Google Raises Nest Aware Subscription Prices as Hardware Lags Behind

Google is increasing its Nest Aware subscription fees effective mid-August 2025, marking another major price adjustment for home security users. The base Nest Aware plan will rise from $8 to $10 monthly (or $100 annually, up from $80), while the enhanced Nest Aware Plus plan jumps from $15 to $20 monthly (or $200 annually, up from $150).

What You Get For The Price.

• Nest Aware includes 30 days of event tracking, smart alerts for familiar faces, smoke/CO detection, and e911 support.
• Nest Aware Plus offers all the above, plus 60 days of event history and 10 days of continuous 24/7 recording, optimized for users with multiple cameras.

Google assures existing subscribers they can lock in current pricing if billed before August 15, 2025, or until any ongoing promotional pricing ends.

Subscribers are questioning the fee increase as Google’s Nest Cam hardware remains largely unchanged, lacking upgrades in resolution or night vision for over four years. The Nest Cam battery model, still capped at 1080p and black-and-white night vision, is increasingly outperformed by competing devices—some at similar or even lower prices—offering advancements like 2K resolution and color night shooting.

Tech reviewers and users note that rivals such as Arlo, Ring, Wyze, and Reolink provide superior features—like improved low-light performance, smarter AI detection, and local storage options—without steep subscription costs.

Is It Worth It?

While Google points to inflation and support for evolving features—like future Gemini-powered intelligence—as justification for the hike, critics argue these claims are weak without tangible hardware or software improvements. Many users facing a 25–33% rise in costs are considering switching to alternative brands offering better value or opting for local storage to avoid recurring fees.

The mid-August price increase for Nest Aware and Nest Aware Plus is officially confirmed via subscriber emails and updated pricing online. While existing customers may benefit from temporary price locks, the broader market is divided: some remain loyal to Nest’s seamless ecosystem, while others migrate to more feature-rich, cost-effective alternatives as hardware stagnates.

Google Drops Canadian Ad Fee Following Digital Services Tax Repeal.

Key Takeaway

• Google has removed its 2.5% Canadian ad fee after Canada repealed its proposed digital services tax.
• Advertisers will receive refunds as Google aligns with Canada’s decision to avoid retroactive tech levies.

Google has announced that it is removing a 2.5% surcharge on ads shown in Canada, reversing a policy initially introduced in response to Canada’s now-scrapped digital services tax. The fee, which took effect in October 2024, will be fully refunded to advertisers once the federal tax legislation is officially repealed.

Last year, Google reportedly added the surcharge to offset the business impact of Canada’s planned levy, which targeted revenue from online advertising and user data monetization. The tax, set at 3%, threatened to impose additional costs totaling about US$2 billion on major tech firms, including Google, Amazon, and Uber, if applied retroactively.

Canada repealed the tax in late June 2025, ahead of a key deadline for retroactive payments scheduled for June 30. This move was seen as a diplomatic gesture aimed at smoothing Canada–U.S. trade negotiations. Google’s removal of the ad fee aligns closely with this development, suggesting a coordinated response to maintain advertising rates and support cross-border business stability.

Google Launches Gemini Drops Feed to Centralize AI Tips and Updates.

Key Takeaway

• Google has launched Gemini Drops, a dedicated feed for AI feature updates, tips, and community content.
• The new hub aims to improve user engagement by centralizing learning resources and real-time Gemini news.

Google has introduced Gemini Drops, a new centralized feed designed to keep users updated on the latest Gemini AI features, tips, community highlights, and more. This innovative addition aims to consolidate AI news and learning within a single, accessible space and represents a meaningful push toward making advanced AI tools more discoverable and engaging for users.

A Centralized AI Updates Hub.

Previously, updates about Gemini’s evolving features were scattered across blogs, release notes, and social media. Gemini Drops changes that by offering users a dedicated feed within the Gemini app or Google’s AI Studio environment. Here, you’ll find everything from major feature rollouts to helpful guides, all curated by Google to keep you informed and empowered.

Features & Community Spotlights.

Gemini Drops doesn’t stop at announcements; it’s a living educational hub. The feed includes:

• How-to guides for new tools like code integrations and real-time photo/video interactions.
• Community spotlights showcasing creative use cases or tutorials from fellow AI enthusiasts.
• Quick tips that help users leverage Gemini’s lesser-known abilities more effectively.

Also Read: Google’s AI Can Now Make Phone Calls on Your Behalf.

The feed is designed to be dynamic, updating as soon as new features are released or when Google pushes major tips and tutorials. Since Gemini integrates across Android, Search, Workspace, and third-party tools, Gemini Drops ensures users never miss an opportunity to enhance their daily workflows or creativity.

Gemini Drops: Why This Matters.

Google’s launch of Gemini Drops makes it easier for users to stay informed about new AI tools, updates, and tips. Instead of relying on scattered blog posts or social media announcements, users can now access all essential Gemini content in one convenient feed within the app.

This centralized approach not only improves accessibility but also helps users get more out of Gemini’s capabilities. With real-time updates, how-to guides, and community highlights, the feed encourages deeper engagement and smarter use of AI features across both personal and professional workflows.

By spotlighting creative use cases and sharing practical tips, Gemini Drops also builds a sense of community around Google’s AI ecosystem. It’s a smart move that turns passive users into active learners, making AI more approachable and valuable for everyone.

Google Maps Removes Media Playback Controls in Android.

Key Takeaway

• Google Maps has removed in-app media playback controls on Android, frustrating users who relied on them during navigation.
• The change follows the shutdown of Assistant Driving Mode, while iOS users still retain the media control feature.

Google has recently removed a much-loved feature from its Android Maps app: media playback controls for platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music. Originally introduced after the discontinuation of Assistant Driving Mode, this feature allowed users to access play, pause, skip, and browse functions directly within the navigation interface via a compact bottom sheet.

Latest Update: Google Confirms Media Controls Bug in Google Maps: Fix on the Way. 

Users could view album art, track names, and artist info at a glance, and switch tracks without leaving Maps. A dedicated “Browse” button provided quick access to song suggestions, while a persistent shortcut to open their default music app made the experience seamless. However, this also partially obscured the “Report” button beneath it, though the underlying functionality remained accessible.

As of versions 25.28 (stable) and the newer 25.29 beta, Android users have noticed that the “Show media playback controls” toggle under Settings → Navigation has vanished. The prior “Default media app” option is also gone. It's unclear whether this disappearance is intentional or an oversight, but it starkly contrasts with iOS, where the toggle remains intact.

Community reports suggest this removal is frustrating for many users, particularly those using non-default audio apps. On forums like Google's own support thread and third-party sites, users report a fragmented experience—where third-party media control support had already been inconsistent—and express hope for Google's reconsideration.

Why It Matters

This change highlights a broader trend driven by Google’s transition from Assistant Driving Mode to the Gemini ecosystem. In February 2024, Google officially shuttered Assistant Driving Mode after gradually stripping away its features; by April 2025, media and voice controls were entirely removed from Maps. Without proper in‑app media controls, users now find themselves repeatedly switching between Maps and their music apps—a disruption from the fluid, hands‑free experience that once existed.

With in‑map media access disappearing, users have grown more vocal about the need for seamless integrations, especially when driving, where safety and convenience are paramount. Google has yet to comment on whether this media toggle removal is a bug or a permanent design shift.

What’s Next?

For now, Android users relying on Spotify or other music services during navigation must manually open their apps to control playback. If the toggle removal is unintended, it could soon return in an upcoming update, given the strong user backlash and safety implications. Meanwhile, iOS users will continue enjoying the feature uninterrupted.

Everything New in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3.

Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 (build BP31.250610.004) has landed, and it's shaping up to be the final polishing step before the stable release expected in September. If you're enrolled in the QPR1 beta on compatible Pixel devices, you’re getting a refined experience with essential bug fixes, minor UI upgrades, and two standout features designed for accessibility and productivity. Let’s explore what's new.

Android's Quarterly Platform Releases (QPR) deliver regular, bug-focused improvements to the OS without introducing major new APIs ideal for stability and polish. Beta 3 marks the last preview of QPR1, heavily focused on enhancing reliability before the stable rollout.

Key Features & UI Enhancements.

Keyboard Magnifier in Accessibility

One of the most meaningful additions in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 is the Keyboard Magnifier, specifically designed for users with low vision. Found under Settings → Accessibility → Magnification, this new toggle allows users to magnify just the keyboard when it's active, without zooming the entire screen.

This seemingly small change has huge implications for accessibility. Previously, magnifying a screen meant zooming in on all UI elements, which could be disorienting and slow. With the Keyboard Magnifier, the rest of the screen remains static while just the keyboard is enlarged, letting users comfortably type messages, search queries, or login credentials with less visual strain.

Desktop Mode Shortcut Enhancements.

For users experimenting with Android’s Desktop Mode, especially on larger screens like tablets or via external monitors, QPR1 Beta 3 introduces an intuitive feature: the ability to pin and unpin apps directly from the taskbar.

Previously, users had limited control over the taskbar’s appearance in desktop mode. Now, by long-pressing any app icon, a new context menu appears with options to "Pin to Taskbar" or "Unpin." This gives users a Windows-like customization ability, enabling a more streamlined, personalized workspace when using Android as a desktop OS alternative.

Whether you're multitasking between Gmail, Google Docs, and YouTube, or turning your Pixel Tablet into a workstation, this update helps build toward a smoother, more PC-like experience on Android. It also signals that Google is investing more in productive and flexible UX across screen sizes.

5-Bar Cellular Signal UI.

Another quiet—but-effective change in Beta 3 is the update to Android’s cellular signal bar UI, which now consistently displays five signal bars instead of the previous four. This brings Android’s design closer to iOS and offers users a more nuanced view of their signal strength.

Why does this matter? For many users, especially those in rural or congested urban areas, knowing the difference between “barely connected” and “strong signal” can affect how and when they make calls, use data, or switch to Wi-Fi. More signal granularity equals better real-time decisions for users on the go.

Credit: 9to5Google

Refined Settings & System UI Details

Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 also brings a batch of minor UI refinements to the Settings app, Quick Settings panel, and launcher widgets—subtle but impactful.

