[syndicated profile] feedanal_feed

Posted by TheStreet

The business of video gaming is enormous, to say the least.

Fresh forecasts predict 2025 gaming sales could reach roughly $189 billion, with consoles leading the way as the cycle resets and next-gen libraries expand.

One launch, though, towers over all in Take-Two Interactive’s  (TTWO) GTA 6.

With Rockstar Games' release date locked for May 26, 2026, publishers, platforms, and retailers are already aligning themselves with the incredible windfall that’s about to come. 

For perspective, the very first GTA 6 trailer shattered YouTube with an eye-popping 93 million views in 24 hours. The follow-up was even bigger, topping 475 million views across platforms in a single day (the biggest video debut of all time).

Also, its predecessor, GTA V, sold over 215 million copies, cementing Rockstar’s series as the biggest video gaming franchise in entertainment history.

Subscription muscle matters in the business of play.

According to recent tallies, Sony’s PS Plus boasts the largest subscriber base, with over $50 million; Nintendo Switch Online comes in second, with more than 40 million users; and Microsoft’s  (MSFT) Game Pass trails with around mid-30 million.

Each of these offers three models, three price ladders, but remarkably different promises around day-one access and cloud.

Into that mix, Microsoft just turned things up a notch or two on its top tier. It’s a harsh adjustment, asking players to re-price convenience, prompting a rethink of which library and which logo gets their monthly spend.

Microsoft's Game Pass, long seen as gaming’s best deal, now comes with a heftier price tag.

Image source: TheStreet

Microsoft’s $29.99 Game Pass hike triggers gamer backlash

Microsoft’s latest Xbox move just hit gamers where it hurts, as Game Pass Ultimate is jumping 50% to $29.99 a month, the service’s biggest hike yet.

For perspective, that’s the third bump in nearly three years. In 2023, Ultimate's price increased to $16.99 from $14.99. In 2024, it shot up again to $19.99. Today’s leap to $29.99 pushes the annual tab to about $360. PC Game Pass also rose to $16.49.

Ultimate subscribers across console and PC take the hit, and PC-only players pay more, too. 

Microsoft is also reshuffling tiers, with Core becoming Essential ($9.99), Standard becoming Premium ($14.99), and keeping day-one Xbox releases gated behind Ultimate. Additionally, the premium option includes a larger library and cloud access, but does not offer day-one support.

More Tech Stocks:

In cushioning the blow, Microsoft is stuffing Ultimate with more value, including Ubisoft+ Classics, Fortnite Crew, and higher-quality cloud streaming, along with a promise of 75+ day-one titles annually, including “Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.” That’s a bigger bundle, but it comes at a far richer price.

The backlash has been swift.

Reports indicate that a surge of customers seeking to cancel their subscriptions resulted in Microsoft’s cancellation page buckling under the traffic, resulting in errors.

On forums, couples said $60 a month for two Ultimate subs was too steep a hike, while others noted they only play a handful of titles each year, which makes the $360 price tag virtually impossible to justify.

Quick takeaways:

  • Ultimate to $29.99 (+50%); PC Game Pass to $16.49
  • Day-one Xbox releases remain Ultimate-only
  • New perks: Ubisoft+ Classics, Fortnite Crew, 1440p cloud
  • Backlash: Cancellation site crashed as exits spiked

Sony’s PS Plus and Nintendo Switch Online undercut Microsoft on price

For gamers doing the math, Microsoft’s Game Pass Ultimate at $29.99/month currently prices more like a premium streaming bundle. Mid-tier Premium ($14.99) and Essential ($9.99) plans are cheaper, but they exclude day-one access.

Sony’s (SONY) PS Plus holds the line monthly at $9.99/$14.99/$17.99, leaning on catalogs and classics. Also, Nintendo’s (NTDOY) Switch Online is perhaps the value outlier at $19.99/year (or $49.99 with Expansion Pack).

  • Day-one access: Xbox Ultimate only; PS Plus usually excludes first-party day-ones.
  • Cloud streaming: Included across Xbox tiers (best in Ultimate); PS Premium offers streaming on select titles.
  • Nintendo Expansion Pack: Adds N64/GBA classics, along with major DLC bundles.
  • Annual lens: Ultimate $360 vs. PS Plus Premium $159.99; Switch base $19.99.

So for those wanting brand-new Xbox tentpoles on launch, Ultimate is the way to go, but it’s now clearly a high-end line item. 

