Google Cancels YouTube Premium Subscriptions for VPN Workaround Users

Google is canceling YouTube Premium subscriptions for users who used VPNs to get cheaper rates available in other regions. According to Reddit, many users had their memberships canceled because they used VPNs to hide their location and access lower prices, like $2.44 per month in Ukraine instead of $13.99 per month in the US.

YouTube's different prices are meant to fit local economies, but using VPNs breaks their rules. Redditors who have contacted customer service mention that the cancelation is because the user “moved” to a different location than the one they signed up from.

🔗 Reddit | Android Authority
🧑‍💻 @agamtechtricks

Microsoft is rolling out a new Copilot app for Windows 11 and 10

Microsoft has introduced a standalone Copilot app for Windows 11 and 10, rolling it out to Insiders on the Beta and Release Preview channels. This app, which replaces the integrated system flyout, allows users to move and resize it like a regular app, enhancing flexibility.

It features a user interface similar to OpenAI's earlier release, supports the GPT-4o language model, and offers plugin and model configuration options. The transition to an app means the removal of the WIN + C shortcut and tighter integration.

And yes, it's a web app for https://copilot.microsoft.com/, with Edge WebView2

[Copilot in Windows]
[ADDED 6/19] As part of this update, we’re also evolving the Copilot experience on Windows as an app that will be pinned to the taskbar. This enables users to get the benefits of a traditional app experience, including the ability to resize, move, and snap the window – feedback we’ve heard from users throughout the preview of Copilot in Windows. This model also allows Microsoft to more agilely develop and optimize the experience based on user feedback. PLEASE NOTE: Managed commercial devices will not receive this new experience. This includes devices not running Windows 11 Home and are managed by an IT administrator.
[ADDED 6/19] As part of the Copilot experience’s evolution on Windows to become an app that is pinned to the taskbar, we are retiring the WIN + C keyboard shortcut.

🔗 WinAero | thecommunity
🧑‍💻 @agamtechtricks

Biden bans Kaspersky antivirus software in US over security concerns

The Biden administration has announced a ban on Kaspersky antivirus software, effective September 29, 2024, due to national security concerns. The ban prohibits Kaspersky from selling and updating its products in the U.S. and operating its cloud-based threat platform, Kaspersky Security Network (KSN).

The Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) asserts that the Russian government could exploit Kaspersky to access sensitive U.S. information. Despite Kaspersky’s denial of ties to the Russian government and claims of transparency, the U.S. government remains unconvinced. Users continuing to use Kaspersky software after the deadline will do so at their own risk.

Today, the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced a Final Determination prohibiting Kaspersky Lab, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of a Russia-based anti-virus software and cybersecurity company, from directly or indirectly providing anti-virus software and cybersecurity products or services in the United States or to U.S. persons.

Russia has shown time and again they have the capability and intent to exploit Russian companies, like Kaspersky Lab, to collect and weaponize sensitive U.S. information, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to safeguard U.S. national security and the American people.

🔗 BleepingComputer
🧑‍💻 @agamtechtricks

Tidal is revamping its lossless and immersive audio formats
 
Tidal is dropping support for Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) and 360 Reality Audio formats starting July 24th, replacing them with HiRes FLAC and Dolby Atmos. Tidal offers three audio quality tiers: low (AAC up to 320kbps), high (CD-quality FLAC), and max (previously MQA, now HiRes FLAC).

Dolby Atmos is chosen for its compatibility and FLAC for being open-source. MQA files will be replaced with the highest quality FLAC versions, and 360 Reality Audio files will be unavailable.

This change follows Tidal’s recent price drop to $10.99 from $20 and consolidation of its HiFi and HiFi Plus plans into a single tier.

🔗 TheVerge
🧑‍💻 @agamtechtricks

Proton is going non-profit!

Remember one of the best open-source password manager, VPN, e-mail and storage services by Proton? Yep, they're going non-profit now. They have adopted the swiss non-profit structure which blocks any takeovers and sets a lot of trustees which help in keeping Proton's original mission intact.

Proton-AG itself will continue to remain for-profit, however, rest assured, we can sleep peacefully knowing our beloved Proton services are safe.

🔗 Proton
🧑‍💻 @agamtechtricks

PhonePe in Talks With Major Smartphone Makers for Mobiles to Come With Pre-installed Indus Appstore

PhonePe is discussing with smartphone brands to pre-install its Indus Appstore, aiming to shift users from Google Play Store.

