YouTube is exploring a new version of its Premium Lite subscription tier in Australia, Germany, and Thailand, according to a confirmation from a Google representative. This version will feature limited advertisements, with the fine print indicating that while most videos will be ad-free, viewers might still encounter video ads on music content and Shorts, and non-interruptive ads during searches and browsing.
The original Premium Lite subscription was initially tested in Europe in 2021 before being discontinued in October 2023. It offered fewer features compared to the regular Premium subscription, notably missing offline or background viewing options.
In Australia, the pricing for these initial tests is set at $9 per month for Premium Lite, compared to $17 per month for full Premium access, aligning closely with the original Lite pricing.
Meanwhile, Amazon Studios is seeking another success in gaming adaptations following the popularity of Fallout. The company aims for its next Prime Video gaming adaptation to be equally successful, and according to a report by Deadline, significant changes are underway. The showrunner and two executive producers for the God of War series have exited as the project shifts its direction, which is an adaptation of the 2018 franchise reboot.
Furthermore, Moley Robotics is poised to introduce robots into the kitchen. The company’s X-AiR model, starting at $105,000, has yet to be installed, but customer interest has been piqued. Despite lacking built-in vision or sensing technology, the robot arm operates based on memory, navigating the space to find ingredients, oils, and tools. While it is capable of cooking, it cannot perform tasks such as peeling a carrot, leading to questions about the extent of its utility in the kitchen.