PS Plus Extra/Premium could potentially be 45% to 55% cheaper every month, where users trade immediacy for breadth. Nintendo’s suite is a family-friendly budget play that effectively pairs low annual fees with evergreen classics and DLC.

Related: Tesla analyst unveils eye-popping stock price target

[syndicated profile] feedanal_feed

Posted by TheStreet

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why we love this deal

Certain occasions are best spent by blocking out the world around you, whether that's sitting on the bus during your commute, pumping iron at the gym, or having a serious study session at the library. In those circumstances, there's nothing better than a pair of noise-canceling headphones to help you stay locked in and focused.

With a place alongside Sony, Bose, and Beats, JBL easily ranks in the upper echelon of companies that produce quality headphones, and right now, Walmart has a deep discount on one of JBL's bestselling pairs. Normally priced at $130, the JBL Live 460NC Wireless On-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones are on sale for 69% off, so shoppers pay just $40.

JBL Live 460NC Wireless On-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones, $40 (was $130) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Get it.

Why do shoppers love it?

Delivering JBL's superior signature sound, these on-ear headphones are made with two large 40-millimeter drivers that enhance and punctuate bass tones. To fully immerse yourself in the tracks, you can activate the adaptive noise cancellation feature. You can also turn on the Smart Ambient noise cancellation to allow for better awareness of your environment. On top of that, there's a TalkThru feature that lowers music and amplifies speech when having a conversation with your headphones on.

One reviewer who praised the noise-canceling feature experimented with the noise-canceling capabilities. While wearing the headphones with music playing, the reviewer asked their son to start shouting. They concluded, "I could see his mouth moving but couldn't hear his voice."

A pillow-soft, padded headband and lightweight frame allow you to comfortably wear these headphones all day. You'll also get to continue enjoying your audio during that time, because the long-lasting battery offers up to 50 hours of playtime when fully charged — that's more than two full days. In a scenario where the battery is fully drained, you can still enjoy your music by connecting the detachable audio cable. Additionally, you could plug the headphones in for 10 minutes and get an impressive four hours of charge due to the fast-charging design.

Related: Amazon is selling an $80 fitness tracker for $40 that's 'loaded with features'

For Android users, another outstanding feature of these headphones is having a smart assistant. You can get access to either Google or Alexa by tapping the earcup or using voice commands. So when you want to know the weather, set a timer, or send a text message, you can do it all from this audio accessory via the Bluetooth connection.

Details to know

  • Are they foldable?: Yes, the earcups can fold and twist for better storage.
  • Does it have a built-in microphone?: Yes. The built-in microphone allows you to take phone calls and use the voice assistant feature.
  • Can they connect to multiple devices?: Yes. The headphones have a multi-point connection. For example, you can connect to a smartphone and a laptop simultaneously.

Including the top-tier sound quality, comfortable wear, long-lasting battery, and convenient noise-cancellation, these headphones have all the must-have features. "They are really comfy and look amazing," wrote one reviewer. "The sound quality is fantastic, especially with the noise-canceling function."

Shop more deals

While they're available for just $40 at Walmart, add the JBL Live 460NC Wireless On-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones to your shopping cart. Otherwise, you could miss your chance when these limited-time savings end.

[syndicated profile] feedanal_feed

Posted by TheStreet

Las Vegas Strip casinos are busy signing popular music residencies that usually sell out long before the day of the show.

Several residencies have also closed recently, which will make room for more new engagements on the Strip.

Among the residencies that closed in the last two months were Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band, Janet Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and Scorpions.

While those artists ended their shows on the Strip, others have signed for new residencies deep into 2026.

Legendary rock star Carlos Santana has extended his long-running residency "An Intimate Evening with Santana: Greatest Hits Live" at House of Blues at Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip for 16 more shows from Jan. 21 to May 24, 2026.

Santana, who has performed over 300 shows to sold-out audiences since 2012, is finishing up an earlier extension of the residency next month with shows on Nov. 5, 6, 8, 9, 12, 15, and 16, 2025.

Styx, Def Leppard, Sammy Hagar arrive for 2026 residencies

Sensational rock band Styx returns to the Las Vegas Strip for five shows at its latest engagement, "The Las Vegas Residency," on Jan. 23, 24, 28, 30, and 31, 2026, at the Venetian Theater at the Venetian Las Vegas.

Hard rock band Def Leppard also returns to the Las Vegas Strip for its third residency with 12 shows in the "Live at Caesars Palace The Las Vegas Residency" at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace from Feb. 3-28, 2026.

