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  • YouTube is experimenting with a smarter way to watch videos faster

    YouTube is experimenting with a smarter way to watch videos faster

    YouTube Premium is one of the few subscriptions I don’t mind paying for. Given how inundated YouTube is with unskippable ads these days, I’m glad a paid tier exists. 

    In addition to an ad-free experience, a Premium subscription also includes background play and a handful of experimental features that regular users don’t get. Now, YouTube is rolling out a new experiment for Premium subscribers, and it might genuinely change how you watch videos.

    It’s called “Auto Speed”, and it does what the name suggests. Instead of manually changing your playback speed , Auto Speed handles it for you. The feature automatically adjusts your video’s playback speed throughout your watch session, helping you get through content faster without losing track of what’s being said.

    How to access the Auto Speed feature on YouTube

    If you are a YouTube Premium subscriber, you can enable the feature from YouTube’s experimental feature right now. As of right now, even after enabling the Auto Speed experimental feature, I do not see the option to turn it on, so it appears the feature is rolling out in stages. 

    But YouTube has detailed the steps, so here’s what you need to do. Tap the settings button when playing a video, open Playback controls, and turn on the toggle for Auto Speed. 

    Rachit Agarwal / Digital Trends

    Now, YouTube will dynamically adjust the playback speed, allowing you to watch videos faster without any loss in comprehension. 

    Is there a catch?

    There are a couple of things worth knowing before you get too excited. Auto Speed is only available on Android and iOS, so desktop users will have to wait or stick to manually controlling the playback speed. 

    Rachit Agarwal / Digital Trends

    It only works with English-language videos, which limits its usefulness depending on what you watch. It’s also available only until April 27, so you don’t have much time left to test it. 

    That said, if you are a YouTube Premium subscriber, this is a nice bonus on top of the ad-free experience

  • Google Photos now saves you a precious second with a iPhone-like copy trick

    Google Photos now saves you a precious second with a iPhone-like copy trick

    Google Photos has finally caught up with a feature that iOS has had for years. A new Copy button is now rolling out in the Google Photos share sheet. It lets you copy an image straight to the clipboard, without having to download it to your device first (via Android Authority). 

    Nadeem Sarwar / DigitalTrends

    What exactly does the new Google Photos feature do?

    Until now, sharing a photo from Google Photos wasn’t as straightforward. First, you had to store the picture locally on your phone, which meant waiting for it to download before you could actually send it anywhere. 

    Now, you can argue that a second of waiting doesn’t sound like much. However, Google Photos users had to go through the same process every single time. That’s a second multiplied by the number of times you try to share a photo each day. 

    The new Copy button, spotted across multiple devices running the latest Google Photos version (7.71.0.895417930), eliminates that friction. You can simply tap Share on any image, hit the new Copy button, and the photo lands on your phone’s clipboard, good for pasting into a messaging app, a notes app, or wherever you want it to be. 

    Nadeem Sarwar / DigitalTrends

    Does the new Google Photos feature have a catch?

    Unfortunately, yes, and I’d prefer you know it upfront rather than realizing it later. The copied image isn’t a pixel-perfect copy of the original one. To keep things quick and efficient, Google Photos copies a compressed version of the picture, with a slightly reduced resolution. 

    So, for casual sharing, the new Copy button does perfectly fine. However, I wouldn’t suggest relying on the feature for professional use or printing something. You’re better off spending those few extra seconds and downloading the entire file. 

    On the brighter side, the new Google Photos Copy button works for videos too. Furthermore, if you’re using Gboard, copied media appears in the keyboard’s clipboard, remaining there even after you’ve copied something else.  

  • Skoda’s New Bike Bell Designed to Penetrate Noise-Canceling Headphones for Better Safety

    Skoda’s New Bike Bell Designed to Penetrate Noise-Canceling Headphones for Better Safety

    Skoda has introduced the DuoBell, a mechanical bicycle bell created to be heard even through active noise-canceling (ANC) headphones.

    Skoda

    Working with acoustic experts from the University of Salford, the car manufacturer developed this new bell to tackle a growing urban hazard: pedestrians who are so isolated by ANC technology that standard bells are ineffective.

    Skoda

  • Android 17 brings system-level remapping for controllers and its such a relief

    Android 17 brings system-level remapping for controllers and its such a relief

    If you’ve ever plugged in a controller to your Android phone, jumped into a game, and immediately fumbled a button because the layout felt off, you’re not alone. Android has supported a wide range of gamepads for years now, which is great for flexibility, but not always great for consistency. Muscle memory is a stubborn thing. With Android 17, Google is finally fixing this.

