Apps
YouTube Premium Lite to arrive in the US with music video twist

YouTube is getting ready to launch a cheaper version of its Premium plan called “Premium Lite” in the US. This will be the first time the plan is available in the US, but it will also be introduced in Australia, Germany, and Thailand at the same time. The company plans to offer this plan to even more countries in the future.
The Premium Lite plan will let users watch most YouTube videos without any ads. This plan makes it a more affordable option than YouTube Premium.
However, there’s a catch. If you love music videos, you’ll still have to watch ads while playing them. Unlike YouTube Premium, which removes ads from all videos including music, Premium Lite will only remove ads on regular videos, not music ones.
With this new plan, YouTube aims to give users more options and flexibility. A YouTube spokesperson mentioned that they’ve been testing this lite version in other countries and now plan to expand it with the help of their partners.
The Premium Lite plan won’t have all the amazing features that come with YouTube Premium, such as background play and access to YouTube Music. Instead, it’s aimed at users who want to skip ads on most videos but don’t need all the additional perks of the full Premium service.
This is the first time Premium Lite will be available in the US. It remains to be seen whether this cheaper option will convince more people to pay for YouTube.
WhatsApp Beta lets you message contacts directly from status

WhatsApp has released a new update for Android users, which introduces a helpful new feature that allows users to message people directly from their status updates. The new beta update arrives with version 2.25.9.6 through the Google Play Beta Program.
Before this update, if you wanted to message someone who had viewed your status, you had to leave the status screen, search for the contact in your chat list, and open the chat. This process could take time.
The fresh beta update solves this by adding a shortcut in the viewer’s list, which lets you quickly open the chat with that person. With just a tap, you can directly go to the chat window and start messaging.
With this new feature, WhatsApp is making it even easier to interact with contacts and follow up on status updates. Currently, the send message from status feature is under testing, and only beta users can enjoy it.
However, it will be rolled out to more users in the upcoming weeks. Once it becomes available, users will be able to message contacts directly from their status update screen, which makes conversations faster and more convenient.
Apps
Samsung SmartThings update simplifies widget interface for Galaxy users

Samsung has rolled out a new update for its SmartThings app, bringing a minor yet notable tweak to the widget interface. The update, identified by version 1.8.29.24, is now available for download on Galaxy devices via the Galaxy Store.
The fresh update primarily aims to enhance the user experience by reorganizing the layout of Routines widgets. It makes the widget interface of the Samsung SmartThings app clearer.
Previously, SmartThings users had their Routines widgets split into three separate groups, which could be a little confusing. With this new update, Samsung has combined these widgets into one unified section to make it easier for users to manage and interact with their routines.

Image via Theordysm
Moreover, the update gives users more choices for how the Routines widgets look. You can now pick from different widget sizes like 2×1, 2×2, 4×1, and 4×2. This means you can arrange the widgets in a way that works best for your home screen, whether you want them to take up more or less space.
To get the update, Galaxy users just need to go to the Galaxy Store, tap the Menu option, and then select Updates. If you already have the SmartThings app, you can easily install the latest version and start using the new features now.
Samsung Keys Cafe app receives One UI 7 support with enhanced features
Apps
Samsung Reminder 12.6.00.42 update live for One UI 7 Galaxy devices

Samsung has released a new update for the Reminder app for Galaxy devices running One UI 7. Identified via version 12.6.00.42, the update is now available to download from the Galaxy Store with a package size of around 40 MB.
The fresh update brings bug fixes and improvements to make the app better. It fixes problems that users experienced in the previous version of the app. If you had issues with the app not working properly or showing errors, this update should help fix those issues and make it more reliable.
Moreover, the update also improves some features of the Reminder app. These changes make the app easier and more enjoyable to use. Whether you use the app to set reminders, manage your tasks, or get notifications, the updated version should work better and feel smoother.
If you have a Galaxy device running One UI 7, you can get the update by going to the Galaxy Store. Open the store, tap on the Menu option, and select Updates. There, you will see the available update for the Reminder app, and you can easily download and install it.
If you use the Reminder app to keep track of your tasks, make sure to update it to version 12.6.00.42 for a better experience on your One UI 7 Samsung device.
Unlock handy new tools of Samsung Reminder with latest update
Apps
Samsung rolls out Photo Editor 3.6.22.22 update to One UI 7 devices

Samsung has pushed a new update for its Photo Editor app with version 3.6.22.22 for devices running One UI 7. This update brings important improvements to make the app smoother and more reliable for users.
The update fixes several issues that users faced in the previous version. These bugs affected the app’s performance, causing problems during photo editing. With the new update, Samsung has worked to solve these issues to make the app more stable and easier to use.
Along with fixing bugs, this update also improves the app’s overall performance. The functional enhancements help the app run more smoothly, which gives users a better editing experience. The app now works faster and is more responsive with this new version.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung continues to improve its apps with regular updates to provide a better experience for its users. If you’re using a Galaxy phone running One UI 7, make sure to update the Photo Editor app to version 3.6.22.22.
The update is available for download from the Galaxy Store. For installation, you just need to open the Galaxy Store >> Menu option Updates.
Also, you can get it from the third-party app link mentioned here. With enhancements, Samsung users can expect a smoother, more enjoyable photo editing experience.
Apps
Android Auto 14 introduces Gemini Live and fresh features for your car

Google has rolled out the stable Android Auto 14 update, which introduces a major shift with the addition of Gemini Live, the new AI assistant set to replace Google Assistant. The update includes Gemini Live code, which means the new assistant can soon be activated on Android Auto-equipped cars.
Gemini Live has been embedded in Android Auto’s source code for the first time, indicating its imminent rollout. Once activated, users will be guided through the features of the new assistant.
This change shows a broader move to upgrade devices from Google Assistant to Gemini. However, Google clarified that Google Assistant will remain functional on some devices until later in the year.
In addition to Gemini Live, Android Auto 14 introduces new features and improvements. Notably, the update includes expanded controls for vehicle temperature and AC. These new options allow users to set the temperature or turn off the AC directly from the Android Auto interface.
Moreover, a new windshield defrost feature has also been added to enhance driver comfort in cold weather conditions. Also, the company is testing a new maps app for Android Auto, with WeGo Maps already being supported in some cars.
Google has also announced that Android Auto 14 will require at least 2GB of RAM and Android 10 or later to run Gemini. It means that lower-end car head units may need further optimization. The Android Auto 14 update is rolling out gradually, users can expect an amazing driving experience.
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