Five Cutting-Edge Robots Ready for Purchase on Amazon
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Read MoreBillboard serves as a cornerstone of the music industry, and since 1940, the publication has been monitoring the top-selling albums weekly. Naturally, the methods by which we engage with music have experienced numerous considerable transformations over the years. Recently, music streaming has thoroughly dominated the industry, with the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) indicating that streaming accounts for 84% of recorded music revenue in the U.S.
Since 2005, YouTube has emerged as one of the leading music streaming services, particularly for music videos. The platform began influencing Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart in 2013 and started affecting the Billboard Hot 200 albums chart in 2019. In essence, YouTube has impacted at least one Billboard chart for over a decade, but that is about to change next month.
Effective Jan. 16, 2026, YouTube will cease reporting streaming data to Billboard. YouTube streams will no longer affect Billboard’s top singles or albums charts, which will immediately alter how the most popular songs on YouTube rank on the leaderboards. This change will have an effect on everyone, whether you are a casual YouTube user or a passionate music fan.
Reasons for YouTube’s withdrawal from Billboard reporting next year
In 2025, tracking the performance metrics of albums and songs presents a complex challenge. Music streams, album acquisitions, and various intermediary metrics must all be considered. Charts like Billboard utilize “album units” to assess a song or album’s relative success. One complete album sale counts as one album unit, but multiple individual track purchases, paid streams, or free and ad-supported streams can cumulatively amount to one album unit.
YouTube disputes the latter aspect of Billboard’s album unit calculation — free or ad-supported streams and paid streams hold different weights. Streaming a song on Spotify via a subscription is valued higher than a free YouTube stream. Specifically, this is how Billboard currently computes an album unit for its charts:
At present, each consumption unit for an album means one album sale, 10 individual tracks bought from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand audio or video streams derived from songs on an album.
According to a blog post, YouTube has engaged in “extensive discussions” with Billboard about these calculations. Billboard announced intentions to increase the weight of both paid and free streams earlier this month, effective for Billboard charts dated Jan. 17, 2026. After this change, an album unit will represent 2,500 ad-supported streams or 1,000 paid or subscription on-demand streams.
“This alteration implies that it will require 33.3% fewer ad-supported on-demand streams from songs of an album and 20% fewer paid/subscription on-demand streams of songs from an album to equal an album unit,” Billboard stated.
While Billboard is attempting to lessen the disparity between paid and ad-supported streams starting next month, it has not acquiesced to YouTube’s requests. The Google-owned streaming platform demands complete value equality between ad-supported and paid streams. Billboard remains unmoved for now, leading YouTube to withdraw its data from Billboard charts just one day prior to the new streaming values taking effect.
Billboard employs an antiquated calculation that places heavier weight on subscription-supported streams compared to ad-supported… We are merely requesting that all streams are fairly and equitably counted, irrespective of whether they arise from subscription or ad-supported formats—because every fan is important and each play should matter.
In YouTube’s blog post, penned by global music head Lyor Cohen, it was noted that YouTube’s music streaming data encompasses both paid and ad-supported streams. Some users enjoy streaming through the ad-free YouTube Premium subscription, while others utilize the ad-supported free version of YouTube.
A representative for Billboard commented that “there are numerous ways for fans to support their favorite artists, each holding a unique place in the music ecosystem.”
“Billboard aims to accurately measure this activity, balanced across various factors including consumer access, revenue evaluation, data integrity, and industry standards,” the Billboard representative continued. “We hope that YouTube reconsiders and collaborates with Billboard to acknowledge the reach and popularity of artists across all music platforms, celebrating their accomplishments through fan engagement with the music they cherish.”
At present, it seems both YouTube and Billboard acknowledge their interdependent relationship within the music streaming landscape and have left the possibility open for YouTube’s data to return to the charts. However, neither Billboard nor YouTube appears willing to yield on the firm positions they have articulated regarding album unit consumption weighting.
Implications for YouTube users and the music sector
For users, there will be a shift in how music is consumed on YouTube, with the extent of the impact depending on how much you value supporting your favorite artists. If you wish for your favorite songs or albums to bolster an artist
Read MoreThe Nano Banana emblem is substituted for a more understated icon within the beta version of the Google Messages app.
Nano Banana serves as Google’s leading image-generating model, facilitating features throughout the Google ecosystem in applications such as Gemini, NotebookLM, and most recently, Google Messages. With the innovative Remix feature in Google Messages, users can access Nano Banana image editing and generation capabilities directly within their chats. Although participation in this feature is optional, Remix is prominently showcased throughout the Google Messages application, marked by a banana emoji indicating Nano Banana.
