The Apple TV app has launched on Android mobile devices, offering a seven-day free trial for users on Android 10 or later. Amazon is testing a feature that directs users to external brand websites for products not available on its platform. Ninja has introduced an ice cream machine called the Ninja Swirl, which can make both soft serve and hard scoops, priced at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In a significant development for streaming enthusiasts, the Apple TV app has officially made its debut on Android mobile devices. According to ABC's Andrea Fujii, this app has been meticulously crafted to leverage the unique capabilities of the Android operating system. New users can enjoy a complimentary seven-day trial, although it's important to note that this offer is only applicable to devices operating on Android 10 or later.
Amazon's New Shopping Feature
Meanwhile, Amazon is exploring innovative ways to enhance its shopping experience. The retail giant is currently testing a feature that directs users to external brand websites when they search for products not available on Amazon's platform. This initiative aims to streamline the purchasing process for customers, although details regarding whether Amazon will receive a commission from these transactions remain unclear.
Ninja's Dual-Function Ice Cream Machine
In another interesting twist in the world of consumer gadgets, Ninja has unveiled its latest creation: an ice cream machine that promises to deliver two delightful treats in one. The Ninja Swirl is designed to serve both soft serve and hard scoops, requiring just one additional step after the churning process. However, potential buyers should be prepared for a price tag of 0, which may cause a slight chill to their wallets.
For Related Stories: Tech Bytes" max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].
The Apple TV app is now available on Android devices, allowing users to download it from the Google Play Store. Android users can subscribe to Apple TV Plus directly through the app using Google Play Billing, without needing an Apple device. The app is designed for devices running Android 10 or newer and provides access to Apple TV Plus and the MLS Season Pass, but not to purchased iTunes content. The app lacks features such as Google Cast functionality and access to Apple TV channels. Apple TV Plus is priced at .99 per month and includes shows like Severance and Ted Lasso, while the MLS Season Pass costs .99 per month or for the entire season. A seven-day free trial for Apple TV Plus is also available.
Apple TV+ will be available on Android devices starting February 12, marking the first time the app is accessible on Android platforms, specifically for devices running Android 10 or newer. Users can subscribe to Apple TV+ and the MLS Season Pass through the app. Prior to this, the app was compatible with various devices, including Roku and smart TVs. Apple reported .12 billion in revenue from its services sector in the fourth quarter, a 14% increase year-over-year, and has surpassed 1 billion subscriptions. In October, Apple TV+ was added to Amazon Prime Video's subscription options in the U.S. The streaming industry is facing challenges such as consumer dissatisfaction and rising subscription costs.
Apple has launched the Apple TV app for Android devices, allowing users to access content such as Major League Soccer and original series like Severance and Slow Horses. The app is available for download from the Google Play store for devices running Android 10 and later. Users can subscribe to Apple TV Plus and the MLS Season Pass, with new users offered a seven-day free trial. The app features a user interface similar to the existing Apple TV streaming service, including a "Continue Watching" row and customizable watch lists. Existing Apple TV Plus or MLS Season Pass subscribers can sign in to access their content seamlessly. Some features, like casting, are not yet available, but updates are planned. The launch marks a significant expansion for Apple TV Plus, which has primarily served Apple device users since its inception in November 2019.
The Google TV Streamer does not support all three modes of the 8bitdo SN30 Pro Plus controller, with only D-input mode working reliably for both Android TV and Google TV. Playing native Android games on the device is possible but may have latency and performance issues. Emulated console games are difficult to play due to the lack of expandable storage and a native file explorer. Streaming games from a PC using Moonlight provides the best gaming experience on the Google TV Streamer. Overall, the Google TV Streamer is not recommended as a gaming machine, and using a phone or investing in a more powerful streaming device like the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is suggested for better gaming performance.
Google has introduced the Android System Key Verifier app as part of its latest Google Play System update to enhance user security in digital communication. The app allows users to confirm the identity of messaging recipients by scanning a QR code, generating a unique key, and requesting a security code for verification. If there is a discrepancy, the device will issue an alert. The app utilizes the Contact Keys feature for securely storing end-to-end encryption keys and is currently available on devices like the Pixel 6, although testing has been limited due to a lack of compatible applications. The Contact Keys feature was initially unveiled with Android 15, and its integration into Google Play Services allows all devices running Android 10 and above to benefit from this security measure.
Android 15 has begun its rollout for Pixel device users, introducing a suite of security features aimed at protecting sensitive health, financial, and personal information. Key features include the Theft Detection Lock, which uses AI to automatically lock the device if it detects movement consistent with theft, and the Remote Lock feature that allows users to secure their device remotely. The update also includes stricter authentication requirements for critical settings and locks the device after multiple failed access attempts. These enhancements are available for devices running Android 10 and above.
Android 15 has officially transitioned to a stable release and is being rolled out to eligible Pixel devices. Not all features from the beta testing phase have made it to the stable version, with some features like the predictive back gesture being implemented only now. Android 16 is expected to debut in preview builds by the end of February 2025 and will reach a broader range of devices than previous versions, with many brands committing to at least three Android OS updates for budget and mid-range smartphones. The Pixel 7 series will receive Android 16, while older models will continue to receive feature updates and security patches. Google has promised seven years of software updates for devices like the mid-range Pixel 8a. Android 16's internal codename is Baklava. New features in Android 16 include notification cooldown to reduce notification volume from the same app, a native desktop mode, the ability to limit battery charging to 80%, and enhanced audio sharing capabilities for casting music to multiple Bluetooth devices. Google is expected to launch a developer preview in the first quarter of the year, with public beta builds around May and a stable release anticipated in the fourth quarter.
Android 15 has started rolling out to Pixel devices, featuring new privacy options, security improvements, and enhancements for foldable phones and tablets. The update includes a "private space" functionality for discreet app usage, allowing apps to remain hidden from recent apps, notifications, and settings, with additional authentication required for access. For foldable devices and tablets, users can pin and unpin the taskbar and create app pairings for easier access. A Theft Detection Lock feature uses AI to lock the device if theft is suspected, and a Remote Lock option allows users to secure their phones from another Android device. These features are expected to be available on devices running Android 10 and newer. Additionally, a new Pixel feature drop for October will enhance Night Sight for Instagram and introduce media transfer capabilities between Pixel devices.
