YouTube’s new approach to prevent ad-blockers

Screenshot: BleepingComputer

YouTube is testing a new approach to prevent viewers from using ad-blockers while watching videos on its platform. Some users are getting a pop-up notice warning them that their video player will be blocked after three videos. The new alerts are part of an experiment that urges viewers with ad-blockers enabled to allow ads on YouTube or try YouTube Premium. The warning says YouTube will block their ability to play videos on the platform unless they disable their ad blocker or add the website to their white list. YouTube says in a notice that these ads "allow YouTube to stay free for billions of users worldwide." And if you want to go ad-free, it recommends you get a YouTube Premium subscription.

The website has confirmed that it might temporarily disable playback in "extreme cases" where viewers continue using ad-blockers. The spokesperson added that they will only disable playback if viewers ignore repeated requests to allow ads on YouTube. At the moment, this new approach only affects a small number of users, and YouTube didn’t say how many people and regions are part of the test. With the platform seeing ad revenue decline, we won't be surprised if it tries to recoup that this way (at least partly).

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Meta helps teens block unwanted messages on Messenger and Instagram

Image: Meta

Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, has announced a new feature that will help users protect themselves from unwanted messages from strangers on its messaging platforms, Messenger and Instagram. The feature will require people who are not connected with a user to send a text-only invitation to chat, and they can only send one at a time. Users won’t be able to send another one until the recipient accepts or declines.

The feature aims to prevent harassment and abuse from unknown people, especially adults who may target teens. The invitations are also limited to text only, so users won’t receive unsolicited photos, videos, voice messages, or calls from strangers. Meta said the feature will give its teen users more control over who can contact them and what they can see. This joins the new parental supervision hub Meta introduced for its platforms.

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Casetify reveals Bounce Vision accessories for Apple’s Vision Pro

Image: Casetify

Casetify has revealed its lineup of accessories for Apple’s first Spatial Computing device, Apple Vision Pro. The lineup is called Bounce Vision and includes headbands, protective bumper-style cases for the external display, neck straps, and cushions for the eyepiece. It'll join the lineup of Casetify's existing Bounce range, known for professional-grade drop protection for personal gadgets.

The products will become available within the same release window as Apple Vision Pro—early 2024. As with other Casefity products, you can choose from different colours and designs or upload your own designs. Casetify says it will explore more accessory options prioritizing protection, comfort, and style. You can expect more information as the launch of the Apple Vision Pro nears.

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Stolen shot of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 shows its new cover screen

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is one of the most anticipated foldable phones of the year. And we've already seen plenty of leaks about it. The latest one gives us a glimpse of the phone in its folded state, showing the cover screen design that makes it look closer to the new motorola razr+ than its predecessor. A stolen shot of the phone shows it hidden behind a case typically seen on pre-release devices.

The Galaxy Z Flip5 is expected to have a 3.4-inch AMOLED screen with 720 x 748 resolution. It can supposedly run Google-optimized apps like Maps and YouTube on top of showing notifications like with the existing Flip4. This phone is seen with two cameras on the rear, which are expected to be the same 12-megapixel wide and ultrawide lenses on the Flip4. The side shows the volume and power buttons, with the latter expected to serve as a fingerprint scanner, too.

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