Following the launch of the Remix feature in Google Messages in November, it faced criticism from Android enthusiasts, many of whom voiced their discontent on Reddit. By December 2025, Google addressed these concerns in a support article.
“We appreciate your input regarding the Remix feature in Messages. Your voices have been heard,” a Google community manager stated in the article.
Our team is diligently working on enhancements and fine-tuning the feature to ensure it is smoother, more intuitive, and enjoyable for all users. Keep an eye out for updates!”
The range of handheld gaming consoles has grown considerably in recent years. Following the highly acclaimed release of the Nintendo Switch (which we reviewed), we’ve witnessed entries from PlayStation, Lenovo, Asus, MSI, and even Valve, the parent company of Steam. An arms race appears to have begun among many of these companies, all striving to deliver the best devices available.
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally represents Microsoft’s effort to join the fray. This device is the result of an intriguing partnership between the PC manufacturer Republic of Gamers and Microsoft’s Xbox division, which lent its expertise from developing the Xbox to make the new handheld emulate a console experience. ROG has also equipped its top Xbox Ally X model with a remarkably powerful AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, providing substantial capability for demanding gaming. However, this power comes at a hefty price of $999.99, raising the question: Does the ROG Xbox Ally X offer enough improvement over other competitors to justify this cost? Although we commended the handheld’s performance in our review of the Xbox Ally X, there is much more value available in other portable devices from Valve and Nintendo. Comparing them with the lower-spec $599 ROG Xbox Ally makes the distinction even more apparent.
Explore with Nintendo
When seeking a handheld, it’s crucial to evaluate what functionalities you desire. Most high-end PC handhelds naturally fall into the same category as conventional PC gaming, an arena where handhelds require significant price tags and inflated specs to remain competitive. If your goal is merely to play games with excellent performance in a travel-friendly design, the Nintendo Switch 2 might be a better option than the Xbox Ally X.
Nintendo’s latest model enhances the original Switch in substantial ways, especially now that availability of the Switch 2 has improved after initial shortages. Firstly, it features a sleek design, with detachable controllers and various play modes, such as a tabletop screen or a TV console for multiplayer co-op. While a PC handheld like the ROG can offer similar capabilities, it requires additional accessories and controllers.
The processor in the Nintendo Switch 2 is a less powerful NVIDIA chip, but Nintendo’s strategy of producing impeccably crafted first-party titles and their adept handling of ports from leading AAA studios ensures that the performance feels modern and refined. It typically has lower resolution and frame rates compared to the ROG Xbox Ally X, but if you favor first-party Nintendo games and don’t require cutting-edge specifications, the Switch 2 is an excellent way to cut costs ($550, to be precise).
Get more value with other PC handhelds
One reason PC handhelds are so unique is that they frequently come with complete operating systems. Those produced by PC manufacturers usually run Windows. This can be a double-edged sword, as it offers users the versatility to use their handheld as a computer, but Windows wasn’t designed for navigation with a controller, especially in handheld mode.
Consequently, one of the best methods to save money and achieve a streamlined experience is to opt for a Steam Deck. Created by Valve and operating on a custom Linux-based Steam OS, these devices support a wide variety of games from the Steam store. The standout feature is that the Steam Deck OLED starts at a mere $549, boasts a stunning 7.4-inch OLED screen, and provides a performance level well-suited for Steam-optimized games. All this at roughly half the price of a top-tier ROG Xbox Ally? That’s a significant advantage in our view.
Read More**Texas App Store Accountability Act (SB 2420): Latest Updates**
The Texas App Store Accountability Act, referred to as SB 2420, was set to be implemented soon, requiring platforms such as the App Store to confirm users’ ages before app downloads or access to paid in-app features. This law intended to improve child safety online by making companies accountable for age verification, a duty that Apple has traditionally tried to evade.
In preparation for the statute, Apple had previously introduced a range of API and sandbox tools to help developers meet the new standards. Nevertheless, the company voiced concerns about the effects of SB 2420 on user privacy. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, recently met with legislators in Washington to address these privacy matters, stressing the importance of finding solutions that ensure children’s safety without jeopardizing personal information.
Apple’s global privacy chief, Hilary Ware, expressed the company’s position in a correspondence to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, promoting alternative solutions that would not require the collection of sensitive personal data. Ware underscored Apple’s age assurance feature, which permits parents to communicate their child’s age group to app developers while keeping specific information like birth dates or government-issued IDs confidential.
