X seems to be bringing a major change to how creators can earn money from the platform. Since 2023, X has shared ad revenue with creators based on how many verified users see ads in replies to their posts. But the company announced today that creators are instead going to be paid based on “engagement with your content from Premium users.”

In other words, the more people that subscribe to X Premium and engage with content from other Premium subscribers, the more money they will make. How will it actually work is anyone’s guess. But it’s likely that Premium users will show up in replies even more than they already are.

Also Read: X Introduces Grok-Powered AI-Generated News Snippets

How Will X Will Pay Premium Users

People who subscribe to X Premium already get priority in tweet replies, and the level of that priority depends on which X Premium tier they subscribe to. It’s not known that if the new approach will actually lead to higher payouts for creaotrs. While the platform promises that signing up for X Premium can help users “earn a living on X,” subscribers have complained about low payouts under the current terms.

X says in its creator revenue sharing terms that it will remove users from the program if they are found to artificially inflate views on their tweets, but users will have to wait and see if they actually stop users from trying to find ways to game the system. “Only genuine interactions from Premium users will be counted toward your earnings,” according to X’s Premium account.

Revenue from “verified ads impressions” in replies won’t have any effect on sharing starting November 8, as per a support document. The company says that “up to” 25 percent of Premium subscriptions will go “directly to creators.”

Also Read: X Could Soon Charge Users A “Small Fee” To Like, Reply, And Post

Elon Musk’s X To Rival Zoom, Teams, With New Video Tool

Ever since Elon Musk took over X (formerly known as Twitter) in 2022, the platform has constantly released new features and tools to make the user experience better. The company has also declared it aims to compete with LinkedIn for job listings and PayPal for payments. Now, in a new development, X developers have confirmed that they might soon launch their new professional video calling feature.

One of the company’s employees and developers Chris Park confirmed this development and posted about the new video conferencing tool. Park also suggested that the initial feedback from the X team was positive, and X will likely work on introducing more features, such as the ability to pin speakers and notifications indicating who has left or joined a call.

Apple has announced the 2025 edition of the Swift Student Challenge. The Cupertino-based tech giant will start taking submissions in February 2025, giving students from around the world an opportunity to display their creativity and develop real-world skills.

The challenge encourages students to join a global community of developers using Swift, the programming language used by professionals, to create innovative apps. In the past years, some student developers from India have also won the Swift Student Challenge.

Also Read: Apple Announces WWII Short Film, But Not Everyone Can See It

Everything To Know About Apple Swift Student Challenge

Students, educators, and advocates will be able to find preparation materials and sign up for notifications about the challenge at developer.apple.com. Apple will recognize 350 Swfit Student Challenge winners whose submissions showcase innovation, creativity, social impact, or inclusivity.

Out of the 350 winners, 50 will get additional recognition as Distinguished Winners. These students will be invited to Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino next summer for further recognition.

To help students prepare for the challenge, the company has updated its Swift Coding Club resources. These resources come with a starter kit with activities crafted to help students explore Swift and SwiftUI. The kit also supports students in building community and sharing their passion for app development with peers.

The company has also introduced new Develop in Swift Tutorials, which provide students with a foundational step toward a career in app development. These tutorials focus on using Swift, SwiftUI, and Xcode to build apps across Apple’s platforms.

Also Read: Apple Could Launch Smaller Mac Mini, New iPad In November

Apple Rolls Out iOS 18.1 Developer Beta 6, Public Beta 3

Apple’s iOS 18.1 beta testing process is coming to its conclusion, and the company continues to fine-tune its software, introducing notable adjustments just days before the official release. As per a report by Macrumors, the latest beta is now available to both developers and public beta testers, with only a few new features. Despite the few additions, some refinements are worth highlighting.

One of the biggest changes in this beta is the Control Center. For the first time, Apple has added individual toggles for Satellite and AirDrop, enabling users to customize their Control Center setup with separate buttons, and added the report.

Previously, these features were only available through the broader Connectivity control, but now, users can adjust settings for Airplane Mode, Cellular Data, Personal Hotspot, AirDrop, Bluetooth, Satellite, VPN, and Wi-Fi individually. The update also includes controls for Measure and Level tools. The report also suggests that the company has made a small but significant upgrade in the Notification Summaries.

Google could soon face regulatory action as the DOJ considers antitrust measures to lose the company’s grip on online search. This could involve splitting Android, Chrome, and other assets.