The Indus Appstore, acquired for $90 million in May 2022, has currently entered into strategic OEM partnerships with Nokia and Lava and is in advanced discussions with other major manufacturers, targeting 150 million users by year-end. It offers over 250,000 apps, with incentives like zero listing fees and no in-app transaction fees for developers.

The appstore has already attracted major apps and gaming companies, offering an alternative to the Google Play Store's high fees and restrictive policies.

🔗 Entrepreneur
🧑‍💻 @agamtechtricks

Western Digital leaps from 2TB to 100TB SSDs!

As some of you might've caught on, WD and Kioxia has made a big breakthrough in technology with BiCS8 2TB QLC chips. This is the 8th generation of BiCS chips. It features a 50% improvement in memory compared to its predecessor!
The performance metrics show:

• 12% better layer density

• 21% Better Read Latency

• 30% Better Program Bandwidth

Additionally, WD has shown a smol fingertip sized die, saying that the cute little die holds a storage capacity of 2 Trillion bits.

Now, my question is whether these SSDs will be cheap enough for general purpose users like us to buy. :P

🧑‍💻 @agamtechtricks

Oh wow, look at that

We hit 4000 subscribers.

Thanks y'all!

(@Fadhal007 is the 4000th subscriber :P)

🧑‍💻 @agamtechtricks

Windows 11 will bring your Android phone directly to the Start Menu

Microsoft has announced that it will integrate Phone Link into the Windows 11 Start Menu. This will put your phone’s status as well as shortcuts to key tools alongside your list of apps. Currently, it’s required that you open the Phone Link app manually to access these options.

This will only work with Android for the time being, with iOS support coming “later.” It’s rolling out now in beta using Phone Link version 1.24052.124.0 and Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.3790.

Access your phone messages, calls, and photos directly from Start, ensuring you never miss an important update or moment. Pick up where you left off with the latest activities from your phone, all seamlessly integrated into your Start menu experience.

🔗 9to5Google
🧑‍💻 @agamtechtricks

Spotify launches a new Basic streaming plan in the US

Spotify has launched a new "Basic" streaming plan in the U.S. priced at $10.99 per month, which includes all the Premium plan benefits except the monthly audiobook listening.

This introduction follows a price hike of the Premium plan to $11.99. This Basic plan could be a good option for people who listen to music and podcasts only

Additionally, Spotify is considering a "Supremium" plan with high-fidelity audio, costing at least $5 more per month.

🔗 TechCrunch
🧑‍💻 @agamtechtricks

Apple is NOT releasing Apple Intelligence in Europe!

Another swift european victory. Apple announced that it'd block the release of Apple Intelligence, iPhone mirroring and SharePlay Screen Sharing from users in EU this year because the Digital Market Act "force us to compromise the integrity of our products in ways that risk user privacy and data security" as said by Apple itself.

I'd like to remind you, this is said by a "big tech" corporate with a completely closed-source operating system WHICH has KNOWINGLY partnered with OpenAI to bring this 'feature'. Yeah.

The DMA continues to rule dominance in controlling these corporates in Europe.

🔗 CNBC
🧑‍💻 @agamtechtricks

X is limiting Live Streaming Abilities To Premium Subscribers

X has announced that the live-streaming feature will soon go behind the paywall, which makes it the only company to make Livestream a paid feature. No other information has been given, like when this change will take place, and why is this change taking place.

🌐 X/Twitter
🧑‍💻 @agamtechtricks

Apple and Meta discuss AI partnership for iOS 18

Apple and Meta have discussed a partnership that would see Meta AI models integrated into iOS 18 for Apple Intelligence.

This integration would likely be similar to the deal Apple has struck with ChatGPT, which is currently the only third-party partner for Apple Intelligence. 

🔗 9to5Mac
🧑‍💻 @agamtechtricks

Microsoft Account to local account conversion guide erased from official Windows 11 guide

Microsoft has been pushing Windows 11 users to sign in with a Microsoft Account, making it harder to use a local account. Instructions on how to switch from a Microsoft Account to a local account were recently removed from the official Windows 11 guide.

Converting your Windows 11 PC's login from a Microsoft Account to a local account is a pretty simple process. All you have to do is go to the Settings app, proceed to Accounts > Your info, and select "Sign in with a local account instead."

The removal suggests Microsoft wants to limit this option for the average consumer.

📄 Wayback Machine | Current Guide
🔗 TomsHardware

🧑‍💻 @agamtechtricks