for the price, muting external sounds effectively when your music is at 75% volume or higher. The transparency mode is less effective, as voices aren’t as clear as I would prefer. However, it is possible to engage in a brief conversation with the transparency mode activated — but only with the music off.

The battery life is possibly the most impressive aspect, reaching 100 hours with ANC disabled. It drops to 50 hours with ANC enabled, which is still commendable.

Are the CMF Headphone Pro headphones worth it?

As someone who appreciates excellent sound quality (and is ready to invest in it), I wouldn’t criticize anyone for opting to spend on superior audio.

Google Enlists 10,000 Pixel Watch Users for Hypertension Research

In the sphere of wearable tech, Fitbit Labs has launched two captivating studies aimed at deepening our comprehension of long-term health patterns: the “Unusual Trend Detection” and the “Hypertension Study Lab.” However, not everyone can join these studies, as certain eligibility requirements must be satisfied.

Fitbit’s initiative forms part of a larger movement to utilize wearable technology for health observation and academic investigation. The Hypertension Study Lab, in particular, is tailored for owners of the Pixel Watch 3. This study seeks to detect indicators of elevated blood pressure, with some participants being rewarded with gift cards. Conversely, the Unusual Trend Detection study emphasizes spotting shifts in health metrics, asking participants to record potential causes and symptoms for additional research.

Google is on the lookout for as many as 10,000 qualified participants to wear their Pixel Watch 3 for a span of 180 days. The aim is to compile data that could ultimately assist users in taking proactive measures towards improved heart health. This study is exclusively available to Pixel Watch 3 owners, excluding individuals with the Pixel Watch 4 or earlier versions. Participants are required to be at least 22 years old, live in the United States, and complete an eligibility questionnaire in English.

The Unusual Trend Detection study alerts participants if their health metrics differ from the standard, motivating them to document potential causes and symptoms. This data gathering is intended to create a detailed database of physiological responses, which might be critical for future health insights.

To join these studies, users can go to the Fitbit app, click on their profile icon, and consent to the utilization of their data for research and development. Eligible participants in the Hypertension Study may be provided with a blood pressure cuff to use alongside their smartwatch, with some receiving a $25 gift card as a reward.

It is crucial to emphasize that although these studies aim to push forward health research, participants will not receive medical advice or insights regarding their data. Instead, the data amassed will contribute to a wider understanding of health trends and may inform upcoming advancements in wearable health technology.

In summary, Fitbit Labs’ studies signify a notable advancement in merging wearable technology with health research. By taking part, individuals can aid in essential research that could eventually lead to enhanced health monitoring and preventative care strategies.

OnePlus 12 Gets Planned Android 16 Update with Open Foldable Launch

OnePlus has effectively followed its intended timeline for the release of the OxygenOS 16 update, representing a significant achievement for both the company and its users. This update, rooted in Android 16, has commenced its distribution, beginning with the OnePlus 12 series and the OnePlus Open foldable in India. The update is considerable, guaranteeing a more seamless operating system experience, enhanced graphics, app enhancements, and the incorporation of AI functionalities.

The rollout is poised to widen to additional regions, such as the U.S. and Europe, in the upcoming weeks. The update unveils the Trinity Engine, which fine-tunes workload and resources to ensure fluid performance across a variety of applications, including videos, gaming, and camera functions. Moreover, the Mind Space feature has received improvements, providing quicker access to saved materials, and the camera now supports motion photos and superior portrait modes.

Other noteworthy features encompass a visual refresh for the Photos app, newly designed Home screen icons, and an optimized grid layout for a tidier interface. This update forms part of a larger strategy by OnePlus to offer a more tailored and intuitive user experience, with additional rollouts scheduled for other devices in the upcoming months.

Enhanced Facial Recognition Anticipated in Samsung Galaxy S27

**Initial Speculations Suggest Potential Security Enhancements for the S27 Ultra**

As the technology sector keenly awaits the launch of the Galaxy S26, chatter surrounding the Galaxy S27 Ultra is already causing a stir. Preliminary speculations indicate that Samsung is aiming for notable security improvements in its forthcoming flagship, possibly establishing a new benchmark in mobile security.