The U.S. Justice Department has revealed an ambitious plan to tackle Google’s monopoly as part of its antitrust lawsuit against the company, as reported by CNBC. This comes on the heels of the DOJ’s legal victory in August when the US District Court labeled Google a “monopolist” for breaking antitrust laws in its efforts to stay the default search engine on devices and browsers.

The US government has found a potential anti-competitive network connecting Android devices, the Google Play Store, Chrome, and Search.

Also Read: YouTube Shorts Update Increases Video Length To 3 Minutes

Authorities Want Google To Be More Transparent

To tackle the anti-competitive issues, the US might force the company to be more transparent about alternative search options and let websites choose whether they want to be part of AI training. The Justice Department is also taking more extreme steps, like making Google share search data with competitors or separating Chrome and Android.

The DOJ also wants to restrict the company’s ability to form exclusive deals with firms like Apple and Samsung to maintain its search engine as the default. As of now, Google currently has partnerships with Samsung to share revenue from the Play Store and with Apple for search traffic on Safari.

Another option that is being considered would limit Google’s ability to use its products-such as Chrome, Play, and Android to give Google Search and related services an edge in the market. The proposed framework aims to address the issues caused by Google’s control over search distribution, revenue sharing, search result presentation, ad reach, and monetization, as well as its extensive data collection and usage practices.

Also Read: Google To Expand Gemini Live To Over 40 Languages

Google Will Lock Your Android Smartphone If Stolen

Google has taken some serious measures against phone thefts. The company’s new “theft detection lock” ensures that personal data is safe and that the phone is of no use to the thief.

The new feature, currently being rolled out for Android users in the US, was spotted on the recently launched Xiaomi 14T Pro and was first reported by Mishaal Rahman on Threads. Google is rolling out three major components of theft-related features: theft detection lock, offline device lock, and remote lock.

The new theft detection lock feature leverages a machine learning model that is capable of detecting when a phone is snatched from a user’s hand and the thief runs away on foot or in a vehicle. When detected, the Android smartphone will automatically enter into theft mode, where the smartphone will lock instantly, limiting the thief from accessing sensitive information stored on the phone.

Nintendo is inviting people to apply to play test a new feature for Nintendo Switch Online -- though the company isn’t specifying what the feature is. Considering that the company just launched a gesture-controlled alarm clock, this could mean just about anything up to and including a preview of features for the much-anticipated Switch 2.

The Verge suggests that the company could be bringing GameCube games to Switch Online as a preview for a Wii mini retro console or perhaps another long-lost Star Fox game.

Also Read: Leaker Claims Nintendo Switch 2 Could Be An Affordable Offering

How Can Users Apply For This New Playtest

Applications will open from October 10, at 11 AM ET to October 15 at 10:59 AM ET. Users will be able to apply by clicking the “To Application Page” link on this page. People from outside of Japan will be picked from “on a first-come-first-serve basis,” Nintendo says, while participants from Japan will be picked by a raffle “if there are many Japanese applicants.”

Users can apply if they meet the following criteria as of October 9 at 6 PM ET, which was the exact same time this playtest was announced. Users need to do the following to apply for this playtest:

• Have a Nintendo Account
• Be an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack member
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be registered in any of the following countries: Japan, the US, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain.

Nintendo says the playtest is “expected to accept as many as 10,000 participants.” The company says it will close applications early if “the number of accepted participants has reached its limit.” Users will have to download “exclusive software” to their Switch to participate in the test. The playtest will run from October 23 at 9 PM ET to November 5 at 7:59 PM ET.

Also Read: Nintendo Launches New Breath Of The Wild Earbuds

Nintendo Switch 2 Could Be An Affordable Offering

With the internet buzzing with the launch of the PS5 Pro at $699.99, people have been wondering what its competitors are planning. If Microsoft and Nintendo manage to bring more affordable hardware, it could ruin the party for Team PlayStation.

If you are someone who’s wondering how much the Switch 2 might cost, here’s some good news; not only it will be pretty cheap for a next-gen Nintendo console, but it could also get announced very soon.

As spotted by Tom’s Guide, the leak came out in the Gaming Leaks and Rumors subreddit. The original post linked to two Discord screenshots made by user moistcharlie. The user previously called the price point and reveal date for the PS5 Pro, so there could be some weight to his words.

Xiaomi is expected to launch its upcoming Pad 7 series tablet in China later this month, likely starting with two models: the Pad 7 and Pad 7 Pro. The Pad 7 Pro could be Xiaomi’s first tablet to sport an OLED display, though it may not offer top-tier performance, as it is said to come with a sub-flagship chip, possibly the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Snapdragon 8s Gen 3.

