Category: Apps

Key Highlights

• Apple TV app is now on Android via Google Play
• Includes Apple TV+ and MLS Season Pass but lacks iTunes purchases
• Features offline viewing, cross-device playback, and MLS content

The Apple TV app for Android has finally been released by the tech giant Apple. The Google Play Store now offers the app for download. This means that Android users can now access the Major League Soccer (MLS) Season Pass and enjoy Apple TV+ straight from their handsets. Though, to use the app, you must have an Apple account.

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Key Details

• Where to Get It: Available on the Google Play Store.
• App Size: Lightweight at just 42.62 MB.
• Device Compatibility: Works on Android 10 and newer.
• Content Access: Supports Apple TV+ and MLS Season Pass subscriptions.

User Interface And Features

• The Android app looks similar to its iOS version but has some differences.
• The bottom navigation bar is simplified and does not include access to the iTunes Store or purchase history.
• Content purchased or rented via iTunes is not available on the Android app.
• Users can still access tabs for Apple TV+ and Search.

New Download Management Tab

• A dedicated tab allows users to manage downloaded content.
• Makes offline viewing more accessible and organized.

MLS Section For Soccer Fans

• Offers a dedicated space to buy the season pass and watch live matches.
• Includes match schedules, highlights, and content filtering based on clubs.

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Playback And Account Features

• Similar to the iOS app, users can manage streaming and download settings.
• Allows content restrictions and autoplay settings.
• Supports cross-device playback synchronization, letting users continue watching on different devices.

With this launch, Apple is expanding its services to a wider audience, giving Android users access to its popular streaming platform.

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Key Highlights

• Teen Accounts are private by default with limited interactions
• Screen time controls include break reminders and Sleep Mode
• Parents can supervise chats, set limits, and block access

Instagram has announced the rollout of ‘Teen Accounts’ in India. This feature is designed to make the platform safer and more suitable for users under 16. With privacy-focused settings, content controls, and parental supervision, Meta aims to create a secure digital space for teenagers.

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Instagram Teen Accounts Features

• All teen accounts (users under 16) are set to private by default. This means they must manually approve followers. This also applies to users under 18.
• Only approved followers can interact with teen accounts. Non-followers cannot view their posts, send messages, or engage in any way.
• Instagram will reduce exposure to sensitive content, such as physical fights and cosmetic product promotions.
• Teens can only be tagged or mentioned by people they follow. This prevents unwanted attention from strangers.
• Instagram will filter out offensive comments and DMs to protect teens from harmful content.

Screen Time And Sleep Mode Features

• To prevent excessive screen time, Instagram will prompt teens to take a break from the app every hour.
• From 10 PM to 7 AM, notifications will be muted, and automatic replies will be sent for DMs, encouraging teens to rest.

Parental Supervision For Ages 16 And Above

• Parents will soon have the option to enable supervision for teens over 16.
• They can monitor recent conversations and set daily time limits.
• Parents will also have the ability to block Instagram access during specific hours.

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Why Is Instagram Introducing This Feature In India?

• Countries like Australia have banned social media access for children under 16.
• India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act requires platforms to collect verifiable parental consent.
• Meta’s Teen Accounts appear to align with upcoming digital safety regulations in India.

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Key Highlights

• Google I/O 2025 is on May 20-21 with major announcements
• Android 16 to bring new features
• AI, XR, and new Pixel devices may also be revealed

Google has officially announced that its annual developer conference, Google I/O, will take place on May 20-21 in Mountain View, California. The event will begin with a keynote speech, followed by various sessions focusing on artificial intelligence, the latest Android developments, and other Google innovations. The company has also confirmed that all in-person events will be streamed live on the official Google I/O website.

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Android 16: Release Timeline

One of the biggest highlights of Google I/O 2025 will be Android 16. The operating system is already in beta testing and Google has outlined its release timeline. Android 16 is expected to complete testing before Google I/O and may be rolled out to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) during or soon after the event.

Some of the key features of Android 16 include:

• Audio Sharing for Bluetooth LE Devices: Share audio with multiple devices easily.
• Screen-Off Fingerprint Access: Unlock your phone without turning on the screen.
• Notification Cooldown: Reduces notification sounds for repeated alerts.
• Adaptive App Sizes: Apps will adjust dynamically based on screen size.
• Live Update Notifications: Stay informed with real-time updates.