In a noteworthy development, Federal Judge Robert Pitman issued a preliminary injunction against SB 2420, considering the law likely unconstitutional. This ruling came after a request from the Computer & Communications Industry Association, which represents leading tech firms, including Apple and Google. The judge compared the law to requiring bookstores to check the age of every customer, implying it violates First Amendment rights.
Although the injunction halts Texas from enforcing the law amid the ongoing lawsuit, the state is anticipated to contest the verdict, potentially escalating the issue to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. This event represents a significant win for Apple, bolstering its arguments against similar legislative initiatives in other states and at the federal level.
In summary, while SB 2420 is presently suspended, the legal contention surrounding age verification and privacy in app stores is just beginning, with potential ramifications that could impact the tech industry significantly.
Read MoreIf your Wi-Fi continues to feel sluggish, the problem might be with your router instead of your internet service provider. In numerous households, the internet modem obtains the promised speed from your ISP but suffers a decline in performance during Wi-Fi transmission because the device is a single-band variant that operates only on 2.4GHz.
For many years, the single-band 2.4GHz technology was the default for Wi-Fi, but it has proven inadequate for today’s requirements. An increase in connected devices, 4K content streaming, and online gaming raise the expectations for bandwidth and stability beyond what older equipment can provide. Retaining such a router can squander the complete capacity of your internet plan and slow down the overall home network.
Resolving the situation is simple, yet it often necessitates a hardware upgrade. Replacing your outdated equipment with a dual-band router (or even a current Wi-Fi 6 or 7 model) is the fastest solution to enhance internet speeds throughout your home.
Beginning next year, Apple will permit app sideloading and external payment links for users in Brazil, following an antitrust agreement with local authorities. Here are the specifics.
### Some background
In 2022, Latin American e-commerce leader MercadoLibre lodged a complaint with Brazil’s competition authority, the Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica (CADE), disputing Apple’s iOS App Store regulations, which included limitations on app distribution and the compulsory use of Apple’s in-app payment system.
Since that time, the legal maneuvering has mirrored the pattern observed in other nations where Apple has encountered comparable antitrust examination. Both Apple and MercadoLibre achieved legal victories, which were promptly contested by the opposing party.
In mid-2025, CADE endorsed a provisional measure that would mandate Apple to permit alternative app distribution and third-party payment links in Brazil, contingent upon a compliance period.
Days prior to the implementation of these changes, CADE and Apple entered yet another phase of negotiations, temporarily halting enforcement.
That leads us to today’s announcement.
### Today’s announcement
In a statement released this morning, CADE announced that its board has endorsed Apple’s proposed Term of Commitment to Cease (TCC), a settlement framework utilized by Brazilian antitrust authorities to conclude investigations in return for enforceable remedies.
As part of the settlement, Apple is required to permit alternative app distribution channels in Brazil, enable developers to link to external payment options, and allow third-party payment methods to be available alongside Apple’s in-app purchase system.
Apple must also ensure that any user-facing notifications regarding these options are “structured in a neutral and objective manner, and shall not create control measures that impede the user experience.”
With today’s settlement, Apple now has a maximum of 105 days to execute the agreed modifications, facing potential fines of up to R$150 million ($27.1 million) for noncompliance, in addition to the possibility of reopening the administrative investigation.
In a statement to 9to5Mac, Apple remarked:
> “To align with regulatory requirements from CADE, Apple is making modifications that will influence iOS applications in Brazil. While these changes may introduce new privacy and security challenges for users, we have endeavored to maintain safeguards against certain threats, including preserving critical protections for younger users. These measures will not eliminate all risks, but they will assist in ensuring that iOS continues to be the premier, most secure mobile platform accessible in Brazil and we will persist in advocating for users and developers.”
Apple has not yet disclosed details regarding the new fee structure or the protections it will establish for the Brazilian App Store, though they are expected to align with the frameworks in Europe, Japan, and the U.S. The final terms are anticipated to be revealed in the upcoming weeks, as the 105-day countdown is already underway.
Read More**Ted Lasso Season 4: Anticipated Release and What to Expect**
Apple TV is preparing for an exhilarating year in 2026, featuring a mix of new and returning series that has viewers abuzz with excitement. Among the most eagerly awaited debuts is the comeback of the cherished comedy series, *Ted Lasso*, which is slated to launch in mid-2026.
