YouTube: Everything you need to know

From user-uploaded videos to movies and music, YouTube’s got you covered.

In February 2005, a small company by the name of YouTube was founded. YouTube was trying something new by giving people a free, easy-to-use platform for uploading videos, and a little over a year later, it was purchased by Google.

While YouTube continues to be the largest and most popular user-uploaded video site around, it’s since expanded into the markets of music streaming, live television programming, and even creating original content similar to Netflix and Hulu.

It can be difficult to keep track of everything the YouTube brand is attached to these days, so to help keep you in the loop, here’s everything you need to know.

YouTube

No matter what new ventures YouTube decides to tackle, the company’s bread and butter will always be its main YouTube service for user-created content.

Anyone can upload videos to YouTube, and with enough hard work and dedication, make money on them, too. You can subscribe to channels/users you’re particularly fond of, search for specific videos, and catch up with the most popular videos that are currently trending.

You can access YouTube just about anywhere, be it your Android phone, computer, or even a TV.

YouTube has always been free to use, and while there are paid versions we’ll dive into in just a minute, the main service itself can be accessed without spending a dime (as long as you’re okay with advertisements before your videos).

YouTube app for Android: Everything you need to know!

YouTube Music

In an effort to compete with the likes of Apple Music and Spotify, Google’s using its YouTube brand to take them head-on with YouTube Music.

YouTube Music follows in the footsteps of its competitors with a price tag of $9.99/month, and for that price, you get access to unlimited on-demand streaming, curated playlists, offline downloads, ad-free music videos, and plenty more.

The end goal is to have YouTube Music eventually replace Google Play Music, and to ensure that transition process is as seamless as can be, Google’s confirmed that all of Play Music’s best features will eventually come over to YouTube Music — including a digital locker for storing all of your locally owned songs!

YouTube Music began to officially roll out on June 18 to the countries that were part of its Early Access program, in addition to expanding to 12 all-new locations such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and more.

YouTube Music: Everything you need to know!

YouTube Premium

If you’re already paying $9.99/month for YouTube Music, you might as well throw in another two dollars and get YouTube Premium, formerly known as YouTube Red.

YouTube Premium is a subscription service that costs $11.99/month, and in addition to full access to YouTube Music, you also get ad-free videos on YouTube, background playback, and the ability to watch YouTube Originals.

This basically gives you the experience previously found with YouTube Red, and even though it now costs a couple bucks more each month, is still a tremendous value. It took a while for YouTube Premium to actually launch, but as of June 18, the service has officially replaced YouTube Red in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and more.

What is YouTube Premium? Everything you need to know!

YouTube TV

Last but not least, the YouTube brand is also used to offer an Internet-based live television service via YouTube TV.

YouTube TV costs $40/month, giving you access to more than 60 channels with local sports/news, cloud DVR, and the ability to watch on up to three screens at a time.

You can watch YouTube TV from your Android or iOS device, computer, or right on your TV through a number of smart TV apps (such as Roku, Android TV, Xbox One, and more).

YouTube TV costs a bit more than competing services such as Sling TV and Philo, but for folks invested in the Google ecosystem that want to supplement their live television shows with YouTube programming, too, YouTube TV is still worth checking out.

YouTube TV: Everything you need to know

How do you use YouTube?

Which YouTube do you use most?

Updated June 28, 2018: Tweaked the YouTube Premium and Music sections now that they’ve been released.

RAVPower’s newest Qi wireless charging pad is only $24 today

This is a Thrifter exclusive, so be one of the first to get this deal.

This RAVPower 10W Qi Wireless Charging Pad with HyperAir is down to $23.99 with code MNRAVPC034 on Amazon. That’s $16 off its regular price and a few bucks better than the last deal we shared. This is one of RAVPower’s newest wireless chargers.

The HyperAir tech helps make this charging pad a lot faster than others, delivering up to 7.5W for the iPhone and 10W for Android phones. The triple temperature controls disperse heat fast and effectively, and the pad has built-in safeguards against overcharging, overheating, short circuit, and more. All you have to do is place your phone on the pad and it will detect what device you have and how fast the charge can be. The LED indicator will let you know when the phone is charging, and if you use an Android phone it will turn green when fully charged. This pad has 3.9 stars based on close to 900 user reviews.

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YouTube app for Android: Everything you need to know!

YouTube started as a simple video site, but today it’s much, much more.

YouTube is so much more than cute cats and mindless pranks; it’s where millions come for education, information, and live, late-breaking news. YouTube streams more than just Google keynotes; it streams important political debates and allows users to stream from almost anywhere in the world with an internet connection. It’s important to understand YouTube and how to use it, and whether you’re just looking to watch your videos without Autoplay plaguing you or you’re looking to turn your feed into a legitimate cord-cutter cornucopia of enticing entertainment, we’re here to help you get it done.

