YouTube Introduces Ads on Paused Videos, Sparking User Backlash

YouTube has officially confirmed the introduction of ads on paused videos, a move that has been met with widespread criticism from users. The new ad placement, which was first spotted by users last week, displays advertisements on the pause screen, shrinking the paused video to a smaller size.

According to a statement from YouTube's communications manager, Oluwa Falodun, the platform has "widely rolled out Pause ads to all advertisers" following a successful experiment with picture-in-picture (PIP) mid-roll ads in August. The PIP ads allowed videos to continue playing in a smaller window while an ad was displayed, and it appears that this concept has been adapted for paused content.

Users have taken to social media to express their frustration with the new ad placement, with many calling it "ridiculous" and "disruptive." Some have even threatened to install ad blockers or switch to alternative platforms.

YouTube has defended the move, stating that the ads are designed to be "less disruptive" and are intended to provide a new revenue stream for creators. However, many users argue that the ads are an intrusion and detract from the viewing experience.

The introduction of ads on paused videos is part of YouTube's ongoing efforts to increase revenue and combat ad blockers. The platform has been experimenting with various ad formats, including server-side ads, which would allow ads to be inserted into videos without the need for third-party ad blockers.

While some users may find the new ad placement annoying, it is likely to be a lucrative move for YouTube and its advertisers. As Google's Philipp Schindler noted during the company's Q1 2024 earnings call, "Advertisers unsurprisingly love" the new ad format, and it is "commanding premium pricing from advertisers."

As the online video landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how users respond to the new ad placement and whether YouTube will continue to push the boundaries of advertising on its platform.

Key Takeaways:

• YouTube has introduced ads on paused videos, sparking user backlash
• The new ad placement is designed to be "less disruptive" and provide a new revenue stream for creators
• Users have expressed frustration with the move, calling it "ridiculous" and "disruptive"
• YouTube is experimenting with various ad formats, including server-side ads, to increase revenue and combat ad blockers.

Google Chrome to Adopt Bottom Address Bar for Enhanced One-Handed Usage

Google Chrome, the world's most popular web browser, is set to introduce a significant design improvement by adopting a bottom address bar, similar to Samsung Internet. This feature, which has been available on Samsung's browser for some time, allows users to switch the address bar to the bottom of their smartphone screen, enhancing one-handed usage and accessibility.

According to a report by Android Police, Google is planning to offer this feature as an option on smartphones and tablets, with a related flag already spotted in Chromium Gerrit changes. This feature, previously tested by Google in 2020 under the name "Duet UI," was discontinued but is now set to make a comeback.

The introduction of a bottom address bar is particularly useful for modern smartphones, which are often too tall for comfortable one-handed use. By relocating the address bar to the bottom, users will find it easier to navigate and interact with the browser.

Key Takeaways

• Google Chrome is set to introduce a bottom address bar, similar to Samsung Internet, to enhance one-handed usage and accessibility.
• The feature will be available as an option on smartphones and tablets.
• A related flag has been spotted in Chromium Gerrit changes, indicating the feature's imminent arrival.
• The bottom address bar is particularly useful for modern smartphones, which are often too tall for comfortable one-handed use.

The Big Android 15 Update Could Hit Pixel Phones on October 15th

According to a recent report by Android Headlines, Google is expected to roll out the stable Android 15 build for compatible Pixel devices on October 15. This would mark a departure from the company's usual Monday release schedule, as October 14 is a holiday in the US (Columbus Day).

If accurate, this would mean that Android 15's stable build will land for the public nearly 45 days after its source code went live on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) in early September. This delay is the longest in the operating system's history, with the previous maximum being a 15-day delay with Android 12's over-the-air (OTA) update for Pixel phones.

The report does not provide insight into Google's delay in releasing Android 15's stable build to Pixel devices, despite pushing the operating system's source code to AOSP in early September. However, Android expert Mishaal Rahman previously suggested that the extra time would allow Google to squash more bugs and improve the OS's overall stability, ultimately delivering a better user experience.

Wear OS 5 May Drop Alongside Android 15 on October 15

Whenever it rolls out, Android 15 will be available on Pixel 4 and newer Google devices, including the Pixel 9 series. The company has also yet to release Android 14-based Wear OS 5 for the original Pixel Watch and Watch 2. It is possible that Wear OS 5 may go live for Google's smartwatch lineup on the same day as Android 15 for Pixels.

