Google confirms that YouTube subscriptions and purchases don’t count towards Google Play Points
When Google launched its Google Play loyalty rewards program - Google Play Points - we had assumed that all of Google's digital services, subscriptions and purchases would be included when calculating a user's points balance.
It turns out we shouldn't...
Google’s threat to pull search from Australia could devastate small businesses
Just last week we wrote about the escalating situation between Google (and Facebook) and the Australian government, labelling the government's moves as a clear threat to the way Australians use the internet every day.
Far from presenting a risk to...
YouTube is now available as an installed Progressive Web App
We've already seen the transition with YouTube Music -- as well as YouTube TV in the states -- to a Progressive Web App (PWA). Now the next major Google service has made the leap with YouTube now available...
Alphabet is closing its balloon internet service, Loon
Alphabet has overnight advised that it will be shutting down its division that provides internet from floating balloon called Loon, due to “commercial availability constraints.”
In a blog post on the company’s X Moonshot division blog, the company representative, Astro...
An Android fan spends a month with an iPhone: Week 3 – Diving deeper...
So we’re in week three of my experiment in how the other half live and this is starting to feel like a new normal for me. It’s been really interesting (depending on which camp you sit in) some of...
Google threatens to pull out of Australia entirely in response to digital media code
Let us be very clear: Scott Morrison and his conservative government present a clear and present danger to the internet that we use in Australia, and his proposed media code will irreparably harm the internet experience of a generation.
What...
D-link CES 2021 affordable Wi-Fi 6 COVR AX mesh systems fast tracked to Australia
D-Link Australia/New Zealand has launched several of it's new COVR AX next-generation mesh Wi-Fi 6 systems in Australia straight away after announcing them at CES.
It's nice that Australia gets to be at the front of the queue and good...
Woolworths is offering 10% off Google Play Gift Cards
Do you know what we love, spending less money, and one of our simple life hacks has been to buy Google Play Gift cards when they are on sale effectively giving you a discount on everything you buy and...
Google Messages may soon be blocked on uncertified devices
The first and most important part of this story is it's very likely it doesn't affect you. If you have a device from a major OEM who legitimately ships Google Play Services enabled devices you're fine. However, if your...
Samsung gives everyone Google Messages on Galaxy S21 range .. except US buyers
For as long as I can recall, Samsung has had its own messaging app for Android phones, and for just about as long, it hasn't been especially good. One of the beautiful things about Android is that you can...
An Android fan spends a month with an iPhone: Week 2 – Some highlights...
Week two of my iPhone adventure is underway and it’s interesting to find that once I got my regular use apps installed, it’s not a chore to use. In fact, stuff just works! The apps work well, the functions...
Google says they’ve completed Fitbit purchase. US and AUS regulators still haven’t said Yes
In a synchronised announcement Google and Fitbit have both blogged that the acquisition of Fitbit by Google is complete.
Fitbit President and co-founder James Park said in his announcement:
I’m writing today to let you know that Fitbit is now officially...
Google shoots a massive own-goal, hiding Australian news from search in ‘experiment’
In a time when Google would want to be painting itself as the innocent party, targeted unnecessarily by government intervention, the company has shot a massive own-goal in Australia this week.
Unsurprisingly, big media aren't missing the opportunity to call...
LG CES Roundup: Intriguing rollable phone, Google Stadia on webOS 5 & 6, new...
LG made a lot of announcements at CES 2021, here's a roundup of some news that's of interest to Ausdroid readers:
Two project explorer concept devices make it to production and sale
LG's Project Explorer continues and it's second device will...
Hisense Flagship 8K TV runs Android TV and all 2021 models have Google Assistant...
8KA and 8K Ultra HD Certified, the first Hisense ULED 8K TV model is 75 inches, will run Android TV and is on sale in Australia from February with a RRP of $6,999.00. Hisense 8K 65 and 85 inch...