    Finally, your thumb gets a say in the matter

    Android 17 introduces system-level controller remapping, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. It can now tweak your controller layout at the system level. That means your preferences stick, no matter what game you’re playing. Using the new Game Controller settings menu, you can reassign buttons, triggers, and even thumbsticks. So if pressing down on a thumbstick feels awkward (because it usually does), you can move that action to a face button that’s easier to reach. And the best part is that your settings are saved on the device. 

    Rotor

    This isn’t just about convenience; it’s also a big step forward for accessibility. Not everyone interacts with a controller the same way, and having the ability to remap inputs can make games far more comfortable, and in some cases, actually playable. It also solves the classic cross-platform confusion. Switching between consoles, PC, and mobile often means retraining your fingers to adapt to different layouts. With remapping, you can bring a sense of familiarity wherever you play.

    Where to find it (and who gets it)

    Before you rush to try it, there’s a small catch. This feature is currently available only in the Android 17 Beta, specifically Beta 2 and later. So you’ll need a supported device enrolled in the beta program to access it. Once you’re in, here’s how to find it:

    • For wired controllers:

      Head to Settings > System > Game Controller, then select your connected device

    • For Bluetooth controllers:

      Go to Settings > Connected devices, tap the menu next to your controller, and open Game Controller settings.

  • For wired controllers:

    Head to Settings > System > Game Controller, then select your connected device

  • For Bluetooth controllers:

    Go to Settings > Connected devices, tap the menu next to your controller, and open Game Controller settings.

    • Google

    Inside, you’ll see two main sections. One for button inputs like face buttons and triggers, and another for directional controls like sticks and the D-pad. You can swap functions around however you like, whether it’s reassigning a jump button in a platformer or tweaking camera controls in a 3D game. Since this is still in beta, there are a few rough edges. For instance, the on-screen button icons (glyphs) might not always match your controller. Thankfully, the remapping itself still works as intended, even if the visuals are a bit confused. And of course, things could change before the final release.

    This might not be the flashiest Android feature, but it’s one of those updates that makes a real difference the moment you use it. It removes friction, gives you control, and makes mobile gaming feel just a bit more polished. It’s definitely the kind of feature that makes you wonder why it wasn’t here all along.

  • WhatsApp now works on Apple CarPlay, but there’s a catch

    WhatsApp now works on Apple CarPlay, but there’s a catch

    There was a time when your car was just for driving. Over the years, many things have changed. However, until now, there wasn’t full support for WhatsApp on CarPlay. Now, WhatsApp has officially landed on Apple CarPlay, and it is definitely a big deal for many CarPlay users. 

    Your dashboard just got an upgrade

    After quietly hanging out in beta for a while (and being spotted by the ever-watchful folks at WABetaInfo), the standalone WhatsApp app for CarPlay is finally here. It arrives as part of the WhatsApp for iOS version 26.13.74 update. The feature is already rolling out across India and other global markets, bringing WhatsApp directly to your car’s infotainment system, as long as your iPhone is plugged in and ready to go.

    Unsplash

    The CarPlay version of WhatsApp isn’t just a stretched-out version of your phone screen. It’s been rethought for driving, which means fewer distractions. You can view recent chats and call history in neatly separated sections, make WhatsApp calls directly from your car’s dashboard, and reply to messages using voice dictation. That last one is key. Earlier, you had to rely on Siri to read and respond to messages, which worked but not always smoothly. Now, WhatsApp cuts out the extra step, making replies feel more immediate.

    Here’s the catch

    Before you get too excited, there’s a catch — and it’s a sensible one. You can’t open chat threads directly on the CarPlay screen while driving. If you want to actually read a conversation, you’ll need to stop and check your phone. It’s a deliberate move to reduce distractions, and honestly, it’s hard to argue with that logic. 

    Dimitri Karastelev / Unsplash

    If you ask me, this feels like a genuinely well-thought-out update. It knows exactly where to draw the line, keeping distractions in check while still making things conveniently accessible. You can fire off quick replies using voice dictation, take calls without fumbling for your phone, and stay in touch without your eyes leaving the road for too long. It does not try to do everything, and that is precisely why it works. Instead, it focuses on doing the essentials well, just enough to make your everyday drives feel a little more connected, without turning your dashboard into yet another distraction.

  • An 85-inch QLED with 144Hz and Dolby Atmos for under $1,000: the TCL T7 is $400 off right now

    An 85-inch QLED with 144Hz and Dolby Atmos for under $1,000: the TCL T7 is $400 off right now

    Getting a genuinely capable 85-inch TV under $1,000 used to mean accepting serious compromises on picture quality or smart TV performance. The TCL T7 changes that. It’s down to $999.99 at Amazon, a $400 saving off its $1,399.99 list price, and it brings QLED picture quality, a 144Hz panel, and Google TV to a screen size that most living rooms can accommodate and most budgets previously couldn’t.

