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YouTube is updating its monetisation rules to increase its scrutiny of mass-produced content. The YouTube Partner Programme (YPP), which governs the platform’s monetisation policy, has always encouraged creators to publish original and authentic content. Now, with this update, the video streaming giant is improving its identification of mass-produced and repetitive videos to evaluate them and likely reduce the monetary compensation. The new policy will come into effect starting July 15. YouTube did not mention the punishments, if any, that offenders would receive.
On a support page, the Google-owned video streaming platform announced the decision to revise its monetisation policy to identify and evaluate “mass-produced and repetitious content.” The company highlighted that it has “always required creators to upload ‘original’ and ‘authentic’ content.”
YouTube’s requirement to publish original content is not a new demand. In fact, the company has always included the requirement at the top of its monetisation policy, which says, “If you’re making money on YouTube, your content should be original and authentic.”
There are two rules to this requirement, which also define what the company means by mass-produced and repetitious content. The first rule mentions that creators should not borrow content from someone else, and if they do, they should change it significantly to claim it as their own.
The second rule focuses on repetitive content and states that the content should be made for either entertainment purposes or for the education of the viewers, and not solely for getting views. This also includes all the clickbait videos, low-effort content, and templatised videos.
YouTube said that the updated policy will better reflect what inauthentic content looks like today. This could include new trends and tricks used by creators to farm views. While the post did not mention it, the revised guidelines could also include AI-assisted videos, where creators use AI-generated voices to react to someone else’s videos.
Notably, as per the company, content creators need to meet minimum eligibility criteria before they can earn money from published videos. This includes 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months, or 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days.
Google is expected to launch its Pixel 10 series of smartphones in August. A new leak suggests that the Mountain View-based tech giant may introduce several first-party accessories alongside the handsets. Some of these are likely to be new products, while others may receive updated colour options. Among the potential new launches are the Pixel Buds 2a, expected to be a budget offering. The company may also introduce a Pixel Charger and a Pixel Wireless Charger, while the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are expected to debut in a new colour option.
According to a series of X posts by tipster Arsène Lupin (@MysteryLupin), Google may introduce several new accessories, including a pair of TWS earphones, alongside the Pixel 10 series later this year. The Google Pixel Buds 2a are expected to launch in Fog Light, Hazel, Iris, and Strawberry colour options, as per one of the posts.
The upcoming TWS earphones are likely to succeed the Pixel Buds A-Series, which debuted in June 2021. We do not know much more about the Google Pixel Buds 2a, but they are expected to serve as a more budget-friendly alternative to the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which are priced in India at Rs. 22,900.
In another post, the tipster states that the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 may launch in a new Sterling colour option, which will likely be a shade of grey. Currently, the TWS earphones are available in Hazel, Peony and Porcelain colourways.
The Google Pixel Charger could soon be available in a shade called Rock Candy, according to another post by the tipster. He added that the company will likely introduce a Google Pixel Wireless Charger as well. No details about the latter were suggested, but it could be the next generation of Google’s Pixel Stand.
Telegram on Friday announced a new update for its app which enables creators to earn directly from within the platform, along with more features. With Checklists, Telegram Premium users can create interactive checklists in individual and group chats to manage tasks and track progress in real time. Channel subscribers can also suggest posts in channels and it also becomes a new avenue for content creators to earn money on the platform.
Telegram has introduced three new features as part of its latest update — collaborative checklists, suggested posts, and better monetisation options for creators.
Collaborative checklists lets Telegram Premium subscribers create interactive checklists for various uses including group projects or grocery lists. This feature works in group chats, one-on-one conversations, or even saved messages. It allows for further controls, by letting creators set who can mark items or add entries to the checklist. On Telegram, users can tap on the attachment menu and select Checklist to create collaborative checklists.
Channel subscribers can now suggest content, such as promotional videos, fan art, or product reviews, in the channels that they follow. It is aimed at increasing engagement and arrives as a way for content creators to receive and review content from their built communities.
Suggested posts on Telegram can be scheduled for a specific date, as per the company. This feature has also been expanded with the ability to fund suggested posts to support creators. Subscribers can fund posts with Telegram Stars or Toncoin, and channel owners will receive rewards 24 hours after the post is published.