Finding your way around

First things first: let’s find where we find videos on YouTube and how we start curating our content so that YouTube’s algorithms can start working to bring us more of what we want. Want to get started with YouTube? Start here.

How to use YouTube for Android

Managing YouTube

YouTube can run away with you (and your mobile data) if you don’t keep it in check. From managing what kinds of content can pop up in your results to what networks you use to stream in HD, these are settings you can use to keep YouTube manageable.

How to manage the YouTube app for Android

Saving YouTube videos

See a fun video that you want to watch later? We’ve all been there. Here’s how to save videos for later — and to save them for watching offline, depending on where you live.

How to save videos in YouTube for Android

Managing your YouTube history

We all search for things we’d rather not fess up to. We stumble upon videos we wish we hadn’t seen. It’s okay, you don’t have to burn your digital identity — we just need to clean up our YouTube histories.

How to pause and clear your YouTube history

Uploading videos

Making the jump from consumer to creator on YouTube is a breeze. Here’s how to get videos from your Android phone onto YouTube. Getting them on the front page, however, is another matter entirely.

How to upload videos to YouTube

Taming YouTube’s annoyances

Like any site or product, there are ways that YouTube can annoy and irritate. Luckily, here’s the way to stop some of the more visible annoyances on the app.

Best tricks to fix YouTube’s most annoying features

How to sign up for YouTube Premium

As great as YouTube is on its own, the app’s made even better when you sign up for YouTube Premium.

YouTube Premium gives you access to a heap of extra features, including the ability to download videos for offline viewing, not having to ever watch ads, access to all YouTube Originals content, and more. If you want to give the service a shot, it costs $11.99/month and signing up takes just a couple minutes.

How to sign up for YouTube Premium

How to get the most out of Premium

Once you’re signed up for YouTube Premium, you’ll want to make sure you tap into everything it has to offer!

It can be easy to overlook all of the benefits that come with your Premium subscription, so let us help you get the absolute most out of your money.

How to get the most from YouTube Premium: Top tips and tricks

Updated June 28, 2018: Added all-new photos, removed references of YouTube Red, and added sections for YouTube Premium.

Samsung Messages app is randomly sending pictures for some users

Even worse, there’s no evidence on your end that the photos were sent.

If you’ve got a Samsung phone and use the default Samsung Messages app for all your texting needs, you may want to check your gallery to make sure you don’t have any embarrassing photos in it. According to numerous Redditors, a bug is causing Samsung Messages to randomly send pictures to contacts without leaving any sort of evidence.

This has been reported on the Galaxy S9 and Note 8 so far, but based on what we’re seeing, this could also be affecting other Samsung phones. Rather than being a carrier or device-specific quirk, the bug appears to be rooted in the Samsung Messages app itself.

Some of the complaints read as follows:

Last night around 2:30 am, my phone sent her my entire photo gallery over text but there was no record of it on my messages app. However, there was record of it on tmobile logs. Why would this happen?

Oddly enough, my wife’s phone did that last night, and mine did it the night before. I think it has something to do with the Samsung SMS app being updated from the Galaxy Store. When her phone texted me her gallery, it didn’t show up on her end — and vice versa.

To make sure you don’t have any photos sent out without your knowledge, go to Settings -> Apps -> Samsung Messages -> Permissions -> Storage. From here, disable the permission and you should be safe until Samsung rolls out a fix.

5 changes that would make the Galaxy S9’s software dramatically better

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

• Galaxy S9 and S9+: Everything you need to know!
• Galaxy S9 review: A great phone for the masses
• Complete Galaxy S9 and S9+ specs
• Galaxy S9 vs. Galaxy S8: Should you upgrade?
• Join our Galaxy S9 forums

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Track everything you do with the $75 Withings Activité watch

One-day only deal.

The Withings Activité Steel Activity and Sleep Tracking Watch is down to $74.99 on Amazon. This is part of Amazon’s Gold Box deals of the day, so the price is temporary. This tracker normally sells for around $99. The drop to $75 is one of the best deals we’ve seen, and it works on both the Black model and Black & White.

We have shared deals on the newer version of this watch, the Nokia Steel HR, but that watch has never dropped to less than $100 before.

The activities this watch can track include steps, running, calories burned, swimming, and distances. It also has sleep monitoring that provides analysis of your sleep, and it can wake you up with a silent alarm in the mornings. There is a free app you can access for coaching. It comes with a stainless steel case and a silicone sports strap and works with both iOS and Android. Users give it 3.8 stars based on 625 reviews.