### Expected Release Timing
The filming of *Ted Lasso* season 4 officially commenced in the summer of 2025, paving the way for a 2026 release. Although initial projections suggested a general premiere in 2026, insights from Warner Bros. TV head Channing Dungey have offered a clearer timeline. In a recent discussion with *Variety*, Dungey mentioned that the current intention is to unveil the new season around the second quarter of 2026, hinting at a mid-year launch.
### Popularity and Impact
Since its arrival in August 2020, *Ted Lasso* has won the affection of both audiences and critics, regularly ranking high in the Apple TV charts, even while contending with other hit series such as *Severance* and *Pluribus*. The show’s distinctive mix of humor, tenderness, and relatable narratives has established it as a prominent feature in the streaming arena.
### Timing with Global Events
The expected premiere of *Ted Lasso* season 4 may align with the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for the summer months. With the majority of matches taking place in the United States and additional games in Mexico and Canada, this global sporting event provides an ideal setting for the show’s return. Whether it launches during the World Cup or shortly afterward, it is likely to capitalize on the increased enthusiasm surrounding the tournament.
### Conclusion
As fans anxiously look forward to the resurgence of *Ted Lasso*, the blend of its proven popularity and the possibility of a summer release during the World Cup celebrations generates a wave of anticipation. With production in progress and a focused release timetable, audiences can expect more heartwarming and comedic moments from Ted and his crew in the next season. Are you prepared for the comeback of *Ted Lasso*?
Read More**Google One Presents Limited-Time Discounts for 2026: Seize Every Moment of the New Year**
Google One is currently offering a limited-time discount for new users in 2026, giving them the chance to save 50% on select annual plans, particularly the 2 TB and AI Pro options. This initiative promotes the idea of “Seizing every moment of the new year,” motivating users to benefit from increased storage and features.
### Pricing and Plans
1. **Basic 100 GB Plan**:
– **Discounted Price**: $9.99 (previously $19.99) for one year.
– **Usage**: The storage can be used across Gmail, Google Photos, and Google Drive.
2. **Premium 2 TB Plan**:
– **Discounted Price**: $49.99 for the first year (standard price $99.99).
– **Benefits**: Subscribers will earn 10% back in the Google Store and gain access to premium Workspace features, including extended Google Meet calls that can be broadcast to YouTube and enhanced Calendar scheduling options.
3. **Google AI Pro Plan**:
– **Discounted Price**: $99.99 for the first year (initially $199.99).
– **Features**: This plan comes with 2 TB of storage, Google Home Premium Standard, and a discount on YouTube Premium (14% off).
### Enhanced Features in the Gemini App
With the Google AI Pro plan, users can utilize the Gemini app, which features higher usage limits and advanced functionalities:
– **Gemini 3 Pro**:
– **Usage Limits**: 100 prompts daily.
– **Image Generation**:
– **Nano Banana**: Generate up to 1,000 images per day (compared to 100/day on the free version).
– **Nano Banana Pro**: Up to 100 images per day (versus 3/day on the free version).
– **Video Generation**:
– **Veo 3.1 Fast**: Create up to 3 videos daily.
– **Deep Research Reports**:
– Generate up to 20 reports using Gemini 3 Pro each day.
– **Context Window**:
– A 1 million token context window (roughly 1,500 pages of text) supports extensive tasks, including spreadsheet and code analysis.
### Additional Features
Subscribers will also gain from broader model access in Google AI Mode and the Gemini side panel in Google Workspace apps like Gmail, Drive, and Docs. Enhanced AI features are accessible in Google Photos, NotebookLM, Flow, and Whisk, while developers enjoy increased access in Google Antigravity, Gemini CLI, Gemini Code Assist, and Jules.
### Availability and Sign-Up
This Google One discount is specifically available for new subscribers and is anticipated to end around New Year’s Eve. Interested individuals can sign up by visiting
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“The Matrix” movies – not (at least initially) as Trinity, but as Neo. In other words, the part that Keanu Reeves made legendary almost went to Bullock.
In a conversation with The Wrap a few years back, seasoned film producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura mentioned that the “The Matrix” team faced significant challenges in finding the suitable actor to portray Neo. This was, of course, prior to the producers focusing on Reeves. Consequently, the team briefly thought about altering the character to be female.
“We reached out to so many people I can’t recall,” di Bonaventura shared. “We were becoming desperate. We approached Sandy Bullock and suggested ‘We’ll switch Neo to a girl.’
“The Matrix” producers ultimately provided Bullock with the script, but it never materialized into anything. Moreover, and as a reflection of Bullock’s popularity at that time, she also declined the role of Trinity in “The Matrix” films.
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