Google rumoured to bundle Pixel 6 in Pixel Pass subscription service

Google

If this leak from M. Brandon Lee is accurate, Google might be exploring offering a subscription package of its own. But it won't just be for its services. The rumour says Google might be bundling in its upcoming Pixel 6, too. The package will reportedly include Google One, Play Pass, Google Fi, YouTube Premium, and an extended warranty. It does seem like the Apple One subscription bundle, but that offer is just for Apple's digital services.

The Pixel Pass will reportedly offer regular upgrades to subscribers, but it isn't clear how frequent the upgrades will be. Ideally, they will provide a new phone every time they release a new device. Potential subscribers need to apply for the plan before being allowed to subscribe. But it will offer a way to cut down costs by trading in old phones. We aren't sure how true this rumour is, but it would make it compelling to get a Pixel device through this option. Perhaps we'll learn more during the October 19 event.

Source: GadgetMatch

Instagram plans to introduce a 'take a break' feature for teens

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Instagram's reputation had taken another dive recently when whistleblower Frances Haugen shared during a hearing at the US Congress that Facebook was aware its algorithms are destructive, leading children to harmful content and only taking out a fraction of the hate speech. In response to these issues, Facebook Global Affairs VP Nick Clegg promised Instagram would get a "take a break" feature to encourage teens to stop using the social network for a while. Clegg didn't say when the option would be ready, though. 

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Leaked Google Pixel 6 teasers claim five years of Android security updates

Google/Carphone Warehouse

If there's one reason Google wants you to choose its upcoming Pixel 6 flagship phones, it's the more extended access to security updates. Leaker Evan Blass shared teaser pages from Carphone Warehouse that promises "at least" five years of security updates, which is a year longer than Samsung's promise. That means your Pixel 6 will receive up-to-date protection as late as 2026.

The teaser also shares camera features like Magic Eraser, which takes out photobombers; Face Unblur, which keeps subjects in focus; and an ultra-wide front camera for group shots. The Pixel 6 is said to have a 50-megapixel main sensor, 12-megapixel ultra-wide, and the Pixel 6 Pro gets an additional 48-megapixel telephoto lens.

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Google Assistant now shows you UV Index data on Android, iOS, and Nest Hub

UV Index data has been available on the Wear OS Weather app since April. But now, it's available on all platforms where Google Assistant is available. When you ask, "What's the UV index" or other permutations (like mentioning a city or particular day), you'll get a timeline from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in two-hour increments. The severity is colour-coded from green (1-2) to red-purple (8-11+). The verbal response will let you know UV exposure conditions later in the day. The timeline UI looks larger on smart displays, taking advantage of the bigger screen.

You can tap on the "UV Index Scale" at the bottom of the Google Assistant panel to get more information sourced from the World Health Organization. The exposure data Google gets is from The Weather Channel. Assistant recently added Air Quality info on the Nest Hub, with that data available on phones.

Source: 9to5Google