Google TV adds pop-up home control support

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You can now access and control your smart home devices on Google TV. The new pop-out panel also shows your live camera feeds. Google has also improved the overview preview of popular shows. It displays more information about them to help you decide what to watch. However, it isn't available for all shows and providers.

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Spotify plans to pay creators of popular videos

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Spotify wants to go head-to-head with YouTube. It plans to start paying creators who post popular videos based on the engagement they get from paid subscribers. The streaming service also intends to eliminate automated ad breaks for paid subscribers to encourage them to watch more videos. These changes will take effect starting January 2, 2025, in Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia. This incentive will pit them directly against YouTube, which is also leaning heavily on video podcasts and paying creators in shared ad revenues.

Spotify creators can access their payout details in a hub called Spotify for Creators. The platform can also show if they're eligible for the payments, display more detailed analytics, and offer the option to upload short, vertical videos. It's unclear how much Spotify plans to pay the video content creators on its platform. However, Spotify spokesperson Grey Munford said creators will see their breakdowns in the hub. And Spotify co-president Gustav Söderström told The Verge that the rate will be competitive and consumption-based because "it makes no sense for them" otherwise.

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Report: Amazon working on Echo Frames for delivery drivers

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Amazon is reportedly working on smart glasses that give delivery drivers turn-by-turn directions and help shave seconds off their delivery time. Codenamed "Amelia," the smart glasses are based on the existing Echo Frames platform. However, they will feature an embedded display for more precise directions, including telling them where to turn when they enter a building. Reuters cited anonymous sources from Amazon saying that the project is part of Amazon's efforts to boost the efficiency in the last 100 yards of a delivery.

Amazon is also supposedly exploring adding camera capabilities using the embedded screen so drivers can take photos of the packages as proof. This feature should theoretically allow drivers to carry more packages and continue their tasks since the glasses are hands-free.

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Nvidia launches its replacement app for GeForce Experience

Nvidia has a new app for its PC users. The aptly named Nvidia App replaces the Nvidia GeForce Experience. It launched in beta in 2024 and is bundled with video card drivers and integrates features from the company's Nvidia Control Panel, including configuring your display, tuning the GPU performance, and enabling or disabling G-Sync.

The Nvidia App can record your gameplay, show statistics in an overlay, and place artificial intelligence-powered RTX game filters on. The new app retains the feature that optimizes the game settings based on your PC's specs. The company plans to add more Control Panel app options (like Surround and Multiple Display Mode settings) alongside other enhancements. And you don't need an Nvidia account to use the app.

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