See on Amazon

Amazon Working to Further Lessen Reliance on Power Cords for Future Echo Speakers

In an effort that would give future Echo speakers with Alexa a new advantage over Apple’s HomePod, Reuters today reports that Amazon is working with chipmakers to build Alexa speakers that would not require a constant power source. As it stands, most smart assistant devices — Amazon’s main Echo, Apple HomePod, Google Home, etc — require a constant draw of power due to their always-on microphones listening for the user’s voice commands, among other reasons.

Now, Amazon has partnered with chipmaker DSP Group to build a standardized chip that is “a little smaller than a U.S. 10-cent coin” and optimized for lower power consumption. Amazon and other companies will be able to use the chip to place Alexa into their own smart devices that offer greater portability to users.

Amazon already has the Amazon Tap, a portable Bluetooth speaker that doesn’t need to be plugged in to use all of its features. With a “hands-free mode” users can ask Alexa questions and command her to play music, which slightly affects battery life: 9 hours of continuous playback compared to 8 hours with hands-free mode activated.

There are also third-party companies like Fabriq that sell portable Alexa solutions, but these devices are still a small portion of the market in comparison to AC-powered speakers. With Amazon and DSP Group’s new partnership, it appears that Amazon is looking to greatly bolster the amount of cord-free Alexa devices available to buy, while also improving the user experience with internal chips that can run always-on listening features without as much of a hit to battery life.

Amazon also has numerous other chipmakers offering solutions for Alexa — including Intel and Qualcomm — but as of now DSP is said to be the sole supplier competing with a chip that offers low power consumption. DSP’s current client roster includes making chips for Samsung smart watches, cameras for GoPro, and a wireless speaker for Logitech.

Those are all large companies with many engineers, but by working with Amazon to make its chip easier to use in a device, DSP is hoping to spur more products from gadget makers of all sizes to include Alexa, Elyakim said.

“We are at a fairly early level in this market, but I think over the next 12 months we’ll see a lot of announcements,” he said.

For Apple’s HomePod, the main rumor for the next-generation speaker centers around its price tag, with numerous reports earlier this year suggesting Apple is “mulling” and “low-cost version” of the HomePod that will run between $150-$200. What this means for specific features remains unclear, but since the original speaker is believed to have underperformed due to ecosystem limitations and Siri issues, some theorize Apple could focus on combating these problems in the cheaper HomePod.

The only time that portability and a future version of HomePod were tied together came from a questionable report earlier this spring, which claimed that the “low-priced” HomePod will be placed under the Beats by Dre brand, which only sells portable rechargeable speakers. Apple has yet to introduce its Siri assistant into any non-Apple product, and one reason Beats Pill devices don’t have “Hey Siri” is likely due to their portability and lack of constant power.

Although unlikely at this point, the speculative HomePod/Beats speaker was described in a way that suggested a more portable smart speaker than the first generation, and could be similar to the proposed future versions of Amazon Echo from today’s report. As it stands, there are many pros and cons to both the HomePod and Echo, as Apple’s more expensive speaker focuses on sound quality first, while Amazon’s speaker provides one of the most robust smart home hubs on the market thanks to its numerous Alexa Skills.

Tags: Amazon, Alexa
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GE’s Full Lineup of HomeKit-Enabled Window Air Conditioners Now Available in the U.S.

After a soft launch of just one model earlier this spring, GE today announced the launch of its full lineup of HomeKit-enabled window air conditioning units. While there are a few other HomeKit air conditioners on the market outside of the United States, the new units represent the first HomeKit-compatible air conditioners to launch in the U.S.

GE’s air conditioners deliver 8,000 to 12,000 BTUs and can cool medium- to large-sized rooms, according to the company. With HomeKit control, customers can add the units into the Home app on iOS, connecting them to Scenes, controlling them with Siri, or automating them to activate and deactivate when they arrive and leave their home.

“Consumers told us they like how they can create their own schedules to keep rooms comfortable without wasting energy,” said John Desmarais, Commercial Director, Window A/C, Portables & Dehumidifiers for GE Appliances.

“Many people also found peace of mind in having control of the unit anywhere they have internet access. We’re pleased to offer the very first air conditioners with HomeKit integration, bringing simple and secure control through the Apple Home app and using Siri. We are confident owners will find the convenience at the tip of their fingers.”

Each unit has cooling settings for four-way air direction and an “Energy Saver” mode that automatically shuts off the fan and compressor when the room is cool enough, reducing electricity consumption and helping to save money on monthly bills. Although HomeKit control is supported, GE’s air conditioners also come with an electronic digital thermostat and remote control.

Starting today, the units are available at The Home Depot (which has three models) and Lowe’s (which has two models), and at local authorized GE Appliance dealers. Prices on the units vary depending on the amount of BTUs, starting around $279 (8,000 BTUs) and increasing to $349 (10,000 BTUs) and more.