As per the platform, those without an Apple Pay or Google Pay account can purchase the currencies via Fragment and the PremiumBot on Telegram. However, users should note that payments made via Toncoin are final and non-refundable.
Lastly, suggested posts carry built-in monetisation tools for channels. The instant messaging app claims it enables creators to earn affiliate promotions, crowdsource content, and earn revenue without leaving the app. Creators will also be able to edit and negotiate on the submitted content before it is published.
Electronic Arts (EA) has decided to shut down Bioware’s multiplayer action game, Anthem, years after its underwhelming launch. The company announced Thursday it would sunset the game on January 12, 2026. Anthem will remain playable until it is taken offline, but EA is halting sales of the game’s in-game premium currency. Anthem, BioWare’s first live service title, launched on PC and consoles in 2019, but failed to attract a strong player base.
In an update posted on its website, EA said Anthem’s servers will remain online till January 12, 2026, after which the game will no longer be playable. Players won’t be able to log in and play since the game is an online-only title.
“We have an important update to share regarding Anthem. After careful consideration, we will be sunsetting Anthem on January 12, 2026,” EA said in its update. “This means that the game will still be playable online for the next 180+ days. As of today, you can no longer purchase in-game premium currency, but you can still use your remaining balance until the servers go offline.”
While Anthem can no longer be purchased on digital storefronts, players who previously bought the game will be able to install it from their digital libraries and play until the servers are online. Anthem will also be removed from the EA Play playlist on August 15, 2025. EA also confirmed that shutting down Anthem would not result in any layoffs at BioWare.
Anthem launched across PC, PS4 and Xbox One on February 22, 2019, and marked a departure from BioWare’s portfolio of single-player RPGs. The multiplayer title struggled to find a consistent player base, before BioWare stopped all future development on the game in 2021.
BioWare has since struggled to recapture its strong footing as a developer of acclaimed single-player franchises like Dragon Age and Mass Effect. The studio was hit with layoffs after Dragon Age: The Veilguard fell short of EA’s sales expectations. The developer was reportedly downsized to less than 100 employees after several members of staff were laid off or relocated to other EA teams earlier this year.
The studio is now working on the next Mass Effect title under the leadership of veterans from the original trilogy, including Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, Parrish Ley, and others.
NxtQuantum Shift Technologies, an Indian deep tech software company, announced its home-grown mobile operating system on Friday. Dubbed NxtQuantum OS, the company claimed that the entire interface was built in India from the ground up, and it ensures that no user data is stored in servers outside of the country. The company, which is also building the AI+ smartphones, was founded by Madhav Sheth. NxtQuantum claimed that the OS features locally trained AI engines, which power several smart and context-aware features.
In a press release, the deep tech company announced its first mobile operating system and revealed that the first smartphones to be pre-loaded with the OS will be the AI+ Pulse and Nova 5G. Both smartphones are set to be launched on July 8 in India.
The company claims that the operating system is designed to provide users the full control over their data, including information on where the data is being stored, who can access it, and why they’re given access to it.
Notably, the company said that all the user data, including preferences, usage history, and backups, is stored in India on the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)-approved Google Cloud servers. The NxtQuantum OS is also said to be built on Google Cloud’s zero-trust security models and adopts a consent-first approach for data sharing. “There is no third-party access, no unauthorised tracking, and no foreign data routing,” the company claimed.
“NxtQuantum OS was designed from first principles—your phone should work for you, not against you. What you do on your device stays with you. Not even we can access it,” said Madhav Sheth, Founder & CEO of NxtQuantum Shift Technologies.
While the details about the interface, features, and customisation options of the operating system are not known, the company has shared some information on what to expect. Built and updated via an Indian product stack, the NxtQuantum OS offers system-level telemetry controls (remotely collecting, measuring, and transmitting data from devices to servers) and locally trained artificial intelligence (AI) engines to power several features.