Red Rocker Sammy Hagar has extended his "The Best of All Worlds Las Vegas Residency" at Dolby Live at Park MGM for two sets of concerts on March 11, 13, 14, 18, 20, and 21, 2026, and Sept. 18, 19, 23, 25, and 26, 2026, at Dolby Live.

Superstar music residencies coming:

  • Carlos Santana, House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas, Nov. 5, 6, 8, 9, 12, 15, and 16, 2025, Jan. 21 to May 24, 2026.
  • Styx, Venetian Theater at the Venetian Las Vegas, Jan. 23, 24, 28, 30, and 31, 2026.
  • Def Leppard, The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Feb 3-26, 2026.
  • Sammy Hagar, Dolby Live at Park MGM, March 11, 13, 14, 18, 20, and 21, 2026, and Sept. 18, 19, 23, 25, and 26, 2026.
Rod Stewart has extended his residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for six concerts in May and June 2026.

Image source: Shutterstock

Rod Stewart returns for 2026 residency

And now, legendary rock superstar Rod Stewart returns to his "The Encore Shows" residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Las Vegas, with six new concerts on May 27, 29, 30, June 2, 3, and 4 in 2026.

Citi cardmembers, fan club, Caesars Rewards, Caesars Entertainment's loyalty program, Live Nation, and Ticketmaster presales are underway and conclude at 10 p.m. PST on Oct. 2.

Residency tickets on sale Oct. 3 

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. PST.

“Next year will mark 15 years at The Colosseum and I still get terribly excited each time I return. I love this theatre,” Stewart said in a statement.

Related: Las Vegas Strip casino closes legendary rocker’s residency

“So come along and we’ll forget the world outside for a couple of hours at The Encore shows!” Stewart said.

A limited number of tickets are available for Stewart's previously scheduled residency shows on Oct. 3 and 4, 2025.

Rod Stewart extends The Colosseum residency

  • Rod Stewart, "The Encore Shows," The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Las Vegas, May 27, 29, 30, June 2, 3, and 4, 2026.
  • Presales underway until Oct. 2, 10 p.m. PST.
  • General public sale, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. PST.

The popular singer's new shows are good news for Stewart's fans, as he needed to cancel five shows on June 1, 4, 7, 8, and 9 earlier this year when he was suffering from the flu.

More Las Vegas:

The "Maggie May" singer did not reschedule those shows, but he had already extended the residency in March by six shows, which wrap up on Oct. 3 and 4.

The "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?" singer previously headlined his "Rod Stewart: The Hits" residency at The Colosseum for 13 years, from 2011 through 2024.

(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a trip.)

Please make a free appointment with TheStreet’s Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.

Related: Las Vegas Strip casino signs fan-favorite rock band for residency

[syndicated profile] feedanal_feed

Posted by Android Headlines

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE AM AH 10

Samsung smartphones will get one of the most requested features with One UI 8.5. We’re talking about AI notification summaries, which has been quite popular on Apple’s iOS.

The AI notification summary feature will be included in One UI 8.5 update

The information comes from SamMobile, as folks over there have been digging through the One Ui 8.5 firmware for the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The AI notification summary feature is included in that One UI 8.5 build, even though it doesn’t currently work.

It does serve as a confirmation that the feature will be available, however. The feature is kind of self-explanatory, it will be able to summarize lengthy notifications so that you don’t have to read the entire thing.

The first time you pull down the notification panel in One UI 8.5, you’ll be greeted with a pop-up that explains how the feature works. That is shown in the two images below, which have been provided by the source.

One UI 8 5 AI notification summary first look 1
One UI 8 5 AI notification summary first look 2
One UI 8 5 AI notification summary first look 1
One UI 8 5 AI notification summary first look 2

You’ll be able to choose which apps can take advantage of it

You will be able to choose which apps will be excluded from notification summaries. You’ll be able to do that via the settings, of course. Considering that the feature is currently not working, all apps are selected.

This feature will rely on Google Cloud, as do many other AI features in One UI. A similar feature has been quite popular on Apple’s iOS, and Samsung users will finally get a taste of something similar.

That’s just one of the features One UI 8.5 will deliver. It is expected to fix your Wi-Fi switch problems by using AI. New quick panel customization options will be included, too, and more.

One UI 8.5 is expected to debut with the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, probably in January next year. All three of those phones are expected to ship with One UI 8.5 out of the box.

