Apps
YouTube Go finally launches in 130 countries
Exclusively on Android
For many in Southeast Asian countries, video streaming can take a huge toll on data charges. Finally, Google is laying that to rest with the global launch of its lightweight YouTube Go app.
Compared to the original app, YouTube Go eats up less data, reducing the blow on costs at the end of the month. The reduced data usage also eases video streaming in areas with weak signals. Despite the default low data setting, users still have control over how much data the app uses.
The app allows downloading for offline viewing. The feature comes in varying video quality and data usage options. However, even at high video quality, downloading doesn’t take too many megabytes. Downloads will use either the phone’s storage or memory card. Further, the feature allows users to preview the video first before downloading.
YouTube Go can also transfer the video files to other YouTube Go users wirelessly. The transfer takes up no data but is still quite fast.
https://youtu.be/GTk2_QSf2Jk
Originally announced back in September of 2016, YouTube Go was first launched only for the Indian market. After the exclusive beta testing, the app was released in 14 other countries. Now, Google is finally launching the app to over 130 countries worldwide. (Google is still mum on which countries are included in the list. However, you can probably check off those with fast Wi-Fi and data networks.)
YouTube Go is another step in Google’s Android Go program. With a full suite of light apps, Android Go is a lightweight version of the mobile operating system. It uses less memory, storage, and data, allowing more convenience for budget-friendly devices and data plans. Apps in the program (including YouTube Go) are compatible with phones that go as low as Jellybean 4.2.
Besides YouTube Go, Google has also released a lighter version of their Assistant app, called Google Assistant Go. Both YouTube Go and Assistant Go are available for download exclusively through the Google Play Store.
SEE ALSO: Google rolls out Android Oreo (Go edition) for budget phones
Apps
Firefox ad reunites all your favorite memes from decades ago
The Numa Numa Guy, Annoying Orange, and Chocolate Rain are back!
Before Tung Tung Tung Sahur and Skibidi Toilet, the early internet was populated by charismatic personalities looking to make their presences felt in a land that didn’t have a lot of rules yet. As early users, we danced to “Dragostea din tei,” belted out “Chocolate Rain,” and copied “Shoes” word-for-word. Today, Firefox is bringing all those good memories back for a grand reunion.
In a new ad, the web browser featured ten of the biggest stars of the early internet including the aforementioned Numa Numa Guy, Tay Zonday, and Shoes’ Kelly. You can also see Annoying Orange, Chuck Testa, Overly Attached Girlfriend, Bad Luck Brian, Where the Hell is Matt?, the Apparently Kid, and the Success Kid.
Now, this isn’t just a reunion. The ad has a clear message about today’s most concerning issue: AI. Everything has “built-in AI, always asking, asking, asking,” as the Annoying Orange said.
“They make money by following us, and somehow, I’m the creepy one?” the Overly Attached Girlfriend asked.
All these famous personalities are asking what happened to the internet today. Obviously, the big takeaway is that we should all go back to Firefox.
Compared to other browsers, Firefox has a lot of built-in features that offer a lot of control for users. For one, it has its own VPN for privacy. Secondly, reflecting the ad’s message against AI, the browser has a toggle to minimize AI features.
SEE ALSO: Google illegally destroys 250,000 trees for a single AI data center
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.
-
Reviews2 weeks agovivo V80 review: Good phone, tough sell
-
News1 week agoOPPO Find X10 Series: Price, availability in the Philippines
-
Cameras1 week agoDJI Osmo Pocket 4P Pearl White now available globally
-
News1 week agoOPPO Find X10 Series: Price, availability
-
News2 weeks agoSony unveils three premium Walkman music players
-
Entertainment1 week agoCyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 now streaming, Cyberpunk 2077 update coming
-
Gaming1 week agoHP OMEN Max 16 review: Gamer-maxxing in deep black
-
Laptops2 weeks agoLenovo expands Yoga lineup with new AI PCs and tablets