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Tecno Pova 7 5G series was launched in India on Friday. The lineup includes the Tecno Pova 7 5G and Tecno Pova 7 Pro 5G variants, which are powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 7300 Ultimate chipsets paired with 8GB of RAM. The handsets pack 6,000mAh batteries with 45W fast charging support. The unique selling point of the phone is a new multi-functional Delta light interface placed at the back. They are also equipped with Tecno’s Ella AI, which supports multiple Indian languages. The Pova 7 5G series support connectivity enhancements like 4×4 MIMO and VOWiFi Dual Pass.
Tecno Pova 7 5G price in India starts at Rs. 12,999 for the 8GB + 128GB option, while the 8GB + 256GB variant costs Rs. 13,999. The company said in a press release that these are limited-period prices that are inclusive of all bank offers. The handset comes in Geek Black, Magic Silver, and Oasis Green colourways.
Meanwhile, the Tecno Pova 7 Pro 5G is priced at Rs. 16,999 and Rs. 17,999 for the 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB RAM and storage configurations, respectively. It is offered in Dynamic Grey, Geek Black, and Neon Cyan shades.
The company added that the Tecno Pova 7 5G and Pova 7 Pro 5G smartphones will be available for purchase in India via Flipkart, starting July 10.
The Tecno Pova 7 Pro 5G handset sports a 6.78-inch 1.5K (1,224×2,720) AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, a 240Hz touch sampling rate, and a 4,500 nits peak brightness level. The base Tecno Pova 7 5G has a 6.78-inch full-HD+ (1,080×2,460 pixels) LTPS IPS panel with up to 900 nits brightness level in High Brightness Mode.
Both Tecno Pova 7 5G and Pova 7 Pro 5G are powered by the 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate SoC and offer up to 256GB of UFS 2.2 onboard storage. While the Pro variant supports 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, the vanilla model comes with 8GB LPDDR4 RAM. The smartphones ship with Android 15-based HiOS 15 and offer the Ella AI chatbot, which supports multiple Indian languages like Hindi, Marathi, Tamil and more.
Tecno claims that the Pova 7 5G series handsets are equipped with an intelligent signal optimisation system to improve connectivity in low-network and remote areas across India. It features an 86.5 percent antenna enclosure design and 4×4 MIMO support, enabling stronger signal reception, faster data speeds, and fewer blind spots. The series also includes VOWiFi Dual Pass, which allows users to receive call waiting alerts on SIM 2 while SIM 1 is active.
For optics, the Tecno Pova 7 5G carries a 50-megapixel primary rear sensor and a Light sensor. The Pro model gets a 64-megapixel Sony IMX682 main sensor alongside an 8-megapixel secondary sensor at the back. Both smartphones feature a 13-megapixel front camera.
The Tecno Pova 7 5G series phones pack a 6,000mAh battery each with support for 45W wired fast charging. The Pro model also offers 30W wireless fast charging. The new Delta Light Interface, placed at the back of the handsets around the rear camera modules, include 104 mini LED lights that react to music, notifications, volume, and charging.
Google recently announced the Battery Performance Programme for the Pixel 6a. Under this initiative, the company will roll out a mandatory update to Android 16 for all Pixel 6a devices to prevent risk of battery overheating. While it was known that eligible users can get free repairs at authorised service centres, we now have an idea of how much the tech giant will offer to those trading in their Pixel 6a for a newer model.
Google allows Pixel 6a owners to get a free battery replacement without any additional service charge under its Battery Performance Programme. Those who do not wish to do so can opt for other support options such as device trade-ins. This makes them eligible for a cash compensation or store credit, depending on their preference.
Google’s repair and trade-in offers for affected Pixel 6a devices
The company will offer affected Pixel 6a owners $100 (roughly Rs. 8,500) or equivalent amount in their local currency as cash. Alternatively, they can also opt for a Google Store discount code worth $150 (roughly Rs. 12,800) that will go towards their next purchase of a Pixel handset.
However, the final amount would be based on the daily exchange rate at the time of conversion, as per Google. Further, the availability of local currency for cash payments may vary.
To process payments, the tech giant will use a third-party payment platform called Payoneer, and the provider may require collection of personal details such as the Social Security Number in the US or equivalent identification in other regions, in compliance with the financial regulations.