**Essential Information**

– **Comprehensive Facial Biometric System**: Samsung may unveil a new “comprehensive facial” biometric system for the Galaxy S27 Ultra. This enhancement is anticipated to significantly diminish unlocking delays and improve “spoof-resistance,” providing users with a more secure and effective unlocking method.

– **Polar ID v1.0**: The speculated security upgrades are thought to be part of a framework referred to as “Polar ID v1.0,” which allegedly employs polarized-light verification. This could signify a major advancement in biometric security technology.

– **ISOCELL Vizion Sensor**: To facilitate these improvements, Samsung is rumored to be creating a new “ISOCELL Vizion” camera sensor. This sensor may be vital for enabling the comprehensive facial authentication capability.

**Looking Forward to 2027**

While the Galaxy S25 remains in the limelight, and the Galaxy S26 approaches with its own rumored privacy features, the tech community is already conjecturing about the developments the Galaxy S27 Ultra might introduce. The emphasis on security enhancements highlights an increasing trend in the industry toward prioritizing user privacy and data safeguarding.

As we await official confirmations, these preliminary speculations offer an enticing preview into the future of smartphone innovation. Whether these capabilities will become reality is yet to be determined, but they certainly raise high hopes for Samsung’s upcoming offerings.

YouTuber Wraps Up 2-Year Research on Fast Charging’s Effects on 40 Smartphone Batteries

Does rapid charging genuinely damage battery health? Based on these evaluations, no.

Key points to consider:
– A YouTuber conducted a series of three trials over 2 years using 40 smartphones to examine the variations in battery health resulting from different charging practices.
– The evaluations involved comparing rapid and gradual charging, limiting phone charges to 80%, and more.
– The outcome is that rapid charging does not harm battery health, but maintaining a phone charge between 30-80% may enhance long-term battery longevity.

For years, the discussion around the impact of rapid charging on battery health has been ongoing. Ultra-fast charging devices, such as the OnePlus 13, support up to 100W charging with the power adapter included, while most devices from Google and Samsung typically don’t exceed 45W charging for longer than a few minutes, even with a specialized charger.

This has led many to assume that Apple, Google, and Samsung have opted for slower charging to extend battery life over time. A YouTuber, tired of the unfounded arguments, decided to subject 40 phones to a series of three evaluations over two years, ultimately arriving at a single conclusion: “charge however you prefer.”

Watch the video for detailed statistics, but in summary: rapid charging does not adversely affect battery longevity in any significant manner. The automated testing setup he developed charged the phones and then discharged them for over 500 cycles. The main evaluation took more than 6 months to reach the 500 cycle count for all phones, while the other two trials were largely inconclusive due to testing complications.

HTX discovered that Android phones using 120W charging exhibited an average difference of only 0.3% in battery health compared to 18W charging by the end of this 500 cycle evaluation. In other words, it’s much more practical to quickly charge your phone than to stress over a small percentage of battery health decline over time.

A follow-up series of evaluations sought to determine whether keeping your phone between 30-80% could enhance battery health over time. The findings indicated a 2.5% difference in battery health between devices regularly charged to 100% and drained to 0% compared to those maintained in the 30-80% range, providing the latter with the advantage.

Naturally, deliberately restricting your phone’s battery capacity to 50% does not seem entirely logical if you are only benefiting from a 2.5% improvement in battery health over two years. Once again, HTX’s assertion holds true: simply use your phone as you wish. It really doesn’t make much of a difference.

Disney and YouTube TV Conflict, Google Maps Gets Significant Enhancement, Qualcomm’s Profits Soar, and More Updates

A summary of the most notable tech-related updates that emerged this week.

Google Provides Complimentary Google AI Pro Plan with 2TB Storage to More Than 500 Million Indians for 18 Months

Google collaborates with India’s Jio to present its AI Pro plan at no charge whatsoever.

Amazon Fire Tablet Gets 50% Price Cut Before Black Friday

The newest Fire HD 10 tablet from Amazon is creating a buzz with its remarkable performance boost, enjoying a 25% speed enhancement over its earlier model. This upgrade is a key element of Amazon’s plan to provide increased value to its users as the holiday season draws near.

