Category Archives: technology

High-quality audio, faster playback: What’s new for YouTube Premium subscribers

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**High-Quality Audio, Faster Playback: What’s New for YouTube Premium Subscribers**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 27, 2025, 11:36 AM*

YouTube has announced a range of exciting new features exclusively for its Premium subscribers. Initially teased earlier this year, these updates are now rolling out across Android, iOS, and web platforms, promising an enhanced viewing and listening experience.

One of the most notable additions is the ability to increase playback speeds up to 4x, adjustable in fine increments of 0.05x. Previously accessible only through youtube.com/new, this feature is now fully integrated directly into the YouTube app and website, making it easier than ever to speed through your favorite videos.

**Enhanced Audio Streaming**

YouTube Premium subscribers can now enjoy high-quality audio streaming at 256kbps right within the main app on Android and iOS. This upgrade applies to official and premium music videos as well as Art Tracks, mirroring the quality found on YouTube Music.

**New Features for Smart TVs and Gaming Consoles**

For users watching on smart TVs and gaming consoles, YouTube has introduced “Jump Ahead,” a handy feature that lets you skip directly to the most interesting or key moments in a video, ensuring you never miss out on the best parts.

**Updates to Shorts for iOS Users**

YouTube has also enhanced its Shorts experience for iOS users by adding Picture-in-Picture mode and Smart Downloads. Picture-in-Picture allows you to continue watching Shorts in a small floating window while you browse other content on your device. Meanwhile, Smart Downloads automatically saves your favorite Shorts based on your viewing history, letting you enjoy them offline without any hassle.

These updates collectively enhance the YouTube Premium experience, providing users with greater control, improved audio quality, and smarter video playback options across devices. Stay tuned as YouTube continues to refine and expand its offerings for premium subscribers.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/youtube-premium-subscribers-get-4x-playback-speed-boost/story

The iPhone 17 is tempting, but the Pixel 10 is still the smartphone I’d buy right now

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Pixel 10’s Gemini AI and Android 16 Software Outshine iPhone 17

As the major smartphone launches of the year come to a close, we have seen Samsung release the Galaxy S25 series and new foldables, Google unveil the Pixel 10 series about a month ago, and Apple introduce the iPhone 17 lineup at the recent “Awe Dropping” event. With all the new devices available, it’s time to compare which flagship best suits your needs and is worth upgrading to this year.

Interestingly, both Apple and Google have made significant improvements to their base models this year, bringing the entry-level flagships closer to their Pro counterparts. The iPhone 17 now features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, while the Pixel 10 boasts a major overhaul with a much-improved chipset and, notably, a new telephoto sensor for the first time.

However, if I were shopping for a new entry-level flagship, I would skip the iPhone 17 and choose the Pixel 10 as my everyday smartphone. Here’s why.

Pixel 10’s AI and Software: A Step Ahead

For years, I have recommended iPhones primarily because of their reliable software experience. Apple’s iOS has long been praised for its stability and smoothness. Recently, though, that reliability has started to wane. iOS 26, Apple’s biggest redesign in years, has introduced new features but also some issues. Even brand-new iPhone 17 users have reported minor stutters and lags shortly after initial setup.

In terms of software features, Apple now falls behind the increasingly useful Google Pixel experience. With the Pixel 10, Google has focused heavily on software, launching Android 16 with the Material 3 Expressive design featuring large UI elements and bold typography. After four weeks of use, I’ve encountered only minor lags, enjoying a smooth and reliable experience with apps and animations.

Gaming is still not the Pixel 10’s strong suit, but everyday use is buttery smooth. Google also introduced Gemini AI, powering new helpful features like Magic Cue, which surfaces info exactly when needed, and Camera Coach, which assists in taking better photos. Additional perks include Pixel Screenshots that save info for later, Now Playing, and the Add Me feature in the Camera app.

In contrast, Apple’s Apple Intelligence has underdelivered, providing few genuinely useful features so far, with the exception of Clean Up in the Photos app, which competes with Google’s Magic Editor but doesn’t quite surpass it.

Telephoto Zoom: A Must-Have That Apple Still Ignores

One of the biggest improvements in the Pixel 10 is the addition of a telephoto sensor in the base model, a first for Pixel phones. For years, base models only included a main and ultra-wide dual-camera system. The Pixel 10 now features a 48-megapixel primary sensor, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 10.8-megapixel telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom. Thanks to Google’s on-device Gemini models, it can achieve up to 20x digital zoom with Pro Res Zoom.

The iPhone 17 base model, however, continues with only two lenses: a 48-megapixel primary sensor and a 48-megapixel ultra-wide. While its ultra-wide shots may be sharper, the lack of a telephoto lens means it will always fall behind in zoom performance.