Google has created a page for Pixel 6a owners to check the eligibility of the handsets. They are required to enter their email ID which is associated with the device along with its IMEI number. You can also enter another email address which is not tied to the Pixel 6a in case you’re filling the form for a family or friend. However, the company said it “may need to ask you for more information”.
If deemed eligible, the company will enable Pixel 6a owners to proceed in submitting the repair or trade-in claim.
Meta is reportedly training its customisable artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, which can be created in the AI Studio, to be able to message users unprompted. As per the report, the Menlo Park-based social media giant is adding a new capability to its Meta AI-powered chatbots that will allow them to send follow-up texts to users proactively. Not only that, these chatbots will reportedly be able to remember past conversations and utilise that context when texting users. Meta is said to be introducing this feature to boost the engagement of its AI chatbots.
Imagine opening the Facebook or Instagram app in the morning to check if you’ve received any DMs from friends, but instead, finding an AI chatbot’s reminder asking you to text back. According to a Business Insider report, this might not remain just an imagination as Meta is adding this capability to its chatbots that are created via the AI Studio.
Based on documents seen by the publication, Meta is outsourcing this training project to data labelling firm Alignerr, and internally calls it Project Omni. The guidelines for the project reportedly mention that the training will enable chatbots to “provide value for users and ultimately help to improve re-engagement and user retention.”
What that means is that any chatbot created in the AI Studio will be able to proactively message users with a follow-up text in an attempt to re-engage them. Notably, AI Studio allows users to create chatbots based on real-life or fictional personas which can generate tailored responses based on their roles. AI Studio, which is available as a standalone website and via Instagram, was first introduced in 2024.
The documents reportedly also mention an example of how a follow-up text would look. The publication claimed that an AI chatbot called The Maestro of Movie Magic would send the message: “I hope you’re having a harmonious day! I wanted to check in and see if you’ve discovered any new favourite soundtracks or composers recently. Or perhaps you’d like some recommendations for your next movie night? Let me know, and I’ll be happy to help!”
Business Insider also reached out to Meta regarding the feature, and a company spokesperson responded with additional information about the feature. These follow-up messages will reportedly be sent only after a user has initiated a conversation with a chatbot, and the AI will not send any further texts if there is no response to the initial follow-up.
Additionally, these proactive messages are said to only be sent within the first 14 days since the initial conversation. Notably, a user needs to send at least five messages to qualify to receive a follow-up message, the spokesperson told the publication.
Google released the first stable build of Android 16 last month with several new features in tow. Among them is Live Updates, which delivers notifications for activities in real-time on the Android phone’s lock screen. The tech giant has now provided more information about this feature. Live Updates in Android 16 can be incorporated into apps offering services like phone calls, ride sharing, and food delivery, but not for advertisements or promotions.
Live Updates takes after the Live Activities feature on iPhone. It provides notifications for an activity that is in active progress and has a distinct start and end period. The feature is mostly aimed at offering time-sensitive notifications and not events of the past, Google explained on its developer page.
Some of its use cases include active navigation, ongoing phone calls, active food delivery tracking, and active ride-share tracking through their respective Android apps. These notifications will be displayed on the Android device’s lock screen, offering details like ETA (estimated time of arrival) or tracking.
The tech giant said it eliminates the need of unlocking the phone to check the status. For example, Google Maps will show directions during active navigation in the status chip on the home screen, whereas Live Update on the lock screen will display the trip’s current progress and further directions.
However, developers must ensure that Live Updates only represent activities that are explicitly triggered by the user and should only appear if the activity demands the user’s attention throughout its duration.
The company also detailed the inappropriate use cases of the Live Updates feature. It cannot be used for ads, promotions, chat messages, upcoming calendar events, or alerts. For these, developers can use other OS elements such as standard notifications. Meanwhile, Quick Settings tile and app widgets can be used in case they wish to provide accelerated access to their app’s functionality.
There are a few exceptions though. If a user purchases flight or concert tickets some time in advance, or signs up for an activity which is a time-sensitive event, Live Updates may be triggered but only when the scheduled event is imminent.