The post Samsung Adds One of iPhone’s Best Tricks to One UI 8.5 appeared first on Android Headlines.

[syndicated profile] feedanal_feed

Posted by Android Headlines

google search ai search AH

When you sign up for online services, it usually asks for you age. You can put anything you want and no one really checks. However, YouTube recently rolled out an AI-based age check system, after which, Google introduced something similar. Unfortunately for some Google users, they are getting locked out of Google Search even after verifying their age.

Google Search users locked out

According to multiple posts on Reddit, users are reporting that they are getting locked out of Google Search because of their age. Now, it’s not because these users were underaged. But rather it is because Google’s age verification system is thinking that these users are under the age of 18.

This doesn’t mean that these users can’t use Google Search at all. However, it does limit what they can do or see. What’s weird is that it shouldn’t even need AI to figure out if some accounts are for users who are under 18. Many users are reporting that they’ve had their accounts since at least 2005. This means that it would be impossible for that user to be under 18.

What’s even more annoying is that this isn’t the first time it has happened. When YouTube introduced a similar AI-based age verification check, users were also reporting that their accounts were changed because the system thought they were underaged. The good news is that all of this can be easily “fixed.” Users can submit a recognized form of identification to clear things up. Alternatively, they can attach a credit card to their account. However, we get that some might be uncomfortable with this. Google already knows so much about us. The last thing most of us want is to hand over even more information, especially if it comes in the form of government-issued IDs.

AI still has a long way to go

As magical as generative AI is to create images on the fly with a simple prompt, it’s situations like this that remind us AI still has a long way to go. Google’s system was supposed to be able to detect users based on their activity, not a date of birth. However, for some users, this system has failed.

We get what Google is trying to do. The company wants to figure out a way to prevent underaged users from accessing certain types of content by giving a fake age. However, these issues clearly show the system is far from perfect.

The post Google’s New AI Age Gate Is So Bad, It’s Banning Adults appeared first on Android Headlines.

[syndicated profile] feedanal_feed

Posted by Android Headlines

AH Samsung Logo

Samsung Display is one of the leaders in display tech and is quite far ahead of its competitors. This explains why Samsung employees continue to allegedly sell sensitive technology to Chinese competitors. And it’s happening again.

According to media reports out of Korea, the Industrial Technology Security Investigation Team of the Seoul National Police Agency has begun investigating a leak of Samsung Display’s latest technology to a Chinese company.

This law enforcement body has already searched the Samsung Display Asan campus to get to the bottom of this issue. Currently, the investigation is in the early stages, but the agency probes allegations that multiple employees may be involved in leaking the display technology to a specific Chinese competitor. The competitor has not been named officially, and may never be officially named. But there are quite a few display companies in China that could want this info from Samsung.

This isn’t the first time

Samsung has been the victim of corporate espionage a few times already, even within the Samsung Display division. Back in 2020, two former Samsung researchers were caught leaking OLED secrets to China. And another Samsung Display researcher was arrested and indicted in 2023 for leaking proprietary OLED tech worth over $300 million to China.

The government of Korea does take issues like this very seriously, considering how important Samsung is to the country, and its dominance in areas like semiconductors, displays, and even electronics as a whole. The government wants to make sure that Samsung isn’t harmed by corporate espionage. And Korea is very passionate about its tech companies like Samsung and even LG.

This is likely not the last we’ll hear about corporate espionage with Samsung, as this seems to be an ongoing thing every couple of years.

The post Samsung Display Hit by Yet Another Tech Leak to Chinese Rival, Police Investigating appeared first on Android Headlines.

[syndicated profile] feedanal_feed

Posted by Android Headlines

Instagram Reels AH

Is Instagram or Facebook spying on you? That’s a popular belief that many people seem to have, and it’s not hard to blame them. There have been so many times you talk to someone about a product, only to see an ad popup on your Instagram feed later. However, the company’s head Adam Mosseri has published a video reiterating that the company is not spying on users.

Instagram is not spying on you…or are they?

In the video, Mosseri was empathic in saying that Instagram is not spying on its users. For starters, he says that doing so would be a gross invasion of privacy. Secondly, he says that if they were listening to you through your phone’s microphone, you would know. There are built-in safety mechanisms in iOS and Android would alert you to the fact that your phone’s microphone had been activated.