Once you have a telephoto sensor, you’ll be surprised how often you use it. Since owning the iPhone 14 Pro Max, I rarely take photos at 1x zoom anymore. Telephoto lenses are invaluable for concerts, sports, and other events where zoom shots make a huge difference. This is an area where the iPhone 17 cannot compete.

To be fair, the iPhone 17 does offer a superior selfie camera with new horizontal selfie mode while holding the phone vertically, plus stronger video recording capabilities. Still, for me, the Pixel 10’s zoom features are a more important advantage.

Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Charging Brings Pixel 10 Closer to iPhone’s Ecosystem

Apple’s ecosystem has long been a major selling point, with apps optimized for smooth performance and deeply integrated services like iMessage and FaceTime. Its MagSafe accessories create a seamless user experience with wireless chargers, power banks, wallets, and mounts.

Now, Google is catching up. The Pixel 10 supports Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, putting it on par with the iPhone’s MagSafe system. This means you can attach nearly all MagSafe accessories directly to the Pixel 10’s back without needing a third-party case or magnetic sticker.

Though it may seem like a small upgrade, in practice it’s transformative. Accessories that were previously incompatible with the Pixel, like MagSafe stands and desk mounts, now work flawlessly. Additionally, the Pixel 10 supports faster 15W wireless charging. The broad accessory compatibility combined with better wireless charging has greatly enhanced my daily experience.

Conclusion: Pixel 10 Feels Like the Smarter Buy

Overall, the Pixel 10 delivers a complete package. Google has elevated its base flagship to meet—and in some aspects surpass—the iPhone 17, thanks to long-term software support, a superior software experience fueled by Gemini AI, the essential telephoto camera, and Qi2 magnetic charging compatibility.

While the Pixel 10 does come with some drawbacks, such as lower base storage and a less powerful processor compared to the iPhone 17, these are minor compromises for an everyday smartphone that feels smarter and more feature-complete.

For those considering an upgrade or looking for a solid entry-level flagship, the Pixel 10 is a compelling choice over the iPhone 17.

https://www.pocket-lint.com/iphone-17-is-tempting-but-id-buy-pixel-10/

Indore News: 60 MW Solar Power Plant At Jalud To Begin Operating By November

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**Indore’s 60-MW Solar Power Plant Nears Completion; Operations to Begin by November**

Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) is set to commission its 60-megawatt solar power plant located at Jalud in Khargone district by November. The Rs 308-crore project, spread over 220 acres, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2022 and is now in its final stages of completion.

This groundbreaking initiative is being financed through green bonds, with IMC successfully raising Rs 244 crore via a public issue. This makes it the country’s first renewable energy unit funded through such a mechanism, marking a significant milestone in sustainable project financing.

During a recent project review meeting, Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav highlighted the plant’s dual purpose: promoting renewable energy and reducing electricity costs for the Narmada water project. “The plant is almost ready. Final charging tests are about to begin, and transmission line issues will soon be resolved. From November, Indore will start receiving electricity from this facility,” she stated.

Currently, IMC incurs an expenditure of approximately Rs 25 crore every month to pump water from the Narmada river at Jalud, nearly 80 km away, to Indore for domestic use. With the solar power plant operational, the civic body expects to save nearly Rs 5 crore per month in energy costs.

Mayor Bhargav further emphasized IMC’s pioneering role as the first urban local body in India to establish a renewable energy project funded through green bonds. “This initiative sets a new benchmark for civic-driven sustainability efforts,” she said.

The project not only underscores Indore’s commitment to clean energy but also exemplifies innovative financing models that can be replicated by other municipalities aiming for a greener future.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/topnews/indore-news-60-mw-solar-power-plant-at-jalud-to-begin-operating-by-november

Pimpri-Chinchwad Woman Threatened With AI-Generated Obscene Photos By Close Friend

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**Pimpri-Chinchwad: Colleague and Close Friend Arrested for Threatening Woman with AI-Generated Obscene Photos**

Officials announced on Friday that the person accused of threatening a woman by circulating AI-generated obscene photos of her on Instagram is her colleague and close friend. The accused allegedly fabricated a scenario in which he portrayed himself as helping the female colleague to gain her sympathy.

According to police, even after making threats under the guise of social media, he assisted the woman in visiting the police station and filing a complaint about the incident, pretending to be her genuine friend. However, his deception was short-lived. The Cyber Police Station arrested him after conducting a thorough technical investigation.

### Accused Identified

The accused has been identified as Sudarshan Sunil Jadhav, 25, a resident of Chakan and native of Washim. He works at a private company in Chakan.

