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Google Launches Paid Tier for Developer Program with Benefits

2024-11-26

In June, Google made a significant announcement with the launch of the Google Developer Program. This free program aimed to provide developers with access to a plethora of resources designed to assist them in building applications using Google services. Now, with "millions" of developers having signed up, as reported by Google, the company has introduced a second, paid tier to commercialize the program. On Monday, Google launched the Google Developer Program premium membership, which is a $299-per-year upgrade from the standard program. This premium membership comes with several added benefits. One-on-one consultations with Google Cloud experts are available, along with access to e-learning programs in Google's on-demand training program, Google Cloud Skills Boost. Beyond consultations and online courses, the premium membership includes $500 in annual Google Cloud credits, a certification voucher, and "bonus" Google Cloud credits for developers who pass an annual Google Cloud certification. These additional benefits are in addition to all