HeyWhatsNew: Spotify Users In the EU Are Getting a 30% Break, and Google’s Wear OS Is Set to Get Regular Updates
What’s good, Heyuppers? Can you believe we’ve almost concluded the first month of the year? Let’s see what’s been happening in the tech space and how our world has been changed in the week beginning 22/01/2024.
New PlayStation 5 Update Blocks Cronus Zen Users from Gaining Unfair Advantage
Gamers have been using the Cronus Zen controller emulator for some time to gain an advantage in their PC and console gaming experiences. However, a new update to the PlayStation 5 is supposedly putting all that to a halt by preventing the Cronus Zen from connecting to the console.
The glitch was first reported by the Call of Duty news site CharlieIntel, and it is still unclear whether this was done intentionally by Sony and PlayStation. Gamers who have been using the emulator to tweak the performance of their keyboards and controllers will just have to play fair from now on because Cronus says there’s no timeline for when the devices will work again.
Nokia Has Ended Its Partnership with Huawei
Nokia has been bought out of its affairs with the wireless technology firm TD Tech in a coalition led by Huawei, ending a 19-year partnership. On Friday, China's State Administration for Market Regulation revealed that Huawei and three other firms, including Chengdu Hi-Tech and Chengdu Hi-tech Jicui, have obtained the majority stake in TD Tech from Nokia.
According to the report on Light Reading, Nokia agreed in April 2023 to sell its investment to New East New Materials, a hi-tech ink-maker. However, Huawei declared publicly that it would not collaborate with the new partner, stating, "Our company has no intention or ability to work with New East New Materials in operating TD Tech."
Ford Unveils a New Digital Driving Experience
Ford has built a new automotive software based around the Google Play Store, and it’s set to be a 3-in-1 system that supports both iOS and Android devices. According to the statement on the official Ford website, the new Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience allows customers to connect with their digital lives by accessing their favorite apps and services from Google and Amazon.
The technology will be integrated into Ford and Lincoln vehicles starting this year, and the aim is to give each driver a personalized experience whenever they enter the car. The experience will extend to allowing drivers to play their favorite mobile games in the car when it’s stationary.
Google Plans to Make Wear OS Updates an Annual Affair
Google and Samsung are currently working on upgrading the operating system of their wearable devices. According to reports, the upcoming Wear OS 5 and 6 will be based on the latest Android 14 and future Android 15 OS, which could suggest that Android wearables will be getting more regular updates soon.
Currently, there are no additional details about Wear OS 5 and 6. However, it’s exciting to hear that there will be more frequent updates. This approach strengthens Wear OS as a strong competitor to Apple's WatchOS, which receives updates almost every time there is a stable iOS update.
An Accessory for Apple That’ll Make Using the Vision Pro Headset More Comfortable
VR is making steady growth in the tech world, one of the most popular headsets being the Apple Vision Pro. However, almost everyone who’s reviewed the Vision Pro mentions the fact that the device’s battery pack is uncomfortable to use and can get in the way of movement. Innovative tech company ZyberVR has come up with a suitable and almost stylish solution.
To combat the inconvenience of the external battery pack that would ultimately need a pocket or a small backpack to carry, ZyberVR designed a power bank that can be worn around the neck so it sits closer to the headset. It delivers up to 3 hours of XR with its 10,000 mAh dual lithium-ion battery pack. The Neck-Worn Power Bank isn’t exclusive to Apple products, but it’s something the developer believes Apple will appreciate in time.
OnePlus Buds 3 Make Their Global Debut
Not too long after the initial release in Asia, OnePlus is bringing a 10-hour listening experience to users with the release of the new OnePlus Buds 3 to the global market. According to OnePlus, the buds also have features like noise cancellation for background noise up to 49dB and close to 44-hours of total runtime with the charging case.
Instead of Qualcomm aptX Adaptive or LDAC Bluetooth codec features, the earbuds support LHDC 5.0 and have Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification.The buds come in two colors named Metallic Grey and Splendid Blue, and they will retail internationally for $99 according to the report in Notebook Check.
iOS Users in the EU Will Now Be Able to Make Spotify Payments Directly on the App
Spotify is set for significant changes with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) taking full effect on March 7, and it’s something users will be pleased by. Spotify users residing in the EU will now have the option to buy a Premium subscription or switch plans (from Individual to Duo or Family) directly within the app.
Since 2016, Spotify has avoided using Apple's in-app payment system because it did not agree with Apple's decision to take a 30% cut. With the new in-app payments, users can also conveniently purchase audiobooks without extra fees covering Apple's commission. The EU's DMA prevents the additional $3 charge that users paid when using Apple's in-app system.
That’s all the updates we have for you this week. Join us again next week for more tech news and updates.
