Pocket-lint Daily - Netflix with ads, Toyota Yaris Hybrid, and more

Good morning! By Rik Henderson | Thursday July 14 2022 Good morning! - If you're enjoying the email, why not get a friend to sign up too, so they can also be in the know? Get them to [sign up here.]( Netflix's ad-supported tier will be powered by Microsoft, but no word on launch date yet freestocks / Unsplash What's happened? It has been confirmed that Netflix is to launch a new subscription tier - one that is cheaper and ad-supported - but we don't yet know when it will be available or how much it'll cost. We do know how the advertising will be delivered, though. Why does it matter? Microsoft has [signed a deal with Netflix]( to be the technology and sales partner for the new tier, which means it will supply the commercials. What's my take? For those who cannot afford its recently-increased regular subscription fees, the fact that Netflix plans a cheaper, ad-supported membership tier will be welcomed. It is likely to be a while yet before it launches, with the boss of the streaming giant, Greg Peters, saying these are still "early days" and there is "much work to do". But the service is starting to take shape - Microsoft stepping in to supply the advertising platform is certainly a major step in the process. Our main worry though is just how intrusive those adverts will be, especially on content not originally made to include them. For example, just watch a BBC-made show on Dave in the UK or any channel in the States and you can see commercials punctuate the action at sometimes bizarre points. When a show (or movie come to that) is made without segments in mind, where do the adverts fit in? It also seems to me that the Microsoft deal could mean that they will be automatically, algorithmically scheduled, so how will that affect the flow of Stranger Things or The Umbrella Academy? I guess we'll find out eventually. Sega Genesis Mini 2 to launch in US in October Sega What's happened? Sega has announced that its [Genesis Mini 2 retro games console]( will launch in North America on 27 October, in line with the already-announced release date for Japan. Why does it matter? We're now only waiting on information about its European release, which will likely come under the name Mega Drive Mini 2, in line with Sega's original naming conventions. What's my take? Of all the mini retro console releases in the last few years, the first Mega Drive Mini (Genesis Mini in the States) was among my top three. So, I'm looking forward to a second slice of 90s fun. I wonder how popular it'll be this time though? The first release largely sold out and you have to pay near £300 to get hold of one today, I'm not sure this will have the same success. That's largely because, while it is a perfect, miniature replica of the Mega Drive 2 and has great collectability, many of the games on it are available in multiple places elsewhere. The Nintendo Switch, for example, has a very healthy collection of Mega Drive games available to Switch Online Expansion Pass subscribers. Then there are the several Sega classic collections available across other consoles. In short, how many times and places does the average punter want to play Sonic games? A MESSAGE FROM SPONSOR Qualcomm has huge plans in the smartphone market Qualcomm We caught up with Enrico Salvatori - senior vice president and president of Qualcomm Europe, Inc. - to hear his take on what the most significant trends are for 2022. [Read more right here.]( Toyota Yaris Hybrid review: A compact that still excites Pocket-lint What's happened? When the Toyota Yaris was launched in 1999, it signalled a shift in Toyota's small cars. Affordability was front and centre, but the design saw a lift and it broke new ground. Over 20 years later and the Yaris is still going strong. Our quick verdict The Toyota Yaris is a great compact car, offering good exterior design at all trim levels and value for money. The hybrid setup means great fuel economy on an already small car, while its compact nature makes it ideal for smaller urban and suburban roads. [Read our review](. In Case You Missed it The Magic Leap 2 is [coming later this year]( but it's pricey. --- The [Garmin Edge Explore 2]( is a simplified bike computer for those who just want to ride --- Google Pixel Buds A-Series still have a Prime Day [discount of 31% at £69]( instead of £99.99. That's a £31.99 saving on these dark olive earbuds with Google Assistant access and five hours of battery life From The Gear Loop The Wave Are wave pools the way to go this summer? A guide to inland surfing. [Read more.]( And finally... Nothing / OnePlus How does the new Nothing phone (1) compare to the recent OnePlus Nord 2T in the battle for the mid range? 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