With Google pushing for more frequent updates, Android 16 is expected to be the major release for 2025, with a smaller update planned for Q4.

Gemini AI

Google’s AI assistant, Gemini, is expected to take center stage at the event. The company has been working on expanding its capabilities across multiple platforms. Last year, Google introduced ‘Project Astra,’ which allows users to interact with AI using real-world visuals. This feature is set to roll out soon and its final version may be showcased at Google I/O 2025.

Expect new AI-driven features, better integration across Google apps, and improved chatbot experiences. Gemini AI may also play a key role in Android 16.

Android XR

Google has been developing an extended reality (XR) platform in collaboration with Qualcomm and Samsung. Samsung has already confirmed that it is working on a headset based on this platform.

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New Pixel Devices And OEM Announcements

Google may also tease the next-generation Pixel devices at the event. Additionally, OEMs like Samsung might announce new products built on Android XR, bringing new innovations to the market.

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Key Highlights

• DeepSeek offers an affordable AI chatbot
• The AI’s security concerns have led to bans
• Multiple countries have restricted its use due to data privacy risks

DeepSeek has gained global attention for its capabilities and low-cost development. However, concerns over data security and privacy have led several governments, including the United States, South Korea, Australia, Italy, and Taiwan, to restrict or ban its use on government devices. Let’s take a closer look at what DeepSeek is and why it is facing restrictions worldwide.

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What Is DeepSeek?

DeepSeek is an AI-powered chatbot developed by a Chinese startup based in Hangzhou. Founded in 2023 by entrepreneur Liang Feng, the company has introduced advanced AI models like DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1. These models use the Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) architecture which enhances efficiency while reducing costs. Unlike competitors like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, DeepSeek’s training costs are significantly lower, reportedly under $6 million, making it a game-changer in AI development.

Why Is DeepSeek Being Banned?

Several countries have raised concerns over DeepSeek’s security risks. This is particularly regarding data privacy and potential misuse of user information. Authorities are worried about how the chatbot handles personal data and whether it could be accessed by Chinese government agencies. As a result, multiple nations have taken action:

• United States: NASA and the US Navy have already restricted DeepSeek on employee devices. A proposed bill aims to ban the chatbot across all government-owned systems.
• South Korea: The government has temporarily restricted DeepSeek for its employees and is investigating its data policies.
• Australia: The Australian government has mandated a complete ban on DeepSeek across all official devices to protect national security.
• Italy: The Italian Data Protection Authority has ordered limitations on DeepSeek due to a lack of clarity on data management.
• Taiwan: The government has restricted the use of DeepSeek across departments, citing cybersecurity risks.

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Impact On The AI Industry

DeepSeek’s emergence has caused disruptions in the AI industry. After its launch, Nvidia’s stock price dropped by 17 percent, wiping out nearly $600 billion in market value. This highlights the competitive threat posed by DeepSeek’s cost-effective AI solutions. However, security concerns remain a significant hurdle for its global adoption.

For the tech geeks, stay updated with the latest cutting-edge gadgets in the market, exclusive tech updates, gadget reviews, and more right on your phone’s screen. Join Giznext’s WhatsApp channel and receive the industry-first tech updates.

Key Highlights

• Download entire seasons with one tap on iPhone and iPad
• 100 downloads for ad-free plans, 15 for ad-supported
• Automatic Downloads add new episodes automatically

Netflix has made it easier for iPhone and iPad users to enjoy their favorite shows offline. The streaming service has rolled out a new feature, the Season Download button. With just a single tap, users can now download an entire season of a TV show to watch later.

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What’s New?

For a while, Android users have had access to the Season Download button. Now it has finally arrived for iOS users. This button allows Netflix subscribers to download all episodes in a season to their device with a single tap. The new feature has been enabled server-side, meaning no software update is required for users to access it.

Where Can You Find The Season Download Button?

The Season Download button is visible on the right side of the Share button on each TV show listing in the Netflix app. Once tapped, the app will automatically begin downloading every episode of the selected season. This is a great feature for users who want to load up on content without having to manually download each episode.

