News

Samsung will soon display ads on budget, midrange devices

May come in future OneUI versions

Published

June 10, 2020

Kenrick Buduan

Ads and bloatware have long existed in smartphones as manufacturers look for alternative ways to earn from consumers. Over the years, consumers have demanded lesser ads and bloatware on devices. Though the process was slow, many manufacturers gradually removed them from their devices. However, it seems like we’re taking a step backwards if Samsung decides to push through with a big change on OneUI.

A new rumor suggests that Samsung is in the process of experimenting with ads on OneUI. The ads show up on the lock screen, and other rumors suggest that the company may show ads to its branded apps too.

Unfortunately, some of these ads are obtrusive too. For lock screen ads, a user may have to wait for 15 seconds to dismiss it and unlock the phone.

Samsung might display ads in the future for its Galaxy A and M series. Ads may show up as part of updates on the next OneUI version. As of now, the company is neither confirming nor denying its strategy of putting ads in future Galaxy devices.

Fancy an ad in OneUI? (Photo by TizenHelp)

Copycat strategy

Putting ads and bloatware enable manufacturers to offset the cost of a smartphone. An offset in cost means lower retail prices but at the expense of more ads for the end-users.

This is not the first time that a manufacturer brought ads to its devices. Xiaomi has been putting ads in MIUI recently to boost its earnings from devices brought by consumers. Meanwhile, other China-based manufacturers put bloatware that displays ads and annoys users in general. So, there is actually a precedence for Samsung to follow suit.

Luckily though, ads and bloatware can be easily removed with workarounds. Some users resort to various methods to remove these annoyances, while some just accept them. After all, a feature-packed smartphone sold at competitive prices has to have some kind of a trade-off. And for most manufacturers, putting ads in return is the best trade-off strategy for now.

Source: Android Authority

News

Apple reportedly gives up on the Vision Pro

But Apple will continue to sell the current model.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

When they unveiled the Vision Pro in 2023, Apple touted the wearable as the next big thing after the iPhone. Now, almost three years removed from the launch, the Vision Pro hasn’t really taken over the coveted spot occupied by the iPhone. Apple, according to a report, is allegedly canning the short-lived wearable.

According to MacRumors, Apple has reportedly given up on making the Vision Pro a thing. The team handling the wearable has supposedly been subsumed by other teams within Apple.

If true, the wearable’s end is unfortunate but not surprising. Despite being out for years, the Vision Pro has sold only a little more than half a million units with numerous returns from customers. Most recently, Apple updated the wearable with the M5 chip, but the move hasn’t revitalized the device’s status in Apple’s lineup.

Most of the complaints about the device stem from its exorbitant price or its cumbersome battery pack. Besides costing a whopping US$ 3,499, the Vision Pro is also difficult to move around with, especially because of its total weight and a battery pack that can get in the way.

To be clear, Apple has not officially discontinued the Vision Pro yet. The company continues to sell the version with the M5 chip. Apple can also restart development in the future.

However, the meantime retirement on future development does coincide with the recent restructuring inside the company. Tim Cook recently decided to step down as CEO with John Ternus as his replacement. Canning the Vision Pro might be Ternus’ first step in redefining Apple according to his plans.

Apps

YouTube makes picture-in-picture mode free for everyone globally

The update is rolling out globally now.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Picture-in-picture (or PiP) mode is a godsend for multitaskers. The feature lets users watch videos in a tiny floating window while doing other tasks. However, the feature isn’t readily available for all users. Or wasn’t, at least. YouTube is now rolling out PiP mode for free globally.

Previously, PiP mode was exclusive to YouTube users who pay for Premium or Premium Lite. It was also exclusive to the United States.

Now, YouTube is making the feature completely free for users all over the globe. It will be available for both iOS and Android versions of the app.

There’s still a catch, though. The free version is available only for “longform, non-music content.” The same goes for Premium Lite subscribers. Music is still an exclusive feature for those who pay for the regular version of Premium. Basically, there is no change for paying users or users in the United States.

Using PiP mode is simple. All you need to do is load up a video you want to watch in the background. Then, just exit the YouTube app and go about your other tasks. The video will be inside a floating, resizable window while you look at other things.

There’s no timeline on when the update will reach your device. However, YouTube has promised that it will roll out globally within the coming months.

Enterprise

OnePlus has reportedly merged with realme

Both brands were previously rumored for restructuring early this year.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

OnePlus has a problem. For a while now, rumors have swirled about the company’s dissolution. For their part, the company has continued to deny the reports, citing business as usual. Likely to their dismay, the reports just keep coming. Today, sources have hinted that OnePlus has merged with realme.

Back in January, it was rumored that OnePlus would be closing up shop this year. Since the company very quickly denied the rumors, the report hardly made waves. However, a suspected merger with realme is more difficult to debunk.

For one, realme is itself in a very interesting position. Also back in January, realme was reportedly moving back into being a sub-brand of OPPO. Coupled together with the OnePlus debacle, all this internal restructuring seems par for the course.

According to Digital Chat Station on Weibo, OnePlus and realme have already concluded the merger. The two brands have reportedly united their Chinese and international operations under one roof. Likewise, their marketing will be the same. Pete Lau will still be the main head for this new division.

As with anything of this nature, take this with a grain of salt. OPPO, OnePlus, and realme have not issued any official statements concerning a merger or a shutdown for any brand.