Apps
Telegram is testing a paid subscription service
Still in beta
Everything is getting a subscription these days. A lot of companies are now driven to charging their users monthly for access to their services. Now, even free services are getting subscription tiers. For one, Telegram is testing its own subscription system for users.
Spotted by Android Police, the app’s 8.7.2 beta version includes content locked behind a paywall. By purchasing a subscription, users get access to exclusive stickers and reactions.
It’s not as simple as using these stickers either. Apparently, non-subscribers will also not get the ability to see these stickers. Instead, they will get prompts asking them to pay for a subscription to see the reactions. It’s harsher lockout compared to other subscription services.
Since it’s on a beta version, Telegram is still testing the new feature. It won’t come out for everyone just yet. It doesn’t even have a price tag yet. The beta does not include clues as to when (or if) the new system arrives for regular users.
Regardless, Telegram is one of the more popular messaging apps around, fueled by a promise for privacy. Though WhatsApp is clearly a favorite, Telegram does have a healthy fanbase. Stickers might not be the most attractive thing to lock behind a paywall. Still, Telegram users might find reasons to pay for the subscription.
SEE ALSO: WhatsApp launches a View Once feature for disappearing DMs
Apple Music is getting a revamp. In one of the tamer things going on with the brand today, Apple has introduced a new design language for its native music streaming platform.
In the midst of all the hubbub surrounding the iPhone Duo, Apple released a change in the visual identity of Apple Music. Rather than a static logo, the platform’s newest evolution offers a dynamic look that melds Liquid Glass and the power of sound together.
Confirmed through a behind-the-scenes video, Apple says that the new aesthetic was made with practical effects. Music producer Fred Again and NEST Acoustics submerged the platform’s logo in a tank of mineral oil and creating ripples with sound. The new language matches well with the chrome aesthetic typical of today’s trends and… well, Liquid Glass, of course.
Apple says that the more ripple-filled version will play before longer content like concert recordings (similar to Netflix’s startup stinger). Meanwhile, a black-and-white version will replace the app’s icon currently colored red and white. Current previews show off a simple logo, but it’s unknown whether Apple is adding a but more elements when the final version drops.
The updated version will debut for users after next week’s iOS 27.2 and macOS 27.2 updates.
SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone Duo Unboxing and Hands-on
Apps
Disney+ strengthens footing as go-to sports streaming app with UFC, NBA, more
ESPN on Disney+ brands itself as ‘new home ground for sports’
Disney+ is strengthening its footing as a go-to sports streaming app as ESPN on Disney+ is now available in the Philippines, one of its markets with a huge sports-loving fanbase.
The launch coincides with a brand new campaign, “Ito ang Homecourt Mo!” (This is your homecourt!), welcoming Filipino fans to a new home ground for games, stories, and moments.
Subscribers can access live events, on-demand replays, studio shows, documentaries and original programming together in one dedicated destination through ESPN on Disney+.
Production and coverage will be led by ESPN, delivering high-quality broadcasts, commentary and expert analysis across the sports season where available, alongside Disney+ general entertainment and family programming.
Following last season’s success, NBA returns to ESPN on Disney+ with matchups during NBA Tip-Off Week.
Christmas Day games will also be available to stream, including the NBA Finals rematch between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs and the Philadelphia 76ers versus the Los Angeles Lakers.
Playoff games through the conference finals shall also be streamed live and on demand.
Meanwhile, the UFC is among some of the new regular sports programs Filipinos can watch on Disney+.
The action kicks off at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi scheduled on October 25, where two world championship titles are expected to be on the line: UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski takes on undefeated No. 1-ranked contender Movsar Evloev, and UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan defends against former champion and No. 1-ranked Merab Dvalishvili.
Alongside live UFC numbered events and UFC Fight Nights, fans will have access to a library of classic fights and curated UFC content.
There will also be the original and and behind-the-scenes programming, including UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, UFC Main Event, UFC Fight Flashback, UFC Reloaded, and ROAD TO UFC.
A new home ground for sports
Other notable sports programming will include the Formula E 2026/27 season, with practice, qualifying and main races across 21 rounds in 13 host cities.
Also available on Disney+ are NCAA events, including March Madness, and Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), with all games live across the regular season and championship series.
ESPN’s popular 30 for 30 documentaries will continue to be available on the platform. The line-up also features ESPN studio shows, including ESPN FC and Pardon the Interruption.
Apps
GrabCar Group Ride now splits the fare automatically
Passengers stand to save up to 50% compared with booking a solo ride
GrabCar Group Ride now splits the fare automatically among passengers, making it simpler to book such ride types.
Each rider can save up to 50% on fare as well when using a group ride, compared with booking a solo ride.
The ride type lets the ride host and up to two friends share one GrabCar, with up to three drop-off points along the way. The more people join, the more affordable the ride becomes for everyone.
Regular ride buddies can also be saved as a group, together with frequent pickup and drop-off pins. This way, repeat bookings take just a few taps.
Such a system is ideal for officemates headed the same way or friends coming home from a night out, as well as plenty of other scenarios.
To book a Group Ride, follow these steps:
- Open the Grab app, tap GrabCar, then select Group Ride
- Enter your pickup point and drop-off
- Share the invite link with up to two friends
- Your friends can add their own drop-off points
- Confirm the booking to split the fare automatically
The GrabCar Group Ride feature is now available in all GrabCar cities nationwide.
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