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Google may soon delete unopened files and folders in Drive

If your account has been inactive for two years

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You should probably open your Google Drive from time to time starting next year. Google just updated its storage policy stating that it could delete your files if you don’t use them for long.

Before you worry though, there are two conditions to keep in mind for it to be a target of Google’s new storage policy. First, your Google account should be inactive for at least two years. Accounts that have never been opened for two years will have their files or folders automatically deleted.

Second, your Google account must have been over its storage limits for two years. If you remain above the storage limits for two years, Google will delete contents across Gmail, Drive, and Photos. By default, a Google account has 15GB of storage, which could take years to fully reach depending on usage.

Once you have met either of the two conditions, Google will notify you multiple times at least three months before deleting any file or folder. If you have been inactive, it is recommended that you “periodically visit Gmail, Drive, or Photos on the web or mobile.” Take note of the wording — using a third-party app or sync provider won’t likely work.

It is also worth noting that this change in policy won’t affect any setting you set on the Inactive Account Manager, a little-known feature for managing your accounts in case of prolonged inactivity.

Now, if the problem lies in going above storage limits, the only way is to trim files and folders you probably don’t use. You can also buy more storage through Google One. Storage plans start at 100GB and have additional perks that you may benefit from, like access to Google experts, family plans, and more.

The new storage policy will take effect on June 1, 2021. After that date, Google will delete any files or folders that meet the conditions. So right now, look into your Google account and see if it goes above the storage limits.

Aligning with the industry standards

According to Google, this change counts towards aligning storage policies across their products. Such reasoning makes sense given that the company has been a little inconsistent with its storage policies over the years.

As a matter of fact, the default 15GB storage limits for Google Accounts only applies to Gmail and Google Drive until recently. Now, every upload to Google Photos will count on the storage limits of a user.

Granted, you still have 15GB of free online storage to work with. Google’s storage limit is actually one of the generous out there. Apple, for example,  still provides a paltry 5GB for a free iCloud account.

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New X users must pay a dollar per year to post and reply

Rolling out globally now

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New users on X might soon face a tough time on the platform. The social media website will likely start charging new accounts a small fee for the right to post on the platform.

Now, the fee isn’t a new one. Almost six months ago, the company tested the paid system in New Zealand and the Philippines. New users in those countries had to pay a dollar per year for the ability to post and reply to content.

As spotted by X Daily News on the same platform, the company might be ready to take the experiment to a larger market. New text strings have shown that the policy is rolling out worldwide.

The policy is designed to combat a wave of bots appearing on the platform. By preventing new accounts from creating posts, X hopes to stave off the standard behavior of bots these days. You might have noticed them as OnlyFans creators in unrelated posts, peddling NSFW content on their bio.

Though the global rollout was only just spotted, owner Elon Musk has seemingly confirmed the change. Replying to X Daily News, Musk says that it is “the only way to curb the relentless onslaught of bots.” He says that the current breed of bots can easily bypass simple checks these days.

SEE ALSO: X will no longer let you hide your blue checkmark

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Disney+ might get always-on channels similar to cable TV

Featuring content from Marvel, Star Wars, and classic Disney

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Disney+ | Disney Plus

The burden of choice on streaming platforms is real. If you’re like us, you’ve spent hours just mindlessly scrolling through titles on Netflix or Disney+ without watching anything. Netflix, at least, has a Play Something button to fight off that irresistible urge. Now, Disney+ is reportedly trying something different: always-on channels.

If you already cut cable from your lives, you’re likely missing traditional channels or networks that have pre-determined programming. It was a flawed system that eventually ended up with mediocre content and a downpour of ads. However, cable did allow us to keep watching without deciding what comes next.

Now, according to The Information, Disney+ is working on adding those channels to its streaming service. Naturally, these channels will include content from the platform’s library such as Marvel, Star Wars, and its list of classic animated films.

Strangely, the reported feature might still have ads in between programs. Though the addition of ads does mean a better similarity with real television, users still have to be paying subscribers to access the channels. Even if you’re already paying for Disney+, you might still get hit with ads.

Disney has not confirmed the reports yet. The platform might launch a version of the feature outside of the scope included in this report. It’s also unknown when these always-on channels will launch.

SEE ALSO: Macross to be available on Disney+

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Google might offer satellite connectivity soon

Starting with the Pixel 9 series

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A few years ago, Apple unleashed one of the most interesting features for the iPhone today: Emergency SOS. Designed for those who like their fair bit of the outdoors, Emergency SOS allows users to contact emergency services without network coverage. Other manufacturers, however, are struggling to adopt the same feature. Now, Google might soon join Apple in providing satellite connectivity for its users.

Despite the convenience, satellite connectivity hasn’t taken off as much as the industry expected it to. For one, a network of satellites isn’t the easiest thing to maintain. Apple is still currently offering its services for free, a gamble that may or may not pay off. Now, the iPhone maker won’t be alone.

According to Android Authority, Google might start offering the same service to Pixel 9 users. Starting with this year’s upcoming flagship, the company is reportedly teaming up with T-Mobile to create satellite connectivity for its users. The telecommunications network is teaming up with SpaceX for the feature.

The same report describes how the feature might work. Once activated, the feature will ask users of their situation: is everyone breathing, are people trapped, are weapons involved, among others. The phone will then relay this information to emergency authorities for a rapid response.

Unfortunately, pricing remains a mystery. While Apple is still offering its satellite connectivity for free, other brands might put the burden of cost on the end user. Hopefully, they won’t, but a paid version is unfortunately expected at this point.

SEE ALSO: Should you be excited for Apple’s satellite connectivity?

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