A new rumor suggests that the company might also be planning a more premium option, the Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra, for people who want a top-of-the-line machine. As per Weibo tipster Smart Pikachu, who briefly talked about the Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra in a new leak. If true, this will be the first Xiaomi tablet with an “Ultra” label. Besides, there is also mention of Redmi’s gaming tablet, but the tipster did not reveal any specifics of any of these devices.

Also Read: Xiaomi Unveils Redmi Watch 5 Active, Pocket Power Bank Pro

Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra Under The Hood

Given the “Ultra” moniker, Xiaomi is said to come packed with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, or possibly the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. Moreover, a previous report has hinted that the Redmi gaming tablet will also feature a Snapdragon 8-series chip. Smart Pikachu, however, did talk about both the Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra and the Redmi gaming tablet that will launch early next year.

The Xiaomi Pad 7 and Pad 7 Pro are said to launch alongside the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Pro. It’s likely that the Pad 7 Ultra and Redmi gaming tablet could launch with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, which is also scheduled for early next year.

As of now, there’s not much information available about either the Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra or the Redmi gaming tablet. Let’s hope more details will appear in upcoming reports.

Also Read: Xiaomi Smartphone Cameras To Detect Hidden Cameras

Xiaomi 15 Pro Color Options And Specs Leaked Online

Xiaomi 15 Pro is expected to be launched in the market. A publication has leaked specifications of the handset, along with three images of the purported smartphone that show its rear panel.

The Xiaomi 15 Pro is said to come equipped with a Leica-tuned triple rear camera setup. The images hint that the upcoming flagship phone from Xiaomi will be available in three color options.

Images of the Xiaomi 15 Pro leaked by tipster @That_Kartikey in collaboration with Smartprix show the handset in black, white, and silver color options. The upcoming smartphone is also said to be available in titanium edition, similar to last year’s model.

The leaked renders of the smartphone hint that it will be equipped with a triple rear camera setup placed in the top left corner, while the LED flash is placed to the right of the module. The smartphone will feature the brand’s name on the bottom left area, and it doesn’t appear to have any other branding.

Apple’s iOS 18.1 beta testing process is coming to its conclusion, and the company continues to fine-tune its software, introducing notable adjustments just days before the official release.

As per a report by Macrumors, the latest beta is now available to both developers and public beta testers, with only a few new features. Despite the few additions, some refinements are worth highlighting.

One of the biggest changes in this beta is the Control Center. For the first time, Apple has added individual toggles for Satellite and AirDrop, enabling users to customize their Control Center setup with separate buttons, and added the report.

Also Read: Apple Could Launch Smaller Mac Mini, New iPad In November

What New Features Will iOS 18.1 Update Will Offer

Previously, these features were only available through the broader Connectivity control, but now, users can adjust settings for Airplane Mode, Cellular Data, Personal Hotspot, AirDrop, Bluetooth, Satellite, VPN, and Wi-Fi individually. The update also includes controls for Measure and Level tools.

The report also suggests that the company has made a small but significant upgrade in the Notification Summaries. On the Lock Screen, if users have a stack of notifications with a count displayed, the number will now change to match the color of their wallpaper. Another highlight in this beta is the long-awaited support for sleep apnea detection and breathing disturbance readings on the Apple Watch Series 10 models.

Once the update is done, users can turn on sleep apnea alerts through the Health app. The watch collects breathing disturbance data over a period of 10 days, with alerts being pushed every month depending on the analysis. Data collection and alerts only begin after the update is installed and the feature is activated.

Also Read: Apple Announces WWII Short Film, But Not Everyone Can See It

Apple Brings Diwali Deals And Offers For Its Indian Consumers

With the festive season upon us, Apple has introduced some Diwali offers for its Indian consumers. The company is giving instant cashback on the purchase of iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and all other devices. Also, the company is giving free Beats Solo Buds for a limited time period on the purchase of an iPhone.

Buyers can avail of up to Rs 5000 instant cashback on iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16, and iPhone 16 Plus with eligible ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and American Express cards. On iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, buyers will get instant cashback of Rs 3,000. For the iPhone SE, the cashback is Rs 2,000.

Customers who buy the iPhone 15 from Apple Store will get a pair of free Beats Solo Buds. Besides, there is special edition packaging, which is designed by Aaquib Wani. The offer is valid till October 4 only.