Spotify HiFi: A long-awaited saga nears its end?

Image: Spotify

After over three years of anticipation, Spotify's promised high-quality audio tier, HiFi, is finally taking shape. Initially touted as a standalone premium service, it's now evolving into a deluxe add-on to the existing Premium subscription. This strategic shift comes as Spotify attempts to catch up with competitors like Apple Music and Amazon Music, who have already offered lossless audio as a standard feature.

CEO Daniel Ek confirmed the development during Spotify's earnings call, describing the upcoming tier as "a deluxe version of Spotify that has all of the benefits that the normal Spotify version has, but a lot more control, a lot higher quality across the board." It's expected to cost around US$17-US$18 per month, offering lossless audio, enhanced library management, AI-powered playlists, headphone optimization, and other unspecified features.

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Oura Ring 4 leaked: New certification hints at successor to popular smart ring

Photo: Android Authority

While Samsung's Galaxy Ring dominates recent headlines, Oura remains the pioneer in the smart ring market. Their current flagship, the Oura Ring 3, is due for an upgrade. Recent certification listings hint that the wait might be over soon.

A leak reveals an upcoming Oura product with the model number OA11. A certification listing includes images of the ring, showcasing a flat design—unlike the curved Galaxy Ring. Notably, the label supposedly confirms this is the Oura Ring 4, available in gold and size 15 (as an example).

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Samsung Galaxy Ring opens up! Works with most Android phones

Photo: Samsung

Early reports suggested the Galaxy Ring would be exclusive to Samsung phones. Thankfully, that's not true! The ring connects to any Android phone running Android 11 or later via the Galaxy Wearable app.

This means you don't need a Samsung phone to enjoy core health features like heart rate monitoring, step counting, sleep tracking, basic wellness tips, and automatic workout detection. Plus, there are no subscription fees to access your health data.

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Netflix ad sales chief departs after 18 months, company bullish on ad growth

Photo: Netflix

Peter Naylor, who spearheaded Netflix's foray into advertising, is leaving the company after a year and a half. Netflix will look to fill the role with a new head of U.S. and Canada ad sales, focusing on a regional approach.

"Peter’s enthusiasm, industry knowledge and relationships have been invaluable in getting our advertising business off the ground. I want to thank him for all he has done to build our team, grow the business and position Netflix for success," said Amy Reinhard, Netflix's president of advertising.

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