YouTube denies 90-second unskippable ads on TV reports: What happened

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 10, 2026 | Technology

Earlier this week, reports started doing the rounds on the web that YouTube is now running 90-second unskippable ads for TV users; however, the company has now officially refuted these claims. The company, in a comment on X user Dexerto’s post, confirmed that it does not have a 90-second non-skippable ad format and neither is it testing this at the moment. YouTube added that it is now looking into this matter further.

What happened

Earlier this week, several YouTube users started noticing unusually long ad interruptions, with some reporting ad breaks stretching up to 90 seconds while watching videos on their televisions. This appears to be an extension of the earlier 30-second non-skippable ads that began rolling out last year. As per a report by 9To5Google, several users shared similar experiences online, with screenshots that looked almost identical, even showing the interface indicating a skip option only after “90+ seconds.”

A YouTube representative reportedly reached out to 9To5Google, pointing to an official response that had already been shared on X. The statement reportedly reiterated the same stance without offering additional clarity on the situation.

What remains unclear, however, is why these reports have surfaced now if such long ad breaks are not officially being rolled out. If this were a bug, one would expect a more direct acknowledgement. Instead, the company has only stated that it is “looking into this further,” which leaves room for speculation. On the other hand, if this was part of an unintended rollout, it could suggest that YouTube has been experimenting with longer ad formats and may be preparing for a broader test.

The report further notes that 9To5Google has reached out again seeking clarification on how these extended ad breaks appeared in the first place, especially if they are not part of an active test. However, YouTube has not responded yet.

Source link

Instagram now lets you edit comments without deleting them: How it works

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 10, 2026 | Technology

Instagram has introduced a feature that lets users edit their comments after posting, addressing a long-standing issue around fixing typos or rephrasing messages. According to the company, the update removes the need to delete and repost comments for minor corrections, though it comes with a fixed time limit and certain restrictions. Instagram announced the feature through its official account on X, stating that comment editing is now available within a 15-minute window.

Comment editing: How the feature works

According to Instagram, users can now edit their comments within 15 minutes of posting them. During this period, multiple edits are allowed, giving users flexibility to correct typos or rephrase their thoughts without deleting the comment entirely.

Once a comment is edited, a label will indicate that changes have been made. However, the platform does not provide access to the original version of the comment. This differs from services like iMessage, where users can view the edit history. After the 15-minute window closes, comments become fixed and can no longer be modified.

Several platforms already offer comment or message editing features similar to Instagram. For instance, Facebook allows users to edit comments and posts even after publishing, often with an edit history visible. YouTube and Reddit also let users modify comments, typically marking them as edited. Meanwhile, X offers limited editing for posts within a short time window, mainly for paid users. Compared to these, Instagram’s approach is more restricted, with a 15-minute window and no access to previous versions.

Limitations

The feature comes with certain restrictions. Editing is limited to text only. If a comment includes both text and an image, users can modify the written part but cannot change or remove the attached image. This means that while the feature solves basic editing issues, it does not fully cover all types of comment formats on the platform.

Availability

Instagram is said to have been testing the new comment editing feature for some time now on a limited scale. With the official announcement, it is expected to reach a wider audience gradually.

Source link

Tech Wrap April 9: Meta Muse spark, WhatsApp usernames, iOS 26.4.1 released

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 9, 2026 | Technology

Meta has announced Muse Spark, a new large language model that will power its Meta AI assistant across the Meta AI app and website. The company said the model will expand to platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Messenger, and its AI glasses in the coming weeks. Meta also revealed additional updates to Meta AI alongside the new model.

WhatsApp is reportedly testing a username feature that could change how users connect on the platform. According to a report from WABetaInfo, the update will allow users to communicate without sharing phone numbers, improving privacy. Once available, users can share unique usernames instead of phone numbers to start chats, similar to platforms like Telegram and Discord.

Apple has rolled out iOS 26.4.1 for iPhones running the latest iOS version. According to a report by 9to5Mac, the update fixes a CloudKit-related issue affecting iCloud syncing and introduces an important change to Stolen Device Protection, particularly for enterprise devices.

