Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

“Google Play Books Celebrates 15th Anniversary with Thrilling Deals for Readers”

Google is organizing a festive occasion for Android users this weekend, commemorating the 15th anniversary of Google Play Books. From December 5th to 7th, readers have the opportunity to earn 15 times the standard Play Points on their book purchases. This celebration is part of Google’s continuous initiatives to boost user involvement and reward fidelity.

Since its inception in 2010, Google Play Books has grown to more than 75 countries, providing an extensive collection of over 10 million ebooks and audiobooks. The platform enables users to categorize their collections by genre or author and facilitates smooth access across various devices. Features such as book samples and alerts for new releases in preferred series enrich the reading experience.

This event continues Google’s custom of marking milestones, following the recent 10th anniversary of Google Photos, which unveiled AI editing suggestions and QR codes for sharing albums. As Google Play Books commemorates its anniversary, users can take advantage of the heightened Play Points, creating an exhilarating opportunity for book lovers.

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The Significance of Engaged Parenting in the Digital Era: Why Australia’s Social Media Prohibition Is Not the Answer for Kids’ YouTube Consumption

I’ll be raising my own children, thank you.

(Image credit: Jason England / Android Central)
Android & Chill

(Image credit: Future)

As one of the internet’s most enduring tech columns, Android & Chill serves as your Saturday conversation about Android, Google, and every tech topic imaginable.

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YouTube TV Broadens News Offerings by Incorporating C-SPAN

C-SPAN is now accessible on YouTube TV, granting subscribers entry to C-SPAN, C-SPAN2, and C-SPAN3 at no extra charge. This development comes after a September agreement that included a nominal per-subscriber fee, allowing these channels to be part of YouTube TV’s live offerings. In the past, audiences depended on C-SPAN’s website or random livestreams for political news. Now, these networks are part of YouTube TV’s standard guide, increasing the service’s attractiveness as a complete substitute for cable.

The addition of C-SPAN is especially advantageous for the channel, which has experienced a drop in income due to the shrinking number of cable customers. By partnering with YouTube TV, C-SPAN can connect with millions of households, securing its future in the age of streaming. For YouTube TV subscribers, this transition is beneficial as it improves their access to unbiased political reporting with the convenience of YouTube TV’s functions such as playback options and viewing across multiple devices.

This change also represents a larger movement in the streaming sector, where specialized and civically-focused channels may increasingly shift from cable to streaming services. As streaming platforms seek to supplant conventional cable, they must provide a wide variety of content, including crucial government and democracy programming. The inclusion of C-SPAN brings YouTube TV closer to functioning as a genuine cable alternative, delivering subscribers a more all-encompassing viewing experience.

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Chic and Compact Chromebook Now $170 Discounted at Best Buy After Cyber Monday

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go notebook is now priced at only $160.

(Image credit: Samsung)

Although Cyber Monday and Black Friday laptop discounts are largely finished, there are still opportunities for those in search. Even post-sale, purchasers can enjoy a $170 reduction on the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go at Best Buy, representing more than half off the original price, now set at just $160.

Samsung designed the Chromebook Go to be its thinnest and lightest model to date. This offer is for the variant with 128GB of storage, and features a 14-inch display, 4GB of RAM, and an Intel Celeron processor.

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Leak Indicates Honor’s Soon-to-Be-Released Mid-Range Smartphone Will Include a Substantial Battery

There have been whispers about this possibility, and it appears that an enhancement is imminent.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Essential Information

  • Honor’s forthcoming mid-tier model, the rumored X80, has been allegedly seen in a Chinese certification database.
  • The listing purportedly contained information regarding its battery, which may come in with a remarkable 10,000mAh.
  • Speculations from last summer suggested that Honor was intending to enhance the battery capacities of its flagship and mid-range devices.