Limitations Based On Plans

While this feature is convenient, there are a few limitations based on the type of Netflix plan you have:

• Ad-free Plan Users: If you have one of the ad-free plans, you can download up to 100 episodes per device. This is quite generous and allows users to download multiple seasons for offline viewing.
• Ad-supported Plan Users: For those with ad-supported plans, there is a more restrictive limit. You can only download up to 15 episodes that means it’s not always possible to download an entire season of a show with more than 15 episodes.

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Other Helpful Features

Netflix has also made it easier for users to stay on top of new episodes. The Automatic Downloads feature can automatically download new episodes of shows that users are watching, as long as the device is connected to Wi-Fi.

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Key Highlights

• Starlink texting works without cellular signal
• New features include Camera, Calculator, and Genmoji updates
• Security fixes improve privacy and data protection

Apple has officially released iOS 18.3. It brings several new features and important bug fixes. While many users will notice small improvements in their daily experience, one of the most interesting updates is the introduction of Starlink satellite connectivity. This feature allows iPhones to send text messages even in areas with no cellular coverage.

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Starlink Connectivity

Apple has been working with SpaceX and T-Mobile to bring Starlink satellite support to iPhones. This means when a T-Mobile iPhone has no network, it will attempt to connect to Starlink satellites automatically. Unlike Apple’s existing satellite service which requires users to point their phone at the sky, Starlink will work even when the phone is in the user’s pocket. For now, this service is limited to text messaging, but SpaceX and T-Mobile plan to add voice and data services in the future.

Limited Availability For Now

Currently, the Starlink feature is only available in the US. Apple’s existing satellite service, which works with Globalstar, is supported in multiple countries. However, SpaceX aims to expand Starlink connectivity to other carriers worldwide.

iOS 18.3: Other Key Features

Aside from satellite connectivity, iOS 18.3 introduces several other useful features:

• Calculator Update: The repeated operations feature from iOS 17, which was removed in iOS 18, has now been reinstated.
• Camera Improvements: iPhone 16 users get enhanced controls, allowing them to lock Auto Exposure and Auto Focus with a simple press and hold.
• Visual Intelligence: Users can scan posters with dates and locations to create calendar events instantly. This feature also helps identify plants and animals in real time.
• Notification Tweaks: Summarized notifications now appear in italics.
• Genmoji Enhancements: Apple has made it easier to create and use Genmoji in Messages and other apps.

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Security And Bug Fixes

Apple has also focused on security improvements in this update. iOS 18.3 fixes 20 bugs, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive audio and visual data. These fixes enhance user privacy and ensure a more secure experience.

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Key Highlights

• X Money lets users send and receive money on X
• Works with Visa for fast and secure transfers
• Launching soon with approvals from 41 US states

Elon Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), has unveiled X Money. This feature will allow users to send and receive money directly through the platform. With its partnership with Visa, X Money aims to compete with popular services like Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle.

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What Is X Money?

X Money is a new digital payment service that enables users to transfer money easily. It works as a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment system, allowing users to:

• Move money from their bank account to an X Wallet.
• Send and receive money from other X users.
• Link debit cards for quick transactions.
• Transfer funds back to a bank account.

Partnership With Visa

X Money will work closely with Visa. The platform will use Visa Direct to enable instant money transfers into the X Wallet. This collaboration ensures smooth and secure transactions for users in the US.

How Does X Money Work?

The process of using X Money is expected to be simple:

• Users will create an X Money account within the X app.
• They can add funds by linking their bank account or debit card.
• Money stored in the X Wallet can be used to make payments to other X users.
• Funds can also be transferred back to a bank account when needed.

When Will X Money Launch?

The official launch date has not been announced yet but X CEO Linda Yaccarino has stated that X Money accounts will be available later this year.

Regulatory Approvals

To operate legally, X Money requires licenses from different US states. So far, it has received approvals from 41 states and is registered as a Money Service Business (MSB) with the US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

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Elon Musk’s Vision For X

Elon Musk has long envisioned X as an everything app, similar to China’s WeChat. With X Money, the platform takes another step towards integrating financial services, messaging, and social media into one seamless experience.

For the tech geeks, stay updated with the latest cutting-edge gadgets in the market, exclusive tech updates, gadget reviews, and more right on your phone’s screen. Join Giznext’s WhatsApp channel and receive the industry-first tech updates.