But how is it so uncanny that we seem to get ads for topics we were just talking about? Mosseri lists several reasons why that could happen. One reason is that you might have already been searching for that product before you talked about it. He acknowledges that advertisers share data with Instagram to serve up targeted ads. This is one reason you might see an ad for something you were just talking about.

He also says another reason is that Instagram shows users ads that they think users are interested in based on who they follow and posts they might have interacted with. Thirdly, another potential reason is that you might have already seen the ad but scrolled past it without giving it much thought. After that, you talk with a friend about it and suddenly the ad becomes more noticeable. This can give the impression that the ad only appeared after you talked about it.

Lastly, Mosseri says it could boil down to pure coincidence or randomness. Sometimes the universe just aligns in such a way that the thing you were talking about suddenly appears as an ad.

Do we buy it?

Honestly, Mosseri’s reasonings are the same that have been echoed many times in the past. However, he acknowledges that ultimately, no matter what he says, “I know some of you are just not going to believe me, no matter how much I try to explain it.” The comments section is pretty hilarious too.

One post said, “That is exactly what I would say if I was listening to people’s conversations.” Another said, “Brother… it’s 2025, we already know y’all are listening. At this point I don’t even Google stuff, I just whisper it near my phone and wait for Instagram to do its thing.”

The post Instagram Denies Spying on Users, Explains Spot On Ads appeared first on Android Headlines.

[syndicated profile] feedanal_feed

Posted by TheStreet

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why we love this deal

Everybody needs a nice, efficient computer they can count on, whether they're someone who works from home every day or somebody who just enjoys keeping in touch with family and friends online or playing the occasional card game. But we're spoiled for options these days, with everything from tablets and hybrid devices to tower PCs and mini models; settling on the right machine for your needs can get overwhelming quickly.

If a great deal is what you're after to help with the decision-making process, Walmart has a fantastic deal on a bestselling HP Windows Touchscreen Laptop at the moment. Normally priced at $469, you can get it for just $279 right now — a savings of $190.

HP 15.6-Inch Touch Laptop with Windows 11, $279 (was $469) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Get it.

Why do shoppers love it?

Reviewers love this attractive, lightweight laptop for its slick Moonlight Blue finish, outstanding battery life, dependable performance, and, as at least one reviewer put it, "excellent value and quality." Its 15.6-inch display is crisp and vivid, with a snappy, responsive touch input. It's a smaller laptop, but that makes it extra easy to tote around and work on wherever life takes you, from the airport to the classroom and beyond. It's got plenty of power and a gorgeous picture, so it's also perfect for streaming your favorite Netflix or Hulu shows in bed.

"This laptop is exactly what I wanted," said one shopper. "I got it for a very good price, and it came with an ideal amount of space and good, clean looks. It's the ideal machine for a student, a beginner, or your average, everyday user."

Related: Amazon is selling a 'very pretty' digital watch for $13, and reviewers say it'll last for years

Details to know

  • Processor (CPU): Intel Core i3-N305.
  • Memory (RAM): 8 gigabytes (GB).
  • Storage: 256 GB SSD.
  • Operating system: Windows 11 Home edition (preinstalled).
  • Battery life: Up to 9 hours and 45 minutes.

This handsome little machine comes with a 15.6-inch full-high-definition touchscreen display, Windows 11 Home edition, and a one-year limited hardware warranty. It's got an Intel Core i3 family processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of storage, so it's more than capable enough for most users, who typically use their storage for family photos and a handful of favorite apps or games. The memory isn't as much as you'd get with a far more expensive option, but it's plenty for everyday work tasks, email, browsing the web, simple photo editing, and so on.

It's equipped with a built-in HD webcam and a rechargeable battery that's engineered to last for more than nine hours on a single charge, which is quite impressive; a powerful gaming laptop would get about half as much battery life, on average. With Windows 11 preloaded and ready to go, you'll be set for years of pleasant use to come, whether you're headed to school, on a work trip, or just need something portable to read and write on.

Shop more deals

Looking to score a great new portable work computer or student laptop? Save an incredible $190 when you take home the HP 15.6-Inch Touch Laptop with this limited-time deal at Walmart.

[syndicated profile] feedanal_feed

Posted by Android Headlines

google search ai search AH

When you sign up for online services, it usually asks for you age. You can put anything you want and no one really checks. However, YouTube recently rolled out an AI-based age check system, after which, Google introduced something similar. Unfortunately for some Google users, they are getting locked out of Google Search even after verifying their age.