Notice

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Samsung Accidentally Discloses Galaxy S26 Series Design in One UI 8.5 Update

The images that have surfaced reveal the rear views of the S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra, validating previous leaks. Samsung inadvertently disclosed the Galaxy S26 series designs through 2D visuals located in the One UI 8.5 source code. The designs of the S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra align with earlier reports, confirming the rounded edges and a new camera configuration. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is anticipated to feature a new 3x telephoto sensor and enhanced overall hardware.

With the Samsung Galaxy S26 series just a few months away, we’re beginning to gain a clearer understanding of what to anticipate from the flagship devices at their 2026 launch. Numerous leaks have already unveiled a great deal regarding the Galaxy S26 lineup, and it appears Samsung may have unintentionally leaked the designs itself.

Identified by Android Authority within the One UI 8.5 source code, there are mentions of specific renders of Android devices that seem to be the forthcoming Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. The report indicates the source code references three new Samsung devices with codenames M1, M2, and M3, corresponding to Galaxy S26 (M1), Galaxy S26 Plus (M2), and Galaxy S26 Ultra (M3).

The new One UI code practically verifies the S26 design. Although these images are not actual 3D CAD renders like those typically seen ahead of a launch, they are 2D representations of the forthcoming devices. In fact, the designs displayed correspond with what has been uncovered in prior leaks.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra seems to have more rounded corners compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, while two camera sensors are positioned outside the vertical camera array, resembling previous leaks. The 2D visuals of the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus also correlate with earlier leaked images. All of this essentially substantiates the designs of the Galaxy S26 series before the launch.

In addition to design specifics, much information regarding the Galaxy S26 series has already emerged. Samsung is reportedly set to deliver the Galaxy S26 Ultra with a new 3x telephoto sensor, while the entire series is rumored to feature enhanced charging capabilities, both wired (up to 60W) and wireless (up to 25W).

Further details about the Galaxy S26 lineup are expected to come to light in the upcoming days leading up to the launch, but the design now appears to be nearly confirmed.

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Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold Release Confirmed, New Android Capabilities from Google, Netflix Considers Warner Bros. Purchase

This week in technology news, several noteworthy advancements have drawn significant attention. Samsung introduced its Galaxy Z TriFold, a sleek, foldable gadget boasting a 10-inch AMOLED primary display and a 6.5-inch cover screen, equipped with enhanced camera features and operating on Android 16 with One UI 8. The device is anticipated to debut in the U.S. in early 2026.

Google launched new functionalities for Pixel and Android users, such as “Expressive Captions” for videos, fresh emoji combinations, and a “Call reason” feature to signify urgent calls. Pixel users experienced an Android 16 update providing a “Notification organizer” and AI-generated summaries for chat conversations.

Netflix grabbed attention by purchasing Warner Bros. for $82.7 billion, potentially unifying significant streaming content onto a single platform. Nonetheless, this action may encounter regulatory examination due to antitrust issues.

A leak disclosed information about Samsung’s forthcoming Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, expected to arrive in 2026, featuring potential new health functions and enhanced processing capabilities. Furthermore, a substantial leak of One UI 8.5 outlined new features such as Galaxy AI functionalities and upgraded Quick Share.

Other important news items include discussions regarding Netflix’s acquisition, Chrome’s improved autofill features, and new location tags on X. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6 received an upgrade to One UI 8, and Google and Amazon are teaming up to tackle cloud outages.

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“Highly Rated Family-Friendly Smartphone Still $350 Discounted on Amazon After Holiday Sales”

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is an officially recognized large-screen powerhouse.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

There are still a few residual Black Friday phone bargains available, featuring a 29% discount on the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL at Amazon. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is our top choice for Android phones among parents, largely owing to its impressive camera array, expansive OLED screen, and significant performance enhancements compared to earlier models. It boasts a main camera, a telephoto, and an ultrawide lens on the back, along with a robust front camera.

The 10 Pro XL generally lists for $1,200, so being vigilant for promotions like this is certainly advisable. Importantly, this also marks the lowest price ever noted for the device on Amazon, making it a solid option if you’re already seeking something in the higher-end price bracket.