    What you’re getting

    QLED is the right starting point here. Quantum dot color technology pushes brightness and color volume higher than standard LED panels at this price, which makes a meaningful difference on a screen this large, where picture quality inconsistencies are much harder to overlook. HDR support adds further depth to the image, and the high-brightness panel keeps things visible in rooms that get a fair amount of ambient light.

    The 120Hz to 144Hz refresh rate is a welcome addition for a TV at this price point, covering both smooth motion handling in movies and sports and low-latency gaming performance for current-generation consoles. Most TVs at this size and price are still shipping with 60Hz panels, so the T7’s refresh rate capability is a genuine differentiator worth factoring into the decision.

    Dolby Atmos audio support means compatible content delivers spatial sound without needing a separate decoder, and while the built-in speakers won’t replace a soundbar, they’re a solid baseline for a TV in this category. Google TV handles the smart platform duties with a clean interface, broad app support, and Alexa voice control for hands-free navigation and smart home management.

    Why it’s worth it

    The TCL T7 sits in a part of the market where size usually comes at the expense of spec. A 144Hz QLED at 85 inches for $999 is a configuration that competing brands typically price closer to $1,300 or above, and the $400 saving here brings it to a point where the math is straightforwardly good for anyone who has been waiting to make the jump to a genuinely large screen.

    The bottom line

    The TCL 85-inch T7 QLED at $999.99 is the large-format TV deal I’d point most people toward if screen size is the priority. The QLED panel, 144Hz refresh rate, and Google TV platform add up to a well-rounded package that punches above its price, and the $400 saving makes it one of the more clear-cut TV purchases available at this screen size right now.

  • Google Chrome’s new vertical tabs could make tab chaos much easier to handle

    Google Chrome’s new vertical tabs could make tab chaos much easier to handle

    Google is giving Chrome users two pretty meaningful desktop upgrades, and one of them feels long overdue. Chrome is now rolling out support for vertical tabs alongside a new fullscreen mode on desktop.

    These changes were announced by Google as features built to make tab-heavy browsing more convenient to manage, while also offering a cleaner way to read cluttered webpages.

    Why ‘vertical tabs’ is a game changer for Google Chrome

    Google

    Just as the name would suggest, vertical tabs work by vertically stacking your open Chrome tabs. So rather than keeping all your tabs crammed into the usual strip across the top, Chrome can now show them in a neat list along the left side of the Window. Google says this makes full page titles easier to read, especially once your open tab count starts getting out of hand. It even makes Tab Groups easier to organize.

    Chrome also lets users collapse that left-hand panel down to a slimmer row of favicons, which should help if you want the cleaner look without giving up too much screen space. To enable this feature, simply right-click the top of any Chrome window and choose “Show Tabs Vertically”, with the option to switch back whenever you want.

    What else is coming?

    Unsplash

    The second addition is an updated immersive reading mode. Instead of opening in a side panel, the feature now takes over the full page by creating a more text-focused view that strips away distractions from busy websites. Google also describes it as a way to turn cluttered pages into a cleaner reading experience.

    To access this feature, just right-click a page and select “Open in reading mode,” or by tapping the “Reading Mode” button in the address bar. This feature is already live now. Though availability may vary a bit at first.

  • AI is pushing older workers toward upskilling as job insecurity grows

    AI is pushing older workers toward upskilling as job insecurity grows

    A growing number of older workers are being forced to adapt to artificial intelligence as job insecurity rises, with many turning to AI-related roles or training just to stay afloat. A recent report by The Guardian highlights how experienced professionals, some with decades of expertise, are struggling to find stable employment and are instead entering the emerging world of AI training and gig-based tech work.

    The shift reflects a bigger change in the labour market

    Many of these workers are not choosing AI careers out of passion, but out of necessity. Stories from the report include individuals who, despite strong qualifications, faced unemployment, age discrimination, or career disruptions and were pushed into roles like data annotation and AI model training. These jobs, while providing income, are often unstable, contract-based, and lack long-term security.

    Intuit

    This trend matters because it highlights how AI is reshaping not just industries, but entire career paths – especially for older workers. While AI is often associated with future opportunities, it is already displacing or transforming existing roles. As a result, workers who fail to adapt risk being left behind, while those who upskill are often funneled into lower-paying or less secure work. Some experts describe this emerging segment as part of a “gig-style” AI economy, raising concerns about job quality and sustainability.

    For individuals, the implications are immediate

    The pressure to learn new AI tools and skills is no longer optional, even for those nearing retirement or established in their careers. Many workers are now investing time and resources into upskilling simply to remain employable. At the same time, the emotional toll is significant, with some describing the experience as driven by desperation rather than ambition.