Tags: HomeKit, GE
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Apple to Prevent iTunes Payment Info Changes on Very Old Versions of iOS, OS X, and Apple TV Software

Apple has announced that, starting June 30, customers will no longer be able to change their iTunes or App Store payment information from devices running iOS 4.3.5 or earlier, OS X 10.8.5 or earlier, or Apple TV Software 4.4.4 or earlier.

In an email to customers who may be impacted, Apple said it is implementing this change to continue to ensure that their financial information is protected when they make purchases on the iTunes Store or App Store. For emphasis, this appears to be a proactive move, not the result of a security breach.

Given how old the affected software versions are, relatively few customers should be impacted by this move. iOS 4.3.5 and Apple TV Software 4.4.4 were both released in 2011, while macOS 10.8.5 was seeded in September 2013 as the final update to what was then called OS X Mountain Lion.

If you’re using one of these versions on your device and need to change your payment method, Apple says to update your device to the latest version of the software. Of course, this may not be possible on older devices that have been phased out, in which case a newer device with newer software must be used.

The full email to customers courtesy of MacRumors reader Rich:

On June 30, 2018, Apple will implement changes to continue to ensure your financial data is protected when you make purchases on the iTunes Store or App Store.

Our records show that you may be accessing the store from an older version of iOS, macOS, or Apple TV software:

– iOS 4.3.5 or earlier
– macOS 10.8.5 or earlier
– Apple TV Software 4.4.4 or earlier

To be able to change your payment information with devices running the software listed above, you’ll need to update to a more recent software version.

The email was also shared on Reddit.

Apple provides more details, instructions on how to update to the latest version of iOS, macOS, and Apple TV software, and steps to change your payment method, in a support document related to this change.

Tags: App Store, Mac App Store
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Apple Pay Promo Offers 20% Off TGI Fridays Pickup Orders Through July 8

This week’s Apple Pay promotion is offering customers the chance to save on their Fourth of July dinners with 20 percent off from restaurant chain TGI Fridays. If you use Apple Pay to checkout in the TGI Fridays iOS app, select the order for pickup, and use the promo code APPLE20, you’ll get 20 percent off your meal through Sunday, July 8.

Apple’s new promotion encourages users to get out and shop to prepare for their Fourth of July celebrations, suggesting stores like Trader Joe’s, Party City, BevMo!, Hannaford Supermarkets, and BJ’s Wholesale Club, all of which support Apple Pay. The email also mentions Apple Pay support at ACE Hardware, where users can find supplies for summer projects.

The last few Apple Pay promotions have been themed around summer activities as well, offering customers the chance to save money on new Adidas shoes to wear during summer workouts, and two free bike rides with the ofo app. Apple tends to theme its weekly promotions around big holidays or events when they happen, offering $5 off movie tickets with Fandango in celebration of the Oscars and a free Postmates Unlimited subscription for holiday dinners last November.

Tag: Apple Pay promo
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Honor’s newest phone costs so little, it may as well be given away

The new Honor 7S borders on the unfathomably cheap. Launched Thursday, June 28, in the U.K., it can be purchased for just 100 British pounds, which converts over to about $130. It has been a while since a smartphone we would consider using dipped under the 100 pound mark, and while the Honor 7S is obviously not going to challenge the Honor 10, or any flagship phone, it’s probably going to have specs far better than you expect.

What do you get for your money? The big news is the Honor 7S has an 18:9 aspect ratio screen, following a major trend throughout the phone industry; but more often seen on devices that cost three times this price. It’s a sensible 5.45 inches in size and the resolution is 1440 x 720 pixels, so while not full HD, it’s still acceptable. It’s wrapped in a body that we’re going to assume is plastic, but it does come in the now-famous Honor blue color, along with black or gold. It’s only 8.3mm thick, and 142 grams in weight.

Android 8.1 is a welcome sight, as many low-cost phones come with much older versions of Google’s operating system installed. It’s certain to have the Huawei EMUI interface over the top. Remember, Honor is a sub-brand of Huawei, and they share certain technology between them. However, rather than use a Kirin processor, the Honor 7S has a MediaTek MT6739 chip inside with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage space. Adequate, especially at this price, and there is a MicroSD card slot to expand memory, too.

The rear camera has 13 megapixels and the selfie camera 5 megapixels, which also has an LED selfie light to improve pictures taken in poor conditions. A 3,020mAh battery powers the phone for approximately a day, there is a 3.5mm headphone jack, the SIM tray will take two SIMs, and it connects to a 4G LTE network. There isn’t much more you would want from a basic phone, and they don’t get much cheaper than the Honor 7S.

Honor will sell the 7S through its own online store from June 28, plus it will be available through Argos stores and Three network stores, too. No U.S. release details have been announced.

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• Honor’s new budget 7C and 7A phones love your face, and unlock at a glance
• Honor 10 review
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