Dyson has introduced its first portable handheld fan, the HushJet Mini Cool, globally on April 9. The company presents it as a compact device designed for easy portability. Weighing 212 g and offering up to six hours of battery life, the fan can be used in handheld mode, placed on a desk, or worn hands-free.

Following beta testing, WhatsApp is reportedly rolling out a new interface for Apple CarPlay. According to a report from WABetaInfo, the updated CarPlay experience is being introduced with the latest iOS app update. The report states that the update brings a more structured interface, reducing dependence on voice-only commands and aiming to minimise distractions while driving.

Social media platform X has begun rolling out automatic post translation along with a new AI-based photo editing tool to improve the in-app experience. The company said both features are powered by xAI’s Grok models, with translation expanding globally and image editing currently limited to iOS.

Samsung has announced that the Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G smartphones will go on sale in India starting April 10. Ahead of the sale, the company said customers can avail cashback of up to Rs 3,000 via bank offers, along with trade-in bonuses and no-interest EMI plans for up to 24 months.

Google has introduced a new Android XR update for Samsung Galaxy XR headsets, adding features like auto-spatialisation for 3D viewing and enhancements to user interaction with content. The company said the update is rolling out with improvements across app experiences, tracking, and accessibility.

OnePlus may be working on gaming handheld that looks like a phone

OnePlus may be working on a gaming-focused handheld device that resembles a smartphone in design. According to a report by Android Authority, a few images of the device have surfaced online, showing a form factor that combines typical phone elements with gaming-oriented additions such as grips and extra buttons. While the device looks similar to a phone, the report does not confirm its functionality or whether it will support standard smartphone features.

Google is rolling out a new notebooks feature in its Gemini app. According to Google, it is meant for users who rely on the app for studying, research or other ongoing tasks, where managing multiple chats and files can get confusing. With notebooks, users can keep everything in one place instead of switching between conversations. The feature also works with NotebookLM, so any chats or files added in Gemini are automatically available there, making it easier to continue work across both apps.

Motorola is reportedly preparing to launch the Razr 70 Ultra flip-style foldable smartphone this month. Ahead of the launch, “press renders” of the device have appeared online. According to a report by Android Headlines, the Razr 70 Ultra may be available in Orient Blue Alcantara and Pantone Cocoa Wood colours and is expected to run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset.

YouTube is reportedly rolling out an AI-powered avatar feature that allows users to create a digital version of themselves for Shorts. The tool enables users to generate a photorealistic avatar using their face and voice, allowing them to appear in videos without recording each time. According to a report from 9to5Google, the feature is part of YouTube’s broader push into AI-driven video creation, aimed at making content creation more flexible while maintaining user privacy and control.

A US federal appeals court on Wednesday refused to block the Pentagon from blacklisting artificial intelligence laboratory Anthropic in a decision that differed from the conclusions reached in another judge’s ruling on the same issues.

Source link

OnePlus may be working on gaming handheld that looks like a phone: Details

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 9, 2026 | Technology

OnePlus may be working on a gaming-focused handheld device that resembles a smartphone in design. According to a report by Android Authority, a few images of the device have surfaced online, showing a form factor that combines typical phone elements with gaming-oriented additions such as grips and extra buttons. While the device looks similar to a phone, the report does not confirm its functionality or whether it will support standard smartphone features.

OnePlus gaming handheld: What to expect

According to the report by Android Authority, images show a device with a candybar-style design, but with integrated handgrips on the back, giving it a gaming handheld-like appearance. The device appears to retain common smartphone elements such as a speaker grille, SIM tray, USB-C port and a dual rear camera setup with flash.

The report notes the presence of shoulder buttons on either side when the device is held horizontally, indicating a focus on gaming controls. In addition, there are larger buttons placed differently from typical volume keys, which could serve as programmable inputs, although this has not been confirmed.

