NewPipe 0.20.3 improves YouTube video loading speed and adds a new two-finger swipe gesture

NewPipe, the open-source YouTube client for Android, received a major update early last month. The update included the unified video player UI that we saw in a previous test release and several other improvements. Shortly after the rollout, the app received another update that patched a bug with the YouTube search. The developers behind NewPipe are now rolling out another update that brings improvements for YouTube video loading speed and a new swipe gesture.

According to a recent post on the NewPipe blog, the latest update (v. 0.20.3) introduces a new two-finger swipe down gesture that makes closing the embedded player much easier. Closing the embedded player was a two-step process on previous versions of the app. You first had to swipe down on the embedded player to switch to the mini player and then swipe down again to close it. Now, you can close the embedded player in one go with the new two-finger swipe down gesture.

The second significant improvement in the latest update is that NewPipe now loads YouTube videos much faster. As the blog post explains, “YouTube has removed obfuscation for most of its URLs, so now we can directly access them, speeding up video loading by a lot! The deobfuscation code is still cached in case it is needed.” Other noteworthy changes include:

• All the different enqueuing options have now been replaced with a unified one
• The app now has a new setting that allows users to clear the reCAPTCHA cookies
• Added a new option to turn off the colorized notification that popped up when playing streams on Android 8.0 and above. Once enabled, the notification has a static color.
• Added support for YouTube Short URLs
• Added support for shortened channel links which look like: “youtube.com/username”
• Added support for discarding the extra cruft on redirect URLs to help users open links from Google in NewPipe.

If you already have NewPipe installed on your device, the app should prompt you to update to the latest release when you open it up. In case you don’t have an older build, you can grab the latest release from NewPipe’s GitHub. To see all the other improvements/fixes in the latest release, check the changelog section below.

NewPipe 0.20.3 Changelog

• New
  • Replace specific enqueue options with only one #4425
  • Two finger to close player gesture #4476
  • Add button in settings to clear reCAPTCHA cookies #4453
  • Add option to not colorize notification #4643
• Improved
  • Do not show notification creation / update time #4410
  • Remove remember popup properties setting #4367
  • Ask for confirmation before replacing even single video queues #4463
  • Also delete stream state when deleting stream history #4413
  • Improve age restriction and yt restricted content strings #4354
• Fixed
  • Fix crash when stream was paused and fast forward / rewind buttons were clicked #4410
  • Fix PlaylistAppendDialog showing when no local playlists exist #4345
  • Don’t rearrange lists by dragging the thumbnails #4550
  • Fix opening VideoDetailFragment and more #4562
    • Fix infinite buffering
    • Better detect when to autoplay and when not to
    • Make sharing to NewPipe more consistent
  •  Fix playlist select dialog and do some refactoring #4771
  • Change YouTube subscription import instructions to Google takeout #4759
  • Correct Gigaget’s license from GPLv2 to GPLv3 #4892
• Localization
  • Add Santali language #4749
  • Add Central Atlas Tamazight localization
  • Add Korean translation of the README #4845
  • Updated translations
• Development
  • Use DisplayCutoutCompat in VideoPlayerImpl #4338
  • Use DrawableCompat. #4592
  • Use ContextCompat methods #4276
  • Use TextViewCompat.setCompoundDrawablesRelativeWithIntrinsicBounds(). #4594
  • Hide Leaks launcher icon #4436 #4450
  • Format all XML resources #4471
  • Disable Ktlint pending upstream update #4517
  • Use Core KTX functions #4547
  • Use multidex for all build types. #4557
  • Migrate AboutActivity to ViewPager2 #4553
  • Optimize and shrink app PNGs #4610
  • Convert notification actions to a custom preference #4652
  • Use Java 8 APIs #3817 #4556
  • Separate player gesture logic and UI #4587
  • Use RxJava instead of AsyncTask #4499
  • Change loop index from float to int #4784
  • More miscellaneous little fixes and improvements #4710
  • Fix NullPointerException in queue handling and improved performance #4555
• Other
  • Pull request template reworked #4317
  • Issue templates reworked #4378 #4379 #4415 #4431 #4606
  • Add info on how to use a local NewPipe Extractor version #4528
  • Add Weblate widget to README #4530

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OriginOS is Vivo’s latest software release based on Android 11

Vivo’s primary UX skin has been FunTouch OS for a few years now, and the skin was recently rebased onto Android 11 for certain phones. Surprisingly, the company had even beat Google to launching the first phone with Android 11 with the launch of the Vivo V20. The UX skin is overdue for a refresh, and it’s getting one as Vivo has now released OriginOS, its latest software release based on Android 11.