For those eager to try out Android 15, joining the beta program is an option. Google is already beta testing Android 15 QPR1, the first quarterly platform release of the OS that should drop in December 2024. However, it is worth noting that joining the beta program may result in encountering random bugs and issues.

Key Takeaways

• Android 15 may roll out to Pixel devices on October 15, a departure from Google's usual Monday release schedule.
• The delay in releasing Android 15's stable build is the longest in the OS's history, at nearly 45 days after its source code went live on AOSP.
• Wear OS 5 may drop alongside Android 15 on October 15 for Google's smartwatch lineup.
• Joining the Android 15 beta program is available for those eager to try out the new OS, but may result in encountering random bugs and issues.

Google Chrome Introduces Automatic Tab Group Syncing Across Devices

Google Chrome, the world's most popular web browser, has announced a new feature that will automatically sync tab groups across all devices connected to a user's Google account. This means that users will no longer need to manually sync their tab groups, making it easier to access and manage their tabs across different devices.

What are Tab Groups?

Tab groups are a feature in Google Chrome that allows users to organize their tabs into customizable groups, making it easier to manage multiple tabs and reduce clutter. Users can create groups based on specific topics, projects, or tasks, and easily switch between them.

How Does Automatic Tab Group Syncing Work?

The new feature will automatically sync tab groups across all devices connected to a user's Google account, regardless of the operating system (Android, iOS/iPadOS, macOS, and Windows). This means that if a user creates a tab group on their desktop, the same group will be available on their phone or tablet, without the need for manual syncing.

Additional Features

Google has also announced that it is testing a feature called "Continue With This Tab," which allows users to continue browsing a webpage on their phone based on the tab they were browsing on their desktop. This feature appears on Google Chrome's home page, just below frequently visited bookmarks. Chrome will also actively suggest webpages, eliminating the need to search for a particular webpage in browsing history.

Availability

The automatic tab group syncing feature is currently rolling out to Google Chrome users, and the "Continue With This Tab" feature is being tested. These features will be available on Android, iOS/iPadOS, and desktop devices.

In summary, Google Chrome's new automatic tab group syncing feature will make it easier for users to manage their tabs across different devices, while the "Continue With This Tab" feature will provide a seamless browsing experience.

YouTube Studio Now Lets Creators Brainstorm Video Ideas with the Help of AI

At its Made on YouTube event on Wednesday, YouTube announced that creators can now brainstorm ideas for videos with the help of AI right within YouTube Studio. This new feature, which was beta tested in May, allows creators to enter a prompt that helps them brainstorm ideas across specific topics. The feature draws on a creator’s comments and what’s trending to give creators a list of video ideas.

For instance, a creator may be getting several comments asking for a follow-up on a certain topic. “When you go into the Inspiration Tab now, instead of having this sort of search box type thing, it’s here are 10 ideas to get you started. And then, creators start to riff on that,” said Ebi Atawodi, YouTube Studio’s director of product management.

In the coming months, once creators get started with an outline, YouTube Studio will suggest a series of AI-generated thumbnails that they can use for the video. If they don’t quite like the images that YouTube has created, they can enter a prompt to receive a specific sort of image by using descriptions like “surreal and unexpected” or “minimalist.”

As for the new AI-assisted comments, YouTube sees the new feature as a way to make it easier for creators to engage with their audiences by quickly responding to comments. The company says the feature recommends responses that are tailored to a creator’s style to give them a helpful starting point.

The feature is similar to replies on Gmail, as it gives you an option for a quick response. For instance, if a viewer leaves a comment on a creator’s video complimenting them, the platform will suggest responding to it with a reply that says “Thank you so much!”

Considering that coming up with responses to a high volume of comments is time-consuming, YouTube believes that by making it quicker and easier for creators to respond to the viewers, they will be able to reply to more comments than they were previously able to.

YouTube will begin testing AI-assisted comment reply in the coming weeks before rolling out the feature more broadly next year, while AI-generated thumbnails will launch sometime this year.

This new feature is part of YouTube’s efforts to incorporate its own AI into its video platform, encouraging creators to use its AI tools instead of other popular platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT.