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Netflix Launches ‘Playground’ Gaming App for Kids

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Netflix has introduced a new gaming app called “Netflix Playground”, targeting young children as part of its broader strategy to expand beyond video streaming into interactive entertainment.

The app features games built around well-known children’s franchises such as Peppa Pig and Sesame Street, offering a curated environment designed specifically for users aged eight and under. Titles include “Playtime With Peppa Pig,” “Dr. Seuss’s Horton!” and other educational and entertainment-focused experiences.

Netflix emphasized that the platform is ad-free, contains no in-app purchases, and includes parental controls, positioning it as a controlled digital space for children. All games are also playable offline, addressing concerns around screen time and connectivity.

The move reflects Netflix’s effort to strengthen engagement among families, a segment known for lower subscription churn. Analysts note that children’s content plays a critical role in retention, particularly as competition intensifies with platforms like Disney+, which has a stronger portfolio of established family-oriented intellectual property.

Despite ongoing investments in gaming, Netflix has yet to establish the segment as a major revenue driver. Its catalog currently includes licensed titles like “GTA: San Andreas” and games based on its own shows, but analysts highlight limitations in original gaming IP compared to competitors.

“Netflix Playground” is initially available in markets including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, the Philippines and New Zealand, with a global rollout expected later this month.

Google Messages May Soon Support Video Calls Through WhatsApp, Report Says

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Google Messages is reportedly adding a new feature that could simplify video calls for users by integrating WhatsApp’s video calling functionality. This feature, still in development, was discovered in the app’s code, and although it is not yet active, it may be rolled out in future updates. The integration is designed to activate when the user does not have Google Meet installed on their device, making WhatsApp the alternative video-calling solution. The potential addition could streamline the process of making video calls without needing to switch between multiple apps.

According to Android Authority, the feature was uncovered within Google Messages version 20250131, where a flag indicating its activation was found in the app’s code. This feature is expected to pop up when users tap the video call icon, prompting them to initiate a call through WhatsApp. However, it will only appear if Google Meet is not present on the user’s device. Currently, Google Messages defaults to Google Meet for video calls, prompting users to install it if it’s not already on their phone, creating an extra step for those who prefer other platforms.

If the feature is officially launched, it would allow users to directly start a WhatsApp video call without leaving the Google Messages interface. The call would open in full-screen mode, eliminating the need for additional clicks or switching between apps. This change is likely to make video calling much smoother for Google Messages users who regularly use WhatsApp as their primary messaging platform.

The integration, however, is expected to work only in one-on-one chats. For group video calls, the app will still default to Google Meet, and the WhatsApp option will not be available. Additionally, if the person on the other end of the call doesn’t have WhatsApp installed, Google Messages will not prompt the user to initiate a WhatsApp video call. This development, while still in the works, hints at further improvements in user experience for Google Messages users who prefer WhatsApp for communication.

Google Developing ‘Talk Live About Screen’ Shortcut for Gemini Live

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Google is reportedly developing a new shortcut for its Gemini Live feature, making AI interactions even more seamless. First mentioned during the recent Galaxy Unpacked event, the “Talk Live About Screen” shortcut will allow users to have real-time, two-way voice conversations with Gemini AI about the content displayed on their screens. While initially showcased for the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, the feature is expected to roll out to other Android devices in the near future. A recent leak has provided further evidence that Google is actively working on integrating this shortcut into Gemini Live.

A well-known tipster, AssembleDebug, shared insights about the new shortcut on X (formerly Twitter). Although the method used to discover it remains unclear, it was likely found in the latest beta version of the Google or Gemini app. A screenshot shared in the post reveals the presence of a redesigned Gemini overlay, where a new “Ask About Screen” icon sits atop the user interface. This feature allows the AI assistant to capture a quick screenshot, enabling users to type their queries and receive AI-powered insights.

Currently, Gemini allows users to analyze on-screen content through text input, but voice-based interactions are not yet supported in this context. The new “Talk Live About Screen” shortcut aims to address this limitation by enabling spoken conversations about on-screen elements. The shortcut is positioned directly above the “Ask About Screen” button, offering users a more intuitive and efficient way to engage with Gemini AI.

At the Galaxy Unpacked event, a Google representative explained that tapping the shortcut would instantly take a screenshot and open the Gemini Live interface, allowing users to verbally interact with the AI. Although Google has not officially announced a release date, the presence of this feature in testing suggests that it could be rolled out soon, potentially transforming how users engage with AI for real-time screen analysis.