### Rejected Romantic Proposal Led to Threats

Police revealed that Sudarshan had asked his 20-year-old female colleague to enter into a romantic relationship. The woman politely rejected his proposal, explaining that she was not ready. In response, reportedly out of anger, Sudarshan secretly took her photos, created a fake social media account, and sent obscene messages to her from it.

He further used AI technology to create obscene photos of the woman. He sent these photos and messages to the woman and threatened to circulate them on social media platforms.

### Deceptive ‘Friendship’ to Gain Trust

A police official stated, “The accused did not stop there. Wanting to appear as her ‘knight in shining armour,’ he approached the woman when she was clearly distressed and asked her what was wrong.” Trusting him, the woman confided in him about the threats she had received.

The accused then took the victim to the Chikhali Police Station and helped her file an official complaint.

### Cyber Police Conduct Parallel Investigation

Recognizing the severity of the crime after the First Information Report (FIR) was filed, Pimpri-Chinchwad Commissioner of Police Vinay Kumar Choubey ordered the Cyber Police to carry out a parallel investigation.

The Cyber Police collaborated with social media companies and mobile service providers to identify the owner of the relevant mobile number.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), Dr. Shivaji Pawar, said, “When questioned, the suspected mobile number holder claimed that his phone was lost a few days prior and that he had filed a police complaint.”

Following this, the Cyber Police obtained the IP address of the device used for the fake social media account and traced a new mobile number linked to the activity. Based on this evidence, Sudarshan Jadhav was apprehended from his residence.

He confessed to the crime, admitting that he acted out of anger due to the rejection.

### Police Team Involved

This operation was carried out by PI Ravikiran Nale, API Pravin Swami, PSI Prakash Katkade, and Police Constables Hemant Kharat, Subhash Patil, Pravin Shelkande, Vaishali Barge, and Swapnil Khanse.

The investigation was guided and supervised by Pimpri-Chinchwad Commissioner of Police Vinay Kumar Choubey, Joint Commissioner of Police Dr. Shashikant Mahavarkar, Additional Commissioner of Police Sarang Awhad, Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr. Shivaji Pawar, and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime 1) Dr. Vishal Hire.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/pimpri-chinchwad-woman-threatened-with-ai-generated-obscene-photos-by-close-friend

XRP ETF hype surges – Yet THESE on-chain metrics signal caution!

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**Does XRP’s ETF Optimism Guarantee a Sustained Rally?**

While optimism surrounding XRP’s potential ETF approval may provide temporary relief, it does not guarantee a sustained rally. Weak network growth and negative address activity divergence continue to limit lasting bullish momentum for the cryptocurrency.

—

### What Are Recent Open Interest and On-Chain Metrics Indicating About XRP?

Recent data shows a decline in Open Interest (OI) along with subdued on-chain activity, indicating a cautious stance among traders. This hesitance reflects insufficient speculative support to drive a strong and sustainable rally in XRP’s price.

—

### Evolving XRP Spot ETF Landscape

The XRP spot ETF scene is rapidly developing. Franklin Templeton’s filing has been extended into November, signaling ongoing regulatory processes. Meanwhile, the REX-Osprey XRPR ETF, which launched on September 18th, recorded an impressive $37.7 million in trading volume on its first day—making it one of the largest ETF debuts of the year.

Despite this positive news, the Spot Taker Cumulative Volume Delta (90-day) continues to show sellers dominating the market. This suggests that profit-taking and heavy sell pressure remain entrenched. Although there were intermittent bursts of buyer strength during the summer, sellers quickly regained control, leaving momentum biased against bulls. This imbalance underscores the short-term risks XRP faces, where ETF optimism must contend with a market struggling to generate decisive buyer inflows and break sustained downward pressure.

—

### Network Growth and Transaction Activity Fall Short

On-chain signals remain muted. XRP’s network growth has slid to just 4,849 active addresses, while transaction counts hover around 617,000—both figures are near their recent lows. These metrics point to muted adoption and weaker user engagement.

Historically, subdued network activity has limited XRP’s ability to sustain price rallies, even amid broader market optimism. While ETF approval may offer temporary price boosts, structural growth depends on consistent network expansion and higher transaction volumes. Without meaningful new participants joining the ecosystem, underlying weaknesses threaten to dampen bullish momentum despite favorable regulatory catalysts.

—

### Is Declining Address Activity a Warning Sign?

Daily Active Addresses (DAA) divergence further highlights XRP’s fragile momentum. Participation metrics have been lagging behind price action, signaling weakening organic growth.

