
Google TV Freeplay Expands to 250+ Free Channels with More Local News
Google TV Freeplay now offers over 250 free, ad-supported channels, including many local news options across the US, enhancing its free streaming content since its launch in 2023.
All articles tagged with #channels

Google TV Freeplay now offers over 250 free, ad-supported channels, including many local news options across the US, enhancing its free streaming content since its launch in 2023.
A YouTube TV executive criticizes Disney for being 'unnecessarily aggressive' in negotiations, accusing Disney of wanting to force customers to pay for channels with declining viewership and refusing to compromise on carriage fees, amid ongoing disputes over Disney channels' absence from the platform.
Fox and YouTube TV have reached a new agreement to keep Fox channels, including Fox News and FS1, available on the platform, preventing a blackout and ensuring viewers won't miss upcoming sports and news events.

YouTube TV may drop Fox News and Fox Sports channels due to a fee dispute, risking the loss of popular news and sports programming for about 10 million subscribers just before the college football season. The dispute centers on Fox's demand for higher payments, which YouTube TV considers excessive, and could lead to a blackout of key channels and games unless an agreement is reached soon.

YouTube TV has upgraded its Multiview feature by adding more channels, including FS2, allowing users to customize their viewing experience with 2 to 4 channels simultaneously, catering especially to sports fans and news viewers, with broader genre support and 24/7 local affiliate streams.

Meta is launching advertising in WhatsApp's Status section to increase revenue, allowing businesses to promote and subscribe to channels, while maintaining end-to-end encryption for messages and calls. The move marks a shift from WhatsApp's original no-ads policy, aiming to monetize the platform's 3 billion users and 200 million business accounts.

YouTube TV is rolling out an enhanced 1080p version for select channels, available to users with updated 4K-compatible streaming devices, delivering the highest video quality for YouTube TV and Primetime Channels subscribers. The upgrade is automatic based on connection and settings, but can also be manually toggled in the quality menu for an improved bitrate.

WhatsApp is enhancing its Channels feature with voice updates, polls, and the ability to share updates to personal WhatsApp Status. Channel owners can now send voice updates and post polls to engage with followers, while also being able to add up to 16 admins per channel. The update aims to improve engagement and interaction within the platform, as WhatsApp notes that over 500 million people are using Channels monthly.

Microsoft has announced a new Channels revamp for both classic and new Teams apps, aiming to improve user experience and encourage full utilization of channels. The revamp includes features such as a new conversation view, the ability to pin important posts, and a refreshed compose box. Microsoft is also testing a new search experience within channels.
The latest update to WhatsApp introduces a new feature called Channels, which allows users to follow various channels within the app. This update has caused concern among some users who consider the app to be "UnKosher" due to the accessibility of channels like Netflix, Mark Zuckerberg, and the NY Times. Users are now considering alternative messaging apps like Signal.
WhatsApp is rolling out its Channels feature in 150 countries, allowing users to share updates and information with others. Users can search for channels, react to messages, and join channels with the most followers or activity. The feature protects user privacy by not sharing the channel owner's phone number. Messages sent via Channels are available for 30 days and can be reacted to with emojis. The feature is gradually rolling out and will be available to all users in the coming months.

Instagram's Channels feature for broadcasting messages is now available globally after being tested with select creators and users. Mark Zuckerberg recommended a few channels, and users can find suggested channels based on their interests and interactions with creators. Meta is also testing question prompts for followers and tools for creators, including a channel expiration date and time, adding a moderator, and sharing a link or preview to Stories. The company also launched Channels on WhatsApp to give local and global authorities a platform to connect with people.

Microsoft recommends changing the Wi-Fi channel to improve router speed, which can be done through the router's configuration page. Most routers have 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands with different channels, and it's useful to avoid busy channels. The 2.4GHz band is better for reach, while the 5GHz band offers higher speeds at a lower range. Letting the router pick the channel is recommended for 5GHz or 6GHz Wi-Fi.
WhatsApp has launched a new feature called Channels that allows accounts to send one-way broadcasts to followers in the form of "text, photos, videos, stickers and polls." The feature is similar to Telegram's Channels and Instagram's Broadcast Channels. WhatsApp is exploring the idea of end-to-end encryption for non-profits and health organizations. The feature is currently available to select organizations in Columbia and Singapore and will be rolled out to more countries in the coming months.

Meta plans to launch a new broadcasting feature called Channels for its WhatsApp messaging service, allowing people and organizations to send messages and updates to followers. Admins can send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls to their followers, who cannot reply to the messages. Channels will not use end-to-end encryption, but WhatsApp said it may eventually debut encrypted channels for groups like nonprofits or health organizations. WhatsApp users will be able to find Channels they want to join in a searchable directory and access them via a new "Updates" tab. Meta plans to monetize WhatsApp by offering more compelling ways for companies to engage with users.