As per Android Authority, the device is expected to feature an 8-inch display and may be powered by a flagship MediaTek Dimensity chipset, possibly the Dimensity 9500.

The report adds that there is no confirmation of the authenticity of the images yet or whether the device will eventually be launched. Hence, readers should take this information with a pinch of salt.

OnePlus Nord 6 launched

In related news, OnePlus launched the Nord 6 smartphone on April 7 in India, featuring a 9,000 mAh battery and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip. It sports a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED screen with up to 165 Hz refresh rate. For imaging, the device includes a 50MP Sony LYTIA-600 main sensor with dual-axis OIS, alongside an 8MP ultra-wide OmniVision OV08F lens, while the front houses a 32MP camera.

Source link

Google rolls out notebooks in Gemini to organise chats, files and more

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 9, 2026 | Technology

Google is rolling out a new notebooks feature in its Gemini app. According to Google, it is meant for users who rely on the app for studying, research or other ongoing tasks, where managing multiple chats and files can get confusing. With notebooks, users can keep everything in one place instead of switching between conversations. The feature also works with NotebookLM, so any chats or files added in Gemini are automatically available there, making it easier to continue work across both apps.

What are notebooks in Gemini

According to Google, notebooks act like a personal knowledge base inside Gemini. Users can create a notebook from the side panel and group related chats under one topic. They can also move older conversations into a notebook, making it easier to keep everything organised.

In addition to chats, users can add files such as documents and PDFs. These files help give Gemini more context, so responses are more relevant to the topic. Users can also set custom instructions within a notebook, which allows the AI to better understand what kind of responses are needed.

Google said that the main purpose of notebooks is to reduce clutter and manage ongoing work. Instead of starting fresh with every new chat, users can continue building on existing information stored in a notebook.

Once a notebook is set up, Gemini uses the saved chats, uploaded files and its own tools like web search to provide more detailed and context-aware answers. This can be useful for long-term tasks such as exam preparation, research projects or learning a new skill.

Sync with NotebookLM

Notebooks are also connected with NotebookLM, allowing users to access the same content across both apps. Any file or chat added in Gemini will automatically appear in NotebookLM, and the same applies the other way around. According to Google, this sync makes it convenient to switch between tools. For example, users can create a notebook in Gemini and later use NotebookLM to generate visual summaries or video overviews based on the same content.

Availability

The notebooks feature is rolling out first to users with Google AI Ultra, Pro and Plus subscriptions on the web. Google plans to expand access to mobile devices, more regions and free users in the coming weeks.

Source link

Android XR update lets any app, image, video appear 3D on Samsung Galaxy XR

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 9, 2026 | Technology

Google has announced a new Android XR update for Samsung Galaxy XR headsets, introducing features such as auto-spatialisation for 3D experiences and improvements to how users interact with content. According to the company, the update is now rolling out with changes to app experiences, tracking and accessibility.

Android XR update: What’s new

Google said it is introducing an experimental feature called auto-spatialisation, which allows users to turn nearly any 2D app, game, website, image or video into a 3D experience. The feature can be enabled from the Labs section under advanced settings.

The company also said the Android XR ecosystem now includes over 100 apps designed specifically for immersive experiences, more than doubling since the launch of Samsung Galaxy XR. These include apps such as Real VR Fishing and the upcoming Trombone Champ: Unflattened!, while apps like the Paris Saint-Germain Immersion app now offer new viewing modes for live matches.

Google added that users can now pin apps to walls within their physical space, allowing them to remain fixed during a session. The update also enables users to see their real hands while interacting with virtual content in home space mode, replacing earlier outline-based visuals.

In addition, Android XR will now restore previous sessions automatically, reopening apps where users left off. Google said the update also brings improvements to hand tracking, eye tracking and accessibility.

It added that Android XR now supports Android Enterprise, with partners including ArborXR, ManageXR, Microsoft Intune, Omnissa Workspace ONE, Samsung Knox Manage and SOTI supporting enterprise deployments.

Source link

Times Top News

Times Top News