    Unsplash

    The broader labour market is also feeling the impact. Research suggests that technological disruption, including AI, can lead to long-term earnings declines and slower career recovery for displaced workers. In some cases, individuals are forced into lower-paying roles or entirely different industries, a phenomenon known as occupational downgrading.

    Looking ahead, the trend is likely to accelerate

    As AI adoption expands across industries, demand for AI-related skills is expected to grow, but so will competition and uncertainty. Policymakers and companies are increasingly being urged to invest in training programs and support systems that help workers transition more effectively.

    At the same time, experts warn that upskilling alone may not be enough. Without structural changes to job quality, wages, and worker protections, the rise of AI could deepen inequalities rather than resolve them. For now, many older workers are navigating this shift in real time – learning new skills, adapting to new roles, and trying to stay relevant in a rapidly changing job market.

  • Guide to Viewing NASA’s Artemis II Crew Splashdown and Mission Finale

    Guide to Viewing NASA’s Artemis II Crew Splashdown and Mission Finale

    The Artemis II astronauts have completed their lunar orbit, captured stunning visuals (above), established several new milestones, and are now returning to Earth.

    The 10-day journey will culminate on Friday, April 10, with a high-stakes homecoming as the Orion spacecraft hits the atmosphere at speeds approaching 25,000 miles per hour.

    During this phase, crew members Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen will endure a 16-minute, intense ride as the vehicle faces the most extreme physical forces of the mission.

    Following the uncrewed Artemis I flight in 2022, where the spacecraft experienced some unforeseen heat shield erosion, engineers have made structural improvements. However, the final descent through Earth’s atmosphere this week remains the most dangerous part of the trip for the four astronauts and the mission team.

    How to watch


    NASA will broadcast the return live via NASA+ and its official YouTube channel. You can also use the embedded video player above to follow the event.

    NASA’s current itinerary for Friday is listed below. We will provide updates if any schedule changes occur. All times are listed in Eastern Time.

    6:30 p.m.: NASA starts its live coverage of the return flight.

    7:33 p.m.: The Orion service module and crew module detach.

    7:37 p.m.: Orion performs a short thruster burn to prepare for atmospheric entry.

    7:53 p.m.: A critical moment as Orion enters Earth’s atmosphere. The heat shield must withstand temperatures of roughly 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit—about half the heat of the sun’s surface. The spacecraft will slow down at a rate of up to 4G, making the astronauts feel four times their normal weight.

    8:07 p.m.: After the parachutes deploy to reduce speed, Orion will splash down in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 50 miles off the California coast. This marks the end of a historic voyage that prepares the way for a crewed moon landing by 2028.

    10 p.m.: A news conference will be held at the Johnson Space Center following the splashdown.

  • X just added a much better built-in photo editor

    X just added a much better built-in photo editor

    X is finally fixing one of the more annoying parts of posting images on the platform. The company’s head of product Nikita Bier announced that X is launching a “brand new Photo Editor” inside the post composer.

    Bier said the update adds “long-overdue features like drawing and texting,” bringing a more functional built-in editing experience instead of the barebones image tools users have been stuck with so far.

    What’s new with the updated Photo Editor?

    Ladies and gentlemen, we’re launching a brand new Photo Editor in our post composer.

    It has long-overdue features like drawing & text. But we also included special add-ons that are unique to X:

    • Edit with words, powered by Grok

    • Add a blur to redact parts of the photo… pic.twitter.com/38Zaw8b5jl

    — Nikita Bier (@nikitabier) April 7, 2026

    The big new update on the photo editor is the tools it provides. X users can now draw on images, add text overlays, and blur or redact parts of a picture before posting. While all of this sounds basic in 2026, it is a pretty meaningful quality-of-life upgrade. Users have long had to rely on other apps just to do simple edits before uploading screenshots, memes, or annotated images.

    So the updated photo editor feels less like a new feature and more like X finally catching up on something that probably should have existed a while ago.

    A small update that actually makes sense

    Bier has been more public about small but practical feature updates, and this one falls squarely into this category. Instead of reinventing the image poster, X is just making it more capable. For people who tweet frequently, especially creators, reporters, and anyone sharing screenshots, having access to these tools directly in the composer is quite useful.

    X

    That’s not all, users can even edit images with words, as the photo editor is powered by Grok. So users can modify images using natural language prompts that go beyond simple editing and into lightweight AI image editing. It also gives X a more direct way to fold Grok into the posting workflow itself, instead of keeping it limited to a separate chatbot-style experience.

    This is not the kind of feature that will radically change how people use X. But it is the kind of upgrade that makes the app feel more polished. For now, the rollout is live on iOS, while Android users will have to wait a bit longer. Bier did not provide a specific Android release date in the post, only saying it is coming soon.