The persistent negative DAA divergence suggests traders remain hesitant to stay engaged, as network adoption fails to gain traction. In such an environment, rallies often struggle to sustain because price increases aren’t supported by a growing base of active users. As activity stagnates, XRP risks losing alignment between demand and valuation, making ETF-driven optimism appear more speculative than fundamentally supported. This address divergence continues to cast doubt on XRP’s ability to build lasting bullish traction.

—

### Open Interest Slides as Traders Reduce Exposure

Open Interest in XRP derivatives dropped by 3.34%, settling around $7.33 billion. This decline highlights reduced speculative positioning across futures markets, signaling that traders are exercising caution rather than conviction.

While lower exposure may help reduce short-term volatility, it also indicates waning appetite for risk-taking and less leverage supporting potential rallies. Historically, significant XRP uptrends have aligned with rising Open Interest, underscoring the importance of derivative market activity. Current trends, however, point toward fading speculative strength even as ETF anticipation grows.

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### Can ETF Optimism Offset On-Chain Weakness?

Despite increasing speculation around XRP’s ETF approval, several headwinds remain dominant: seller pressure, subdued network activity, negative address divergence, and declining Open Interest.

For XRP to mount a sustainable rally, investor enthusiasm must be matched by stronger on-chain growth rather than relying solely on regulatory developments. Although ETF approval could spark temporary price relief, without renewed activity across the network and derivatives markets, upside momentum risks quickly fading.

The evidence suggests XRP requires deeper structural participation and broader ecosystem engagement before ETF optimism can translate into lasting gains.

—

**In summary, while XRP’s ETF prospects provide a promising catalyst, fundamental challenges in network growth and trader engagement underscore the risks of expecting a sustained rally based solely on regulatory optimism.**
https://ambcrypto.com/xrp-etf-hype-surges-yet-these-on-chain-metrics-signal-caution/

FAA extends flight restrictions at Newark Airport until Oct. 24, 2026

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Air traffic controllers who handle flights arriving and departing from the airport faced significant challenges earlier this year due to multiple communications and radar outages. These issues led to thousands of cancellations, disrupting travel plans for many passengers.

While the FAA continues to limit flights, the number of takeoffs and landings is gradually increasing by four per hour, now reaching 72 operations per hour. However, this figure remains well below the more than 80 flights per hour that the airport experienced before the current caps were put in place.

United Airlines, which operates a major hub at Newark, has expressed support for limiting the number of flights into the airport. CEO Scott Kirby emphasized the importance of this approach, stating, “The reduced operations, along with continued focus on technology upgrades and ATC staffing increases, are critical milestones toward Newark’s long-term operational certainty. Things will only get better as we head into the fall and winter seasons.”

In testimony before members of the House in June, former acting head of the FAA Chris Rocheleau projected that by October, the Philadelphia air traffic control facility—which manages flights in and out of Newark—would reach healthy staffing levels and resolve ongoing technology issues.

The FAA has reported a successful transition to a brand-new fiber optic communications network linking New York and the Philadelphia TRACON. Staffing numbers have also improved, with 22 fully certified controllers and five certified supervisors currently on duty. Additionally, 27 controllers and supervisors are in training to further bolster the team.

These developments signal progress toward restoring more stable and efficient air traffic operations at Newark, with continued improvements expected in the coming months.

—

*The-CNN-Wire*

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https://abc7ny.com/post/newark-airport-flight-restrictions-extended-faa-will-continue-limit-arrivals-departures-october-2026/17883402/

The Ba***ds of Bollywood: Delhi High Court asks Sameer Wankhede to justify defamation plea against Netflix and Red Chillies

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The Delhi High Court on Friday questioned former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) zonal director Sameer Wankhede over the maintainability of his defamation plea against Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment and Netflix.

Wankhede had approached the court seeking a permanent and mandatory injunction, declaration, and damages for what he described as a false, malicious, and defamatory portrayal in the web series *The Ba***ds of Bollywood*.

### Court Questions Jurisdiction

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav asked Wankhede to establish how his plea was maintainable in Delhi and whether any cause of action had arisen in the national capital. According to the court’s observations, jurisdiction was a key issue in deciding the admissibility of the petition.

In response, Wankhede’s counsel, senior advocate Sandeep Sethi, argued that the series was available for streaming in Delhi and had been viewed by audiences in the city, thereby impacting his client’s reputation locally.

The court, however, directed Wankhede to amend his plea to specifically demonstrate how a cause of action had arisen in Delhi.

### Background of the Case

Wankhede rose to national prominence for leading the investigation in the Aryan Khan drugs-on-cruise case. In his plea, he has sought Rs. 2 crore in damages. Interestingly, he has requested that the amount, if granted, be donated to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital for the treatment of cancer patients.