Vivo’s OriginOS succeeds Funtouch OS and has been announced at the two-day Vivo 2020 Developer Conference held in China. There are a bunch of functional and visual changes in this new UX skin. For one, the homescreen is now arranged in a tidier “Klotski Grid” format that is said to be more efficient than the predecessor.

Users now also get “Nano Alerts” which are tiny popup widgets that provide context-based alerts such as details on upcoming flights, package delivery status, and more.

What further sets Nano Alerts, apart from their compact UI, is that they can also be displayed on the Always-On Display.

The retouching of how alerts are displayed also carries over to Public Alerts such as earthquake alerts and pandemic information, and these have been integrated into the UX in a more intuitive manner.

Beyond health and emergency alerts, the new UX also brings over weather elements as a Live Wallpaper. Vivo says that the shape, size, and density of the cloud layer is simulated after they sampled through data from thousands of different regions. The weather and even the moving speed of the clouds will vary across regions.

If you want to stick to your own wallpaper, OriginOS will give you an option to integrate different effects onto the wallpaper. The wallpaper that you choose can thus change its look by varying light and shadow effects.

And if you are still looking for more live wallpapers, there’s a new live wallpaper that captures the blooming process of several flowers.

Under the hood, OriginOS also packs in several changes. “Enhanced Memory Fusion Technology 1.0” uses a three-step process (memory integration, process optimization, and application pre-loading) to make for a better and smoother experience. “Multi-Turbo 5.0” allows for optimal allocation of computing resources, application preloading 2.0, intelligent app freezing technology 2.0, and more. While all of these sound good, it remains to be seen how they translate into observable, real-life improvements.

And finally, there is also a new pull-down menu for opening a Control Center for direct IoT control.

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Vivo OriginOS Rollout Schedule

OriginOS based on Android 11 will roll out in batches for the following phones in China:

• Batch 0 (Shipping with Origin OS):
  • Next-generation X series
• Batch 1 – First Open Beta in January 2021:
  • Nex 3S
  • Vivo X50 Pro
  • Vivo X50 Pro+
  • Vivo X50
  • Vivo S7
  • iQOO 5 Pro
  • iQOO 5
  • iQOO 3
  • iQOO
  • iQOO Pro
  • iQOO Neo 3
• Batch 2 – First Open Beta in February 2021:
  • Nex 3/Nex 3 5G
  • iQOO Neo
  • Vivo X30/X30 Pro
  • iQOO Neo Snapdragon 855 Edition
• Batch 3 – First Open Beta in Q2 2021:
  • Vivo X27 Pro
  • Vivo X27
  • Vivo X27 (8+128)
  • Vivo S6
  • Vivo Z6
  • Vivo Z5i
  • Vivo S1
  • Vivo Z5x
  • Vivo Z5
  • iQOO Z1X
  • iQOO Z1
  • Nex Dual Display Edition
  • Nex S
  • Nex

Exact dates have not been provided. Vivo has also not provided any information on when these updates will be reaching devices outside of China. We hope to hear more from them soon.

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What are your thoughts on Vivo OriginOS based on Android 11? Let us know in the comments below!

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Digital Wellbeing preps “Heads Up” to stop you from using your phone while walking

Earlier today, version 1.0.342229637.beta of the Digital Wellbeing app rolled out on the Google Play Store. While the update doesn’t include any significant additions on the surface, we’ve spotted code for an upcoming feature, called Heads Up, that will stop you from using your phone while walking.

An APK teardown can often predict features that may arrive in a future update of an application, but it is possible that any of the features we mention here may not make it in a future release. This is because these features are currently unimplemented in the live build and may be pulled at any time by the developers in a future build.

Our Editor-in-Chief, Mishaal Rahman, has managed to enable the feature manually, and here’s what it looks like:

As you can see in the attached screenshots, the unreleased Heads Up feature shows up in the Digital Wellbeing settings within the Reduce Interruptions section. Tapping on the option opens a setup screen, with the description: “Watch your step with Heads Up…If you’re walking while using your phone, get a reminder to focus on what’s around you…Use with caution. Heads Up doesn’t replace paying attention.”

You can then tap on the Next button in the bottom right corner to start the setup process. Once the feature is successfully set up, it will bring up a reminder if you’re using your phone while walking. In case you wish to disable the reminders, you’ll have to tap on the “Heads Up” option in the Digital Wellbeing settings once again and then tap on the toggle next to the Heads Up option on the following page. This page will also show the permissions required by the feature — Physical Activity and Location (optional) — and it will also feature a feedback button at the bottom.

As mentioned earlier, the Heads Up feature is still a work in progress, and it hasn’t rolled out to users. However, the feature appears to be nearly fully functional, so it could roll out soon. We’ll update this post as soon as the feature rolls out to users on the beta channel. Along with the upcoming Heads Up feature, Google is working on bringing a work profile scheduler and a Mindful wallpaper feature to the Digital Wellbeing app. These features were spotted in APK teardowns of the app earlier this year in September.

Digital Wellbeing (Free, Google Play) →

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Thanks to PNF Software for providing us a license to use JEB Decompiler, a professional-grade reverse engineering tool for Android applications.

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Today only, grab the OnePlus 8T with the OnePlus Buds for just $629 at B&H Photo!

Did you have trouble grabbing the $1 OnePlus Buds for OnePlus Day? I understand, I don’t think OnePlus was expecting so many people to want to take advantage of that deal and the site was having problems! But, OnePlus isn’t the only retailer giving heavy discounts on their products. OnePlus Black Friday prices have started cropping up all around the internet, but today, the other stand-out deal is from B&H Photo and Video. One of their Deal Zone deals is the OnePlus 8T for $629, and they also come with a pair of OnePlus Buds for free.

Of course, Deal Zone deals are typically only available for one day, and this one is no exception. Available in both Aquamarine Green and Lunar Silver, the sale knocks $120 off the MSRP. But the discount is made even better with the additional goodies it comes with.

The big item is, of course, the free pair of OnePlus Buds. I would highly recommend them. Not because I have OnePlus Buds myself, but because my third-party earbuds occasionally have problems with my OnePlus 8 Pro in terms of linking up properly. So, you might as well stay in the OnePlus ecosystem! They’re also pretty good earbuds to boot, so you’re not compromising by going with them.

The other free goodies include a SIM kit for Ultra Mobile, as well as the chance to get a rebate for a free month of unlimited talk, text, and data with the carrier. You don’t need to worry, though, as this is still an unlocked phone that is advertised to work with any carrier. So if you already have a phone plan, you don’t need to go with Ultra Mobile!

Not sure if the OnePlus 8T is the one that’s right for you? Check out our review! It’s one of XDA’s Recommended phones of 2020!

OnePlus 8T at B&H

B&H Photo and Video's Deal Zone deal has the OnePlus 8T for just $629! You'll also get a free pair of OnePlus Buds.

$629 at B&H Photo and Video

Did you miss out on the B&H Photo deal? while it’s $749, you can still get the OnePlus 8T with the free buds at the OnePlus store.

OnePlus 8T at OnePlus

If you missed the B&H Photo deal, you can also get the free OnePlus Buds with the OnePlus 8T at OnePlus themselves. However, you'll be paying $749.

$749 at OnePlus

Thanks to Wai Yip Chu for the tip!

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The new Google Pay app is an all-in-one mobile bank, finance tracker, and contactless payment service

Google Pay has launched a new version of its Android app, ahead of the launch of its ‘Plex’ banking service in 2021. The replacement app, which is now live in the Google Play Store, has been completely rewritten in Flutter, Google’s DART-based development kit. We got our first look at the new design when India replaced the Google Tez app with a retooled Google Pay. It was announced today after a series of teasers on Twitter, with a live stream.

We’ll start with the bad news because there’s not much of it. The new version of Google Pay can only be used on one device at a time. If you attempt to log in on a second device, you’ll get a warning telling you that the account is in use on another device. This is not necessarily a bad thing because the increased scope of the app warrants extra security. The second niggling change is that changing your NFC payment source has been put behind a button in the top right of the screen, so it’s not as fluid as it was before.

The good news is that the changes are the result of a massive upscaling of Google Pay and its capabilities. The new version goes way beyond contactless payments. There’s now an option to pay friends and family members, based on your contact list, search for local retailers who accept Google Pay, and in some cases, order a meal directly from the app. You can view all your receipts and orders, with the app now integrated with Google Photos, allowing it to pull in any paper receipts you’ve photographed. This is on top of the existing order-pull-through from Gmail.

Google Pay will also be able to store discount codes and automatically apply them. Target, Burger King, and Etsy are amongst the first to join the scheme. Some car parks will let you park and pay from the app, whilst participating gas stations will let you pay for your fuel without visiting the cashier. It looks like this function also ties into Google Assistant, based on an APK teardown we analyzed earlier in the year. Meanwhile, if you’re at a restaurant, you can create a group, split a bill or keep track of who owes for their share. The group feature is also ideal for roommates to keep their financial affairs in one place.

Another integration is with Plaid, a fintech service that acts as a middle-man, allowing you to interact with your bank accounts, view balances, make payments, and so on, directly from within Google Pay. When international rollout begins, functionality will vary from country to country, such as in the UK where the Open Banking Standard means that a partner app won’t be necessary.