Google Search users locked out

According to multiple posts on Reddit, users are reporting that they are getting locked out of Google Search because of their age. Now, it’s not because these users were underaged. But rather it is because Google’s age verification system is thinking that these users are under the age of 18.

This doesn’t mean that these users can’t use Google Search at all. However, it does limit what they can do or see. What’s weird is that it shouldn’t even need AI to figure out if some accounts are for users who are under 18. Many users are reporting that they’ve had their accounts since at least 2005. This means that it would be impossible for that user to be under 18.

What’s even more annoying is that this isn’t the first time it has happened. When YouTube introduced a similar AI-based age verification check, users were also reporting that their accounts were changed because the system thought they were underaged. The good news is that all of this can be easily “fixed.” Users can submit a recognized form of identification to clear things up. Alternatively, they can attach a credit card to their account. However, we get that some might be uncomfortable with this. Google already knows so much about us. The last thing most of us want is to hand over even more information, especially if it comes in the form of government-issued IDs.

AI still has a long way to go

As magical as generative AI is to create images on the fly with a simple prompt, it’s situations like this that remind us AI still has a long way to go. Google’s system was supposed to be able to detect users based on their activity, not a date of birth. However, for some users, this system has failed.

We get what Google is trying to do. The company wants to figure out a way to prevent underaged users from accessing certain types of content by giving a fake age. However, these issues clearly show the system is far from perfect.

The post Google’s New AI Age Gate Is So Bad, It’s Banning Adults appeared first on Android Headlines.

[syndicated profile] feedanal_feed

Posted by Android Headlines

AH Samsung Logo

Samsung Display is one of the leaders in display tech and is quite far ahead of its competitors. This explains why Samsung employees continue to allegedly sell sensitive technology to Chinese competitors. And it’s happening again.

According to media reports out of Korea, the Industrial Technology Security Investigation Team of the Seoul National Police Agency has begun investigating a leak of Samsung Display’s latest technology to a Chinese company.

This law enforcement body has already searched the Samsung Display Asan campus to get to the bottom of this issue. Currently, the investigation is in the early stages, but the agency probes allegations that multiple employees may be involved in leaking the display technology to a specific Chinese competitor. The competitor has not been named officially, and may never be officially named. But there are quite a few display companies in China that could want this info from Samsung.

This isn’t the first time

Samsung has been the victim of corporate espionage a few times already, even within the Samsung Display division. Back in 2020, two former Samsung researchers were caught leaking OLED secrets to China. And another Samsung Display researcher was arrested and indicted in 2023 for leaking proprietary OLED tech worth over $300 million to China.

The government of Korea does take issues like this very seriously, considering how important Samsung is to the country, and its dominance in areas like semiconductors, displays, and even electronics as a whole. The government wants to make sure that Samsung isn’t harmed by corporate espionage. And Korea is very passionate about its tech companies like Samsung and even LG.

This is likely not the last we’ll hear about corporate espionage with Samsung, as this seems to be an ongoing thing every couple of years.

The post Samsung Display Hit by Yet Another Tech Leak to Chinese Rival, Police Investigating appeared first on Android Headlines.

[syndicated profile] feedanal_feed

Posted by TheStreet

When Congress fails to agree on a federal budget, the government can partially shut down, forcing many agencies to close or scale back operations. 

National parks are affected, as are museums in Washington, D.C., but some offices will continue business as usual, even if essential workers, such as air traffic controllers and military personnel, are forced to work without pay. 

That raises an important question for millions of Americans who rely on essential government services: Will local Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) remain open during a government shutdown?

The short answer: yes, in most cases.

DMVs are state-run agencies, not federal ones. That means your ability to renew a license, register a car, or take a driving test is largely unaffected by a lapse in federal funding. State governments provide the funding, staffing, and facilities for DMV offices. 

Even if the federal government halts non-essential services, local DMVs are expected to keep normal business hours.

Still, there are some important exceptions.

The federal government shutdown will affect many types of services. 

Image source: Bill Clark/Getty Images

How a shutdown could indirectly affect DMVs nationwide

While Washington does not directly fund state DMVs, they rely on certain federal systems and agencies. 

If the shutdown is prolonged, drivers might experience:

  • Delays in verifying immigration or citizenship status: DMV offices often check federal databases such as SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) to confirm lawful presence. If access to these systems is limited during a shutdown, it could slow down applications for driver’s licenses, particularly for non-U.S. citizens.
  • Delays in processing commercial driver's license applications: Issuing CDLs involves oversight by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If staffing is reduced at the federal level, truck drivers might face delays in processing applications or renewal.
  • Complications in getting information about Real IDs: Since REAL ID is a federally mandated program, coordination between state DMVs and federal agencies could experience temporary bottlenecks, especially if a deadline is approaching.

