May 10, 2025
Tech News
Spotify has announced a forthcoming update for its iPhone app that will enable users to purchase audiobooks through external links. This change, pending Apple’s approval, follows a court ruling regarding Apple’s commission practices, aiming to facilitate easier access for consumers. Premium users may also buy top-ups for additional audiobook listening time.
In another significant development, Ecobee has successfully integrated its Smart Doorbell Camera with Google Home. Although delayed, the update allows users to view live video and communicate with visitors via Google Assistant, enhancing its functionality. The doorbell competes with Google’s wired Nest Doorbell, offering an alternative price point without including free video storage.
Meanwhile, Apple is making strides in smart glasses technology, reportedly developing a chip to rival Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. This new chip, designed for handling multiple cameras, is expected to enter mass production by late 2026 or 2027. Alongside augmented reality capabilities, the company is also working on advancing its M-series chips for other devices.
In entertainment news, Netflix plans to remove its interactive specials, including the acclaimed “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch,” on May 12, 2025. As Netflix shifts focus away from interactive content, it emphasizes mobile gaming and cloud-streamed experiences. This decision follows their previous removals and reflects a broader change in their content strategy.
The update around Spotify’s audiobooks comes as other apps like Kindle and Patreon benefit from reduced restrictions imposed by Apple. Spotify aims to provide transparent pricing and user-friendly purchasing options, citing the update as a significant win for developers and consumers alike, should it be realized under current legal rulings.
Tech Explained
Audiobooks – Audiobooks are spoken recordings of books, available in various formats, allowing individuals to listen to literature rather than read it. Spotify’s introduction of purchasing options for audiobooks offers listeners a new way to access this form of media.
Smart Home – Smart home technology enables devices to connect and communicate via the internet, allowing homeowners to control security, lighting, and appliances remotely. Ecobee’s integration with Google Home exemplifies this, enabling access to video and communication through a singular platform.
Augmented Reality (AR) – Augmented reality overlays digital information onto the real world, often viewed through devices like smartphones or smart glasses. Apple’s development of AR-capable smart glasses aims to blend virtual elements into users’ everyday experiences.
Interactive Specials – Interactive specials are television programs that allow viewers to make choices that influence the storyline. Netflix’s “Bandersnatch” is a landmark example, combining traditional viewing with interactive gameplay, but the platform is shifting away from this format as it explores other avenues.
Cloud Gaming – Cloud gaming technology streams video games directly to users without needing powerful local hardware. Netflix’s transition to cloud-streamed games reflects a growing trend that prioritizes mobile access and immediate engagement over traditional interactive content.