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Netflix’s Pact with Warner Bros. Sparks Worries Over Content Quality

From Price Increases, Altered Content, to Decline in Creativity

Netflix’s recent purchase of Warner Bros. for $82.7 billion has ignited considerable apprehension among consumers and industry analysts alike. The agreement, although potentially advantageous for both firms, raises multiple concerns that could influence subscribers and the streaming ecosystem as a whole.

Price Increases: A primary worry is the likelihood of rising subscription fees. Users are anxious that HBO’s offerings might turn into an additional service, resulting in elevated total costs. This anxiety is heightened by the necessity to recover the enormous investment made by Netflix.

Altered Content: Another concern is the effect on content quality. HBO is celebrated for its high-caliber programming, and there is doubt regarding how Netflix’s algorithm-based content recommendations might influence the variety and richness of accessible shows. Detractors contend that Netflix’s framework could cause a weakening of HBO’s esteemed offerings.

Decline in Creativity: The acquisition also prompts inquiries concerning the future of creative content. There is unease that current shows might face cancellation, and the conventional film distribution framework could be shaken. While Netflix has guaranteed Warner Bros. Discovery that theatrical releases will persist, the long-term implications for creativity and innovation remain ambiguous.

Social media is abuzz with memes and conversations regarding the agreement, showcasing both serious worries and lighthearted perspectives on the potential transformations. As regulatory approvals are still awaited, the complete ramifications of this acquisition will reveal themselves in the upcoming months, keeping subscribers and industry observers in suspense.

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Chrome Unveils Improved Autofill Capabilities to Simplify Holiday Arrangements

Here’s how you can utilize Chrome for autofilling flight information, vehicle details, and more.

Essential points to note:
– Google is enhancing Chrome’s autofill capabilities to improve integration with Wallet and your Google Account.
– Chrome can now store your enhanced autofill data in Wallet for effortless access across multiple Google services.
– Additionally, it’s revamping the way autofill suggestions are displayed on mobile to make them simpler to read and select.

Google announced today in a blog post that it is updating Chrome with new autofill features aimed at streamlining the process of filling out forms and completing purchases during the holiday period. These improvements enhance autofill, the upgraded feature that was introduced in November for Chrome users worldwide. Enhanced autofill first provided support for driver’s license numbers, passport numbers, license plate numbers, and VINs.

Now, Google is broadening Chrome’s enhanced autofill to enable the saving of vehicle information to Google Wallet. This capability connects your vehicle data to Google Wallet after you input it on a supported form in Chrome for desktop, allowing it to be accessed on any device signed into your Google account.

Chrome is achieving deeper integration with Google Wallet overall to simplify securing holiday travel arrangements. The browser can extract information saved in your Wallet, such as a confirmation or ticket number from your flight’s boarding pass. Furthermore, Chrome now has access to loyalty card details stored in Wallet on both desktop and the Android app.

The Android version of the Chrome app is receiving a significant enhancement that will expedite the form-filling process. The app will feature a two-line display for autofill suggestions, making it clearer what autofill data you are about to enter before selection. For instance, an address saved in autofill will now be displayed with both the name and address in a two-line format. The same applies to passwords and payment methods, clarifying which account or card is being used in the Chrome app.

Google states that this new autofill format for forms resolves an issue where autofill suggestions appeared overly condensed in the Chrome app for Android.

Chrome will also collaborate more closely with your Google Account to securely access your name and email address as long as you’re signed in. This functionality will also cover your home and work addresses, provided they are saved in your Google Account. While autofill could previously manage these data types, the extended support is beneficial when utilized on new devices. Users only need to log into their account in Chrome to see their information displayed instantly.

Lastly, for users around the globe, Chrome is enhancing its comprehension of address formats globally, including “between streets” in Mexico and phonetic names in Japan.

These enhancements are currently being rolled out in Chrome for both desktop and mobile, and they may help you save time during the hectic holiday season.

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