What remains unchanged at DMVs during the shutdown

For everyday drivers, most DMV tasks continue as normal:

  • Renewing or replacing driver’s licenses
  • Vehicle registration
  • Road and written tests
  • Title transfers
  • Paying fees and fines

If your DMV is closed, it’s usually because of state holidays, staffing shortages, or local circumstances and not because of a federal budget impasse.

Related: The U.S. Government Just Shut Down: Here's What It Means for the Economy and Stocks

[syndicated profile] feedanal_feed

Posted by Android Headlines

Instagram Reels AH

Is Instagram or Facebook spying on you? That’s a popular belief that many people seem to have, and it’s not hard to blame them. There have been so many times you talk to someone about a product, only to see an ad popup on your Instagram feed later. However, the company’s head Adam Mosseri has published a video reiterating that the company is not spying on users.

Instagram is not spying on you…or are they?

In the video, Mosseri was empathic in saying that Instagram is not spying on its users. For starters, he says that doing so would be a gross invasion of privacy. Secondly, he says that if they were listening to you through your phone’s microphone, you would know. There are built-in safety mechanisms in iOS and Android would alert you to the fact that your phone’s microphone had been activated.

But how is it so uncanny that we seem to get ads for topics we were just talking about? Mosseri lists several reasons why that could happen. One reason is that you might have already been searching for that product before you talked about it. He acknowledges that advertisers share data with Instagram to serve up targeted ads. This is one reason you might see an ad for something you were just talking about.

He also says another reason is that Instagram shows users ads that they think users are interested in based on who they follow and posts they might have interacted with. Thirdly, another potential reason is that you might have already seen the ad but scrolled past it without giving it much thought. After that, you talk with a friend about it and suddenly the ad becomes more noticeable. This can give the impression that the ad only appeared after you talked about it.

Lastly, Mosseri says it could boil down to pure coincidence or randomness. Sometimes the universe just aligns in such a way that the thing you were talking about suddenly appears as an ad.

Do we buy it?

Honestly, Mosseri’s reasonings are the same that have been echoed many times in the past. However, he acknowledges that ultimately, no matter what he says, “I know some of you are just not going to believe me, no matter how much I try to explain it.” The comments section is pretty hilarious too.

One post said, “That is exactly what I would say if I was listening to people’s conversations.” Another said, “Brother… it’s 2025, we already know y’all are listening. At this point I don’t even Google stuff, I just whisper it near my phone and wait for Instagram to do its thing.”

The post Instagram Denies Spying on Users, Explains Spot On Ads appeared first on Android Headlines.

[syndicated profile] feedanal_feed

Posted by Android Headlines

Instagram in app AH

Remember when you first used TikTok and you opened the app and videos immediately started playing? This is a very different experience compared to other social media platforms in the past, such as Instagram. However, Instagram wants to change that. According to Instagram head Adam Mosseri, the company is testing the app opening into Reels.

Instagram tests opening into Reels

What does this mean? Basically, instead of Instagram opening into your feed where you might see photos, it is testing opening directly into Reels. This means you’ll be greeted with videos first, not photos. Now, we know that sometimes in your feed, you might see users post a video.

However, the main difference here is that in this UI, you still get the horizontal lineup of Stories at the top, but you’ll see a Reel playing in the post below it. Then, when you start to scroll downwards, the app’s UI transforms automatically into Reels. 

According to Mosseri’s post, “Reels and DMs have driven most all our growth at Instagram over the last few years, so we are exploring making them the first two tabs. This is just an *option* available to a small group of people in India starting today. Photos from accounts you follow are still in the home tab. If you do opt-in, you can opt right out if you’re not into it.”

Mosseri also acknowledges that this change could be controversial. “A great way to get a lot of heat is to redesign an app used by a few billion people, so I don’t take this idea lightly.”

We’ve seen this before

If you’re wondering why this looks familiar, it is because Instagram has been trying something similar with its iPad app. The Instagram app for iPad actually opens into Reels from the home tab. If you’ve used the iPad version before, then this change shouldn’t be too shocking or surprising. But if you haven’t, then this could be quite a huge change in the way you use the app.