All these new functions are a mere curtain-raiser to the star attraction, the company’s Plex bank account service, launching in 2021. At launch, Plex accounts  (as in Googolplex -ho ho) will be offered by 9 partner banks. Rather than banking with Google, which, as you may have noticed, isn’t a bank, you’ll have an account with the partner bank, offering deep integration with Google Pay. The debit card will say Google, of course, and Google Pay will become your banking app, putting it in direct competition with other digital-first banks such as Revolut, Curve, and N26.

Google Plex accounts will be free to open, without monthly fees, offer fee-free overdrafts, and free ATM withdrawals in-network. Two partner banks — Citi and Stanford Credit Union — have opened their waitlist for the service. Sign up today and you’ll be sent a debit card when the service goes live. The app experience includes regular spending reports, the ability to categorize spending types, and search by retailer, category, or date.

Any one of these features would have been a significant update for Google Pay. As it is, this is a complete reinvention of the service and a huge leap forward for digital banking. To celebrate, the new app has a new logo, in keeping with Google’s recent form of four-color monstrosities. This one looks like chamois leather, though apparently, it’s a wallet.

The new Google Pay app is now available in the Play Store for U.S. users only (link below). International rollout will come later. In the meantime, the version of Google Pay in your app store is the right one for you. In the US, the old version is still available as Google Pay (old) but will nag you to switch to the new one. Alternatively, download the new app from APK Mirror. (Oh, and in case you were wondering, it’s also available on iOS).

Google Pay - a simple and secure payment app (To be announced, Google Play) →

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YouTube will experiment with audio ads during background playback

YouTube announced plans to introduce audio ads, which will be designed to connect brands with audiences who regularly listen to music and podcasts. Currently in beta, YouTube is aiming the new advertising at companies who are looking to “efficiently expand reach and grow brand awareness.”

According to Melissa Hsieh Nikolic, Group Product Manager at YouTube Ads, more than 75 percent of measured audio ad campaigns on YouTube drove a significant lift in brand awareness. Nikolic said one client, Shutterfly, saw a 14 percent lift in ad recall and 2 percent lift in favorability after running audio ads.

The latest feature is targeted at those you primarily use YouTube as their service of choice for listening to music and podcast. Think of the ad experience as being similar to what you’d encounter with a free-tier membership on Spotify. Ads will be around 15 seconds long, and although they’re primarily focused on audio, they’ll still include a visual component, such as a static image or short animation.

Nikolic provided some guidance on creating compelling content:

When you’re preparing your audio ads campaign, keep in mind that audio should play the leading role. Think: If I close my eyes, I can still clearly understand what this ad is about. Be clear and specific with your message and pick a friendly, authentic voice to deliver it.

To cater to those who regularly visit YouTube to listen to music, the platform revealed it’s launching dynamic music lineups, which are dedicated groups of music-focused channels across popular genres. While this sounds great for users, they’re tailor-made for audios ads. YouTube said brands will easily be able to target these lineups and “drive results for your business.”

Nikolic said that when brands use both video and audio ads together, they can reach more people than ever before. Brands will have the opportunity to bid on audio ads on Google Ads and Display & Video 360 on a CPM basis with the same targeting options.

YouTube (Free, Google Play) →

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Google makes changes to data collection policies for Chrome extensions

Last year, as part of Google’s Project Strobe, the company introduced new policies that required Chrome extensions to request only the permissions needed to implement their features. Google is now beefing up extension security even more, with new rules that require Chrome extension developers to disclose data collection policies.

Beginning January 2021, extensions in the Chrome Web Store will limit what extension developers can do with the data they collect. The new policy will also require developers to certify their data use practices, and display that information on the Chrome Web Store. Data disclosure collection is available to developers starting today so these changes can be implemented ahead of next year.

Regarding what developers can do with the data they collect, Google has four new policies:

• Ensuring the use or transfer of user data is for the primary benefit of the user and in accordance with the stated purpose of the extension.
• Reiterating that the sale of user data is never allowed. Google does not sell user data and extension developers may not do this either.
• Prohibiting the use or transfer of user data for personalized advertising.
• Prohibiting the use or transfer of user data for creditworthiness or any form of lending qualification and to data brokers or other information resellers.

If developers don’t provide privacy disclosures by the date stated above, a notice will be displayed on their Chrome Web Store listing. This is meant to inform users that the developer has yet to comply with Google’s new policies. Developers who want to participate in the new policies will need to provide data usage disclosures from the privacy tab of their developer dashboard.

Google said the new policies are part of a much larger initiative to protecting users and their data and should help put users at ease when downloading new Chrome extensions. Just this year, the search giant removed more than 70 Chrome extensions that tracked user data and browsing history, so requiring developers to be more transparent about their intentions could provide users with a much safer experience.

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