The Fire HD 10 boasts a 10.1-inch LCD display, making it a perfect selection for family use, smart home management, or as an economical work device. It comes with 32GB of storage, which can be expanded to 64GB, alongside a microSD slot that allows extra expansion up to 1TB. The tablet is outfitted with 3GB of RAM and a 5MP front camera, ensuring seamless performance for daily tasks.

A key highlight of the Fire HD 10 is its battery longevity, with Amazon asserting it can last up to 13 hours on a single charge. Charging is quick, thanks to the included USB-C cable, which delivers a full charge in roughly 4 hours, or 3 hours when utilizing a separately purchased 15W cable.

Currently, this tablet can be found at a considerable discount, with Amazon reducing the price by 50% prior to Black Friday, lowering it to just below $70. This positions it as an appealing choice for those in search of a dependable tablet without overspending.

The Fire HD 10 is suggested for individuals seeking a basic tablet for streaming, internet browsing, and casual gaming. However, users requiring more robust devices for high-end gaming or demanding tasks might want to look into alternative options.

In summary, the Fire HD 10 presents a captivating combination of performance, features, and affordability, making it a formidable player in the budget tablet arena.

YouTube Restricts Access for Users Utilizing Ad Blockers on Certain Browsers

A number of reports indicate that YouTube completely shuts down when an ad blocker is identified.

What you ought to know:
– YouTube’s video service is allegedly creating difficulties for users with ad blockers, but these issues appear to be confined to one specific browser: Opera GX.
– Users assert that even with ad blockers in Chrome, they are able to access YouTube; however, the built-in blocker in Opera GX conflicts with the platform.
– YouTube, particularly YouTube TV, is already facing challenges due to its ongoing dispute over Disney content, with users expressing willingness to abandon the service entirely if the issue remains unresolved.

Amid the current situation with YouTube (specifically YouTube TV), users are now reporting that the site has ceased functioning, possibly due to ad blockers.

There is an expanding discussion thread on the YouTube subreddit where users are addressing the recent difficulties in accessing the platform (via 9to5Google). The persistent issues seem very targeted, as users with the Opera GX browser are reporting widespread problems. The OP (original poster) mentioned they were streaming music on YouTube in the background, but then everything abruptly stopped working.

The website became unresponsive, and the thumbnails for the videos disappeared.

While users initially suspected this meant that YouTube was down or possibly experiencing server issues, additional reports suggest that ad blockers could be the culprit. One user mentions that trying to access YouTube through Opera GX encounters the same issue, while others note that using a different browser presents no problems. Another report states, “Mine was also broken, seems to be Adblock related, as the site loads fine without it, and completely breaks with it. At least on my end.”

Interestingly, one user explains they’ve been unable to access YouTube via Opera GX with ad block activated; however, using Google Chrome (with ad block) works without issue. User SH4DE_RL claims it’s the integrated ad blocker in Opera GX that is creating the difficulty and that deactivating it “resolves the issue.”

The issues continue to escalate:
These complications were surfacing for users earlier this morning (Nov 7). If these problems are ongoing for you while using the Opera GX browser, consider trying the solutions some users have indicated on Reddit. This may potentially rectify the situation, but it’s not as if users with ad blockers on YouTube haven’t faced their share of challenges.

Earlier this summer, there was a concern involving users and ad blockers, with reports claiming that YouTube was “slowing down” their videos. The platform reportedly opted to throttle or reduce the speed of videos for those using ad blockers. Reports indicated that the platform would delay videos and also attempt to direct users to a Google support page, as if it were a separate issue. Naturally, the support page recommended removing any extensions (like ad block).

YouTube has been in this ongoing battle against ad blockers for several years and has employed various tactics. One of the most visible efforts by the platform was its trial of completely halting all video streaming unless users disabled the blocker or subscribed to YouTube Premium.

YouTube is already facing enough challenges at this moment, as users become exceedingly frustrated with its TV streaming service. Recent reports suggest that users are seriously contemplating discontinuing the service, considering they are missing channels offered by Disney, such as ESPN and ABC. Moreover, a significant number of users reportedly surveyed indicate that if this situation continues, they will seek alternative options.