It’s too early to tell if this is a good or bad thing or if people will hate it. After all, we like what we’re familiar and comfortable with. We’re not sure if Instagram plans to expand its testing beyond India, but presumably this will be based on the feedback it gets. But what do you think? Is opening into Reels something you’re looking forward to?

The post Instagram App Redesign Could Make Reels the First Thing You See appeared first on Android Headlines.

[syndicated profile] feedanal_feed

Posted by Android Headlines

Google Pixel 6 pro Review AM AH 13

The Google Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 series smartphone users were left very confused thanks to the latest reported bug. They were pushed to believe that their phone supports Pixel Satellite SOS, but it does not.

Some older Pixel phones have teased a Satellite SOS feature they can’t use

So, what happened exactly? Well, the introductory page for Pixel Satellite SOS appeared on some Pixel 6, 7, and 8 series phones by mistake. Neither of those phones has support for that feature.

The Satellite SOS page surfaced when users went to Settings -> Safety & emergency -> Satellite SOS, users on Reddit are reporting. That submenu was not supposed to be there in the first place, but it was, thanks to a bug in the software.

Pixel Satellite SOS bug 1

This started happening after the September 2025 Google Play system update. It shows how the feature works and allows you to set “Sharing preferences” with your emergency contacts. The page also states that “Satellite SOS is included at no charge for 2 years.” The “Try a demo” button is missing, though, which is not that odd considering that the feature is unsupported.

This feature is really useful to have if you find yourself in an emergency far from cellular signal

What exactly is Pixel Satellite SOS? Well, it’s a feature that allows you to connect with emergency services and share your location even if you’re in an area without cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity.

This feature is limited to Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series phones, though. The older units can’t get the feature because of the modem used inside of them. The Exynos 5400 is required, the Exynos 5123 and 5300 modems don’t support the feature, apparently.

A Google spokesperson explained all of this, while confirming that it’s a bug. If you’re seeing that page on your Pixel 8 series phone, or something even older, just ignore it.

The post Pixel Phones Show Off Satellite SOS Feature They Can’t Actually Use appeared first on Android Headlines.

[syndicated profile] feedanal_feed

Posted by Android Headlines

Instagram Reels AH

Is Instagram or Facebook spying on you? That’s a popular belief that many people seem to have, and it’s not hard to blame them. There have been so many times you talk to someone about a product, only to see an ad popup on your Instagram feed later. However, the company’s head Adam Mosseri has published a video reiterating that the company is not spying on users.

Instagram is not spying on you…or are they?

In the video, Mosseri was empathic in saying that Instagram is not spying on its users. For starters, he says that doing so would be a gross invasion of privacy. Secondly, he says that if they were listening to you through your phone’s microphone, you would know. There are built-in safety mechanisms in iOS and Android would alert you to the fact that your phone’s microphone had been activated.

But how is it so uncanny that we seem to get ads for topics we were just talking about? Mosseri lists several reasons why that could happen. One reason is that you might have already been searching for that product before you talked about it. He acknowledges that advertisers share data with Instagram to serve up targeted ads. This is one reason you might see an ad for something you were just talking about.

He also says another reason is that Instagram shows users ads that they think users are interested in based on who they follow and posts they might have interacted with. Thirdly, another potential reason is that you might have already seen the ad but scrolled past it without giving it much thought. After that, you talk with a friend about it and suddenly the ad becomes more noticeable. This can give the impression that the ad only appeared after you talked about it.

Lastly, Mosseri says it could boil down to pure coincidence or randomness. Sometimes the universe just aligns in such a way that the thing you were talking about suddenly appears as an ad.

Do we buy it?

Honestly, Mosseri’s reasonings are the same that have been echoed many times in the past. However, he acknowledges that ultimately, no matter what he says, “I know some of you are just not going to believe me, no matter how much I try to explain it.” The comments section is pretty hilarious too.

One post said, “That is exactly what I would say if I was listening to people’s conversations.” Another said, “Brother… it’s 2025, we already know y’all are listening. At this point I don’t even Google stuff, I just whisper it near my phone and wait for Instagram to do its thing.”

The post Instagram Denies Spying on Users, Explains Spot On Ads appeared first on Android Headlines.

Profile

analogindex: (Default)
analogindex

January 2024

S M T W T F S
  1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 91011 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
2122 2324252627
28293031   

Page Summary

Style Credit

Expand Cut Tags

No cut tags
Page generated Oct. 2nd, 2025 01:54 pm
Powered by Dreamwidth Studios