Apps

This is Huawei’s alternative for missing Google Play services

Filling up the vacuum

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2019 has been an awfully difficult year for Huawei. While the US and China are embroiled in a trade war, the Chinese telecommunication giant is stuck in the cross-fire. Like every other phone maker, it relies on Google’s Android operating system and services to deliver a complete experience to the end user.

However, President Trump has barred American companies from doing any business with Huawei, which means the brand can no longer leverage Google Play services. Google has been banned from China for the longest time, so this won’t have any effect on Huawei’s sales in the country, but it will completely derail Huawei’s plans of global domination.

To counter these missing Google apps, Huawei has released a plethora of in-house apps that will ensure the user doesn’t feel left out. AppGallery will replace the Google Play Store and can be used in 170+ countires. Launched way back in 2011, it was initially released for users in China only. In 2018, it was shipped to non-Chinese users and became a pre-installed package on all new phones.

Similarly, Huawei Browser replaces Google Chrome, Huawei Mobile Cloud replaces Google Drive, and Huawei Music replaces YouTube or Play Music. There’s also an addition of Huawei Themes, Huawei Assistant, and many more.

Thanks to the open-source nature of AOSP, Huawei is not completely barred from using Android on its smartphone. The recently launched Mate 30 series runs on Android, but doesn’t come with Google apps out-of-the-box, including Google Play Store.

This reminds us of Samsung’s Galaxy phones that usually ship with Google apps as well as Samsung’s own suite of apps. They are pretty much meant to do the same job, but come from two different vendors. Ultimately, offering more options to the user.

Will you be fine with these replacements or are Google apps necessary? As Plan B, Huawei has already announced its Harmony OS and we expect it to be ready for phones in the coming years. But, that’s still a long way down the line.

Apps

Firefox ad reunites all your favorite memes from decades ago

The Numa Numa Guy, Annoying Orange, and Chocolate Rain are back!

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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

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Apple Music is getting a Liquid Glass makeover

The new logo debuts next week with iOS 27.2.

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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

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Disney+ strengthens footing as go-to sports streaming app with UFC, NBA, more

ESPN on Disney+ brands itself as ‘new home ground for sports’

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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.

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