The plea alleged that the controversial series, reportedly produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and streamed on Netflix, was deliberately conceptualised and executed to malign Wankhede’s reputation. It further argued that the timing was prejudicial, given that related proceedings involving Wankhede and Aryan Khan are still pending before the Bombay High Court and the NDPS Special Court in Mumbai.

### Specific Objections Raised

According to Wankhede’s claims, the show includes a character making an obscene gesture—specifically showing the middle finger—after uttering the slogan *Satyamev Jayate*, which forms part of India’s National Emblem.

The plea described this act as a grave violation of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which could attract penal consequences under Indian law.

Additionally, the petition asserted that the web series violated provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) by promoting offensive, obscene content that not only harmed his reputation but also outraged national sentiment.

### What’s Next?

With the High Court instructing Sameer Wankhede to strengthen the jurisdictional basis of his plea, the next hearing is expected to determine whether the defamation suit can proceed in Delhi.

Until then, the controversy surrounding *The Ba***ds of Bollywood* continues to brew, placing both Netflix and Red Chillies Entertainment in the legal spotlight.

—

**Also Read:**
[EXCLUSIVE: After Ranbir Kapoor, now Leonardo DiCaprio is seen vaping; CBFC blurs scenes of e-cigarette in *One Battle After Another* but clears joint smoking scene – Bollywood News Live Updates]
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/bads-bollywood-delhi-high-court-asks-sameer-wankhede-justify-defamation-plea-netflix-red-chillies/

FT: Circle’s Push for Reversible Transactions Rattles Crypto Purists

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**Circle’s Proposal to Enable Reversible Stablecoin Transactions Sparks Backlash**

Circle, a prominent stablecoin issuer, has ignited controversy with its recent proposal to introduce reversible transactions. This concept directly challenges one of the core tenets of blockchain technology: immutability.

The push for reversible transactions has drawn criticism from various stakeholders who argue that allowing transaction reversals undermines the foundational principle that blockchain records are permanent and tamper-proof.

Circle’s president, Heath Tarbert, suggested that implementing reversible transactions could offer benefits such as enhanced security and consumer protection. However, critics remain concerned about the potential implications for trust and reliability within blockchain networks.

As the debate unfolds, the blockchain community continues to examine the balance between innovation and preserving the integrity of decentralized systems.

*Source:*
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/crypto/ft-circles-push-for-reversible-transactions-rattles-crypto-purists/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ft-circles-push-for-reversible-transactions-rattles-crypto-purists

Doug Bowser to retire as President of Nintendo of America

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Nintendo has announced that Doug Bowser, who has served as the president of Nintendo of America since 2019, will retire at the end of the year.

He will be succeeded by Devon Pritchard, the company’s executive vice president of sales, marketing & communications. Pritchard will become the first woman to hold the position of president of Nintendo of America.

Nintendo made the announcement through a filing on the company’s investor relations website. Doug Bowser’s retirement will be effective on December 31, 2025, and Devon Pritchard will officially assume the role of president on January 1, 2026.

Bowser originally succeeded Reggie Fils-Aime as president in 2019. Meanwhile, Devon Pritchard has been with Nintendo since 2006 and has served as an active executive since 2021.

Following the announcement, Doug Bowser shared a statement reflecting on his tenure. Devon Pritchard also expressed her gratitude, acknowledging Bowser’s mentorship as she prepares to take on her new role.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146115/doug-bowser-retiring-nintendo-of-america

Hades 2 controls & PC keybindings

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It’s time to fight against the powers that be in *Hades 2*. The controls and keybindings for the sequel are much the same as they were in the original, but the addition of charged moves adds a new layer of spice and strategy.

Before you dive in, make sure to check out the button inputs so you don’t spend too long in the early game learning the ropes.

## Hades 2 Controls & Keybindings

There aren’t a lot of controls and keybindings in *Hades 2*, but there is a lot of depth to how you use them. Most of the time, a quick button press will do the trick, but when things get tough, the omega charged moves will change the course of battle.

### Action Controls

| Action | Xbox | PS5 | PC |
|———-|———–|———–|————-|
| Attack | X | Square | Left Click |
| Dash | A | Cross | Spacebar |
| Cast | B | Circle | Q |
| Special | Y | Triangle | Right Click |
| Hex | RT | R2 | F |
| Interact | RB | R1 | E |
| Movement | Left Thumbstick | Left Thumbstick | WASD |

Mastering these controls will help you survive the challenging battles ahead. Get ready to delve into the underworld and unleash the full potential of your arsenal!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146103/hades-2-controls-pc-keybindings