For example:

• Spacing between settings options has been slightly adjusted for better tap targets and visual clarity.
• Toggle switches now have a more responsive animation, creating a smoother feel during navigation.
• The At-a-Glance widget on the home screen has been restored to include colorful weather icons, improving both the aesthetic and usability at a glance.

Nine Major Bug Fixes.

This Beta addresses nine headline issues flagged by users:

1. RTOS task list kernel bug causing restarts

2. Launcher display glitches

3. Notification rendering problems

4. Media player malfunction in shade

5. Class loader restart bug

6. Kernel-caused restarts

7. Camera startup black screen fix

8. Status bar padding adjustments

9. Notification folding issues.

With at least nine key problems resolved, the update significantly boosts device reliability.

What's Still Missing?

Several experimental improvements remain absent from Beta 3, including:

• Qi2 charger screen savers

• Enhanced HDR brightness toggle

• Dedicated "Parental controls" menu

• New 90:10 split-screen ratio

• Tablet bubble bar and lock‑screen blur UI.

Google appears to reserve these for future Canary or stable builds.

This release supports Pixel 6 and newer, including Pixel 6a, 7/7 Pro, 7a, Fold, 8 series, 9 series, and Pixel Tablet. If you're enrolled in QPR1 beta and want stability over bleeding-edge features, this is an optimal moment to either remain enrolled or opt out ahead of the September stable release.

Google expects to launch Android 16 QPR1 Stable on September 3, 2025. To ensure you receive it, unenroll post-Beta 3—you’ll otherwise be moved to QPR2.

YouTube Launches A/B Testing for Video Titles in Studio.

Key Takeaway

• YouTube now allows creators to A/B test video titles in Studio to optimize engagement and click-through rates.
• The new “Test & compare” tool lets users experiment with multiple title variants, using watch time data to pick the best one.

YouTube is rolling out a thoughtful update to YouTube Studio, empowering creators with the ability to A/B test video titles separately from thumbnails. This enhancement builds on YouTube’s existing thumbnail testing and aims to boost content performance through data-driven choices.

In a recent announcement, YouTube confirmed that a subset of creators now has access to the “Test & compare” tool, which allows them to experiment with multiple title variants for a single video. The platform will present these versions to different audience segments, tracking metrics like watch time to identify the most compelling title before fully committing to one.

This update is significant because more engaging titles can substantially increase click-through rates (CTR) and overall viewer retention. Social Media Today highlights that creators, particularly top-tier channels with dedicated teams, spend hours crafting and refining both titles and thumbnails. YouTube’s built-in testing mechanism means creators can now validate their instincts with actionable data.

Historically, YouTube released its thumbnail A/B testing feature in 2023 and later expanded it to more creators in 2024. With this title testing rollout, creators gain a more holistic optimization suite to maximize their videos’ reach and growth.

As A/B title testing becomes more widely available, YouTube promises to integrate analytics directly into Studio, giving creators real-time insights into which titles resonate best. The company aims to refine the feature further before a broader launch for all users.

Google Files Lawsuit Over BadBox 2.0 Android Botnet Infecting Over 10 Million Devices.

Key Takeaway

• Google sues alleged BadBox 2.0 operators over a global Android botnet that infected over 10 million uncertified devices.
• The botnet was used for ad fraud and residential proxy schemes, prompting Google to update Play Protect and pursue legal action.

Google has taken legal action, filing a lawsuit in federal court in New York against 25 unnamed individuals, believed to be Chinese nationals, accused of operating the BadBox 2.0 botnet—a malicious network that has compromised more than 10 million uncertified Android-based devices globally.

According to the complaint, the botnet targets a range of off-brand hardware—TV streaming boxes, tablets, digital projectors, and car infotainment systems—which run on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and lack protections like Google Play Protect. Devices were infected either through supply chain malware (preinstalled before purchase) or via malicious apps downloaded after setup. Once compromised, these devices connect to a remote command-and-control (C2) server, effectively becoming part of a vast criminal network.

The attackers monetized the compromised devices through several illicit schemes:

• Selling access as residential proxies, enabling account takeovers, DDoS attacks, and other crimes

• Ad fraud—generating millions of fake ad impressions and clicks using hidden browsers and deceptive “evil twin” apps that mimic legitimate ones.

Google argues the botnet has damaged its reputation and financial bottom line by causing it to pay for fake ad traffic and divert resources to combat the fraud.

Google’s Response & Legal Aims

To counter this threat, Google has:

• Updated Google Play Protect to detect and block BadBox-related apps, even if they’re sideloaded.

• Filed the lawsuit seeking an injunction and damages, and legal authority to dismantle the botnet infrastructure, including disabling command servers and disrupting proxy access.

Despite involvement from the FBI, extraditing suspects from China remains improbable due to limited international cooperation.

What Users Should Know

• If you’re using cheap, uncertified Android devices, especially those sold without Google certification, consider upgrading or installing trusted security software.

• Watch for suspicious preinstalled apps or ask if the device is certified with Google Play Protect.

• Regularly scan using Play Protect or reputable security tools, ensuring any infected apps are promptly removed.