Tech News
Google is Testing Ads on YouTube shorts, To compete with TikTok
With the launch of YouTube Shorts in 2020, Google hopped on the bandwagon, citing the increased popularity of vertical, short-form videos on TikTok and Instagram Reels. Now, it appears that the internet giant plans to add adverts to its short-video platform on Android and iOS in order to help content creators finance their work. To learn more about it, see the details below.
YouTube Shorts Will Soon Show Ads
Google recently released its first-quarter 2022 earnings report. Despite missing profits expectations (it was anticipated to reach $7.51 billion but only hit $6.87 billion), the company saw strong growth on YouTube, mainly to the platform’s adverts. YouTube grew by 14% year over year, with ad revenue accounting for the majority of that increase. Google is now attempting to bring adverts to YouTube Shorts, based on this increase.
Google’s Chief Business Officer, Phillip Schindler, stated that the firm has begun experimenting with monetization potential on Shorts. It would also be an interesting addition for consumers, creators, and advertising, he said.
“We’re testing ads on Shorts with products like App Install and video action campaigns. And while it’s still early days, we’re encouraged by initial advertiser feedback and results,” Schindler said in a statement during the earnings call.
It’s worth noting that, despite Google’s earnings falling short of expectations for the quarter, YouTube Shorts saw significant growth. The platform now has 30 million daily active users and is available in over 100 countries (DAU). In comparison to last year, there are four times as many DAUs.
Although TikTok presently dominates the short-video industry, Schindler stated that Google is putting a lot of effort into making YouTube Shorts a viable contender. The $100 million Short Fund, which awards YouTube Shorts artists up to $10,000 per month for their content, viewership, and interaction, was also noted by the executive.
With ads on YouTube Shorts, Google hopes to increase revenue from the app’s growing user base. Furthermore, considering the company’s declining income from its other services, it is a reasonable decision. However, from the standpoint of the user, it may not be a pleasant change. People may be able to accept this, though, because YouTube videos already contain advertisements.
Google Gemini 3D models and charts are redefining how users interact with artificial intelligence by transforming plain text responses into dynamic visual experiences. With this latest update from Google, the Gemini app is no longer limited to answering questions—it can now visually demonstrate concepts through interactive models and data charts.
Google Gemini 3D Models: A New Era of Interactive AI
The new feature allows users to generate interactive 3D models directly within the Gemini app. Whether it is understanding planetary motion, physics simulations, or complex systems, users can now explore concepts visually rather than relying solely on text explanations.
Alongside 3D models, Gemini also introduces real-time chart generation. Users can input data or ask questions, and the AI instantly creates charts that can be adjusted using sliders and controls. This makes data interpretation faster and far more intuitive.
How Google Gemini 3D Models Improve Learning and Visualization
This update is particularly useful for students, educators, and professionals who rely on visual learning. Instead of imagining abstract concepts, users can now see them in action, leading to better understanding and retention.
For professionals, especially in data-driven fields, the ability to quickly generate and manipulate charts can significantly improve productivity. It eliminates the need for separate tools and simplifies workflows by keeping everything within a single AI interface.
Why This Matters
Google’s move toward interactive AI signals a shift in how users will engage with technology. The integration of 3D visuals and charts transforms AI from a passive assistant into an active exploration tool.
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, features like these highlight a future where learning, analysis, and creativity become more immersive and accessible to everyone.
Also Read: Samsung One UI 8.5 Beta Expands to More Galaxy Devices: Full Details, Features and Availability
One UI
Samsung One UI 8.5 Beta Expands to More Galaxy Devices: Full Details, Features and Availability
Samsung One UI 8.5 Beta Expands Globally
Samsung One UI 8.5 Beta is now expanding to more Galaxy devices, marking a significant step in Samsung’s software update strategy. Initially introduced for the latest Galaxy S series, the beta program is now reaching a wider range of smartphones, including older flagship models and foldable devices.
This expansion highlights Samsung’s commitment to delivering faster and more consistent updates across its ecosystem. With Android 16 as its base, One UI 8.5 focuses on refining performance, enhancing security, and improving the overall user experience.
Key Features of One UI 8.5 Beta
The latest beta introduces several improvements that aim to make Galaxy devices more efficient and user-friendly.
One of the major highlights is the integration of smarter AI-driven features that optimize daily tasks and system performance. Users can expect better app responsiveness and smoother animations throughout the interface.
Privacy and security have also been upgraded. The new version brings enhanced permission controls and improved data protection tools, ensuring users have more control over their personal information.
Additionally, Samsung has worked on refining system stability, reducing lag, and improving battery efficiency, which should deliver a more reliable experience during everyday usage.
Availability and Supported Regions
The One UI 8.5 Beta program is currently available in select regions, including South Korea, the United States, and Germany. Users in these regions can enroll through the Samsung Members app to access the beta update.
Samsung is expected to expand availability to more countries in the coming weeks, bringing the update closer to a global rollout. As with any beta software, users may encounter bugs or performance issues, so it is recommended to install it on secondary devices.
Conclusion
Samsung’s decision to expand the One UI 8.5 Beta program demonstrates its focus on long-term software support and faster update cycles. By extending early access to more devices, the company is not only improving user experience but also strengthening its position in the competitive Android ecosystem.
Also Read: NothingOS 4.1 Update on Nothing Phone (4a): Camera Improvements or a Step Back?
NothingOS 4.1 Update: Real-World Camera Test Results
The latest NothingOS 4.1 update for the Nothing Phone (4a) has started rolling out, bringing camera-related enhancements, system tweaks, and the April 2026 security patch. However, after personally testing the update in real-world conditions, the results appear to be mixed rather than a clear upgrade.
One of the key highlights of this update is the improved front camera video performance. Exposure handling is noticeably better, making videos look brighter and more vibrant. Faces appear well-lit, and HDR performance is more stable compared to the previous version. This makes the front camera more suitable for social media content. However, this improvement comes at the cost of color accuracy, as videos now carry a slightly warm or reddish tint.
On the rear camera side, the update claims to enhance autofocus performance, but in testing, there is little to no noticeable improvement. The camera still struggles to maintain focus unless the subject is perfectly centered. Additionally, minor color shifting during focus adjustments affects consistency in both photos and videos.
Portrait photography has seen some changes as well. Images now appear brighter with improved edge detection, especially at 2x zoom. However, at higher zoom levels like 3.5x, aggressive processing becomes evident. Skin tones tend to shift toward warmer tones, and facial details are slightly reduced due to added smoothing. While the images may look more appealing at first glance, they sacrifice realism and texture.
Color processing overall has shifted toward a more vibrant and punchy style. Greens and reds appear boosted, making images pop more on screen. However, HDR performance has taken a slight hit, with highlights such as skies occasionally getting overexposed.
Apart from camera changes, the update introduces minor refinements like improved haptic feedback in the recorder app and suggestions for essential notifications. Despite these additions, occasional UI jitters and performance inconsistencies still persist.
In conclusion, the NothingOS 4.1 update focuses more on visual appeal than natural output. Users who prefer vibrant images may appreciate the changes, but those seeking accurate colors and consistent performance might find this update less satisfying.
Also Read: Samsung Messages Shutdown in 2026: Big Update That Will Impact Galaxy Users