9to5Google Weekender: Pixel 8 leaks, the ups and downs of YouTube TV, and this week’s top stories

Being a YouTube TV subscriber continues to be full of ups and downs.

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YouTube TV has been effectively established as the finest general solution to stream reside TV with out conventional cable, and it’s a popularity that’s been earned. The service is moderately priced whereas providing a wide variety of channels, but it surely continues to undergo ups and downs. For all the pieces good that’s gained, there appears to be one thing misplaced.

For instance, let’s have a look at simply the previous few weeks. YouTube TV subscribers had been confirmed to get a reduction on NFL Sunday Ticket when it debuts later this 12 months, and the platform seemingly began rolling out higher image high quality to subscribers in an surprising, however completely welcome transfer.

But, on the different hand, YouTube TV additionally misplaced out on MLB Network simply weeks forward of Opening Day. And as that date will get nearer, there’s no clear signal of whether or not it’s returning, regardless of some glimmers of hope. For MLB followers, it’s actually a devastating loss, as YouTube TV additionally misplaced Fox Regional Sports networks previous to this, that means that the solely choices left for MLB video games and content material are by way of ESPN, TBS, and Fox.

Sports followers are the ones who see the most volatility in relation to YouTube TV, but it surely’s not like these random removals don’t have an effect on others as effectively. YouTube TV famously had a serious dispute with NBC Universal that almost stripped main channels from the service, and YouTube TV was additionally at the heart of a heated battle between Roku and Google in 2021.

And now, to top all of it off, YouTube TV’s worth goes up. Effective in April, the price of YouTube TV will bounce to $72.99 per 30 days, up from $64.99. Google cites rising content material prices as the cause for the greater price, however when networks are so unstable – or simply gone altogether – it’s actually a troublesome capsule to swallow.

Sometimes, it appears like being a YouTube TV subscriber is sort of a wild curler coaster trip, and you by no means fairly know what’s coming subsequent. Is all of it YouTube’s fault? Surely not, however in the finish it’s a ache for subscribers.

This week’s greatest stories

Vulnerability on Pixel: Turn off WiFi calling

Google’s Project Zero this week publicly disclosed a safety vulnerability inside Exynos-powered Android smartphones that, frighteningly, solely requires an attacker to know a sufferer’s telephone quantity in an effort to trigger issues. This impacts Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, Pixel 7, and 7 Pro, in addition to some Samsung, Vivo, and different Android units. Until the repair arrives – specifically the March 2023 Security Update on Pixel units – Google recommends that customers flip off each WiFi calling and VoLTE.

Pixel leaks galore

This week noticed a lot of Google’s plans for 2023 smartphones revealed. This included our first have a look at each the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro in leaked renders.

The Pixel 8 leaks showcase a smaller model of Google’s extra reasonably priced flagship machine with some tweaks to the corners, whereas the Pixel 8 Pro strikes to a flat show. The Pro machine additionally has a mysterious new sensor on board.

• Google Pixel 8 Pro provides a mysterious new sensor, flat show in first leaked renders
• Pixel 8 renders leak 6.2-inch display screen and smaller body

Meanwhile, a serious retail leak divulged the seemingly launch dates of Pixel Fold and Pixel 7a, with each units coming in June. That’s simply in time for Google I/O, and an additional worth leak gives perception into how a lot the two units will price.

• Google Pixel Fold and Pixel 7a set to launch in June based on leaked retail itemizing
• Rumored pricing for Google Pixel Fold and Pixel 7a falls in keeping with expectations
• Google Pixel 7a and Nothing Ear (2) present up at Bluetooth SIG
• Pixel 7a leaks proceed with prototype accessible on eBay
• Google Pixel 7a surfaces in hands-on leak with 8GB RAM, up to date digicam bar design

Google pulls the plug on Glass… once more

Google confirmed this week that it has stopped promoting Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2 and that, additional, the product will lose assist later this 12 months. Sales ceased on March 15, 2023, with assist for present clients ongoing till September. That doesn’t imply the {hardware} will simply stop working, but it surely received’t get additional updates or guarantee providers.

More top stories:

• Android’s new Reading Mode: How to put in and use the easy textual content characteristic
• Google Photos readies Video Unblur, probably for Pixel 8
• Shot for Shot: Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 200MP digicam vs Pixel 7 Pro – You choose the winner [Gallery]
• March Pixel Feature Drop with Android 13 QPR2 now rolling out
• Google publishes its Generative AI ‘prohibited use policy’ and different phrases
• Fitbit making full Health Metrics Dashboard accessible with out Premium
• Samsung’s moon pictures aren’t fully pretend, however this take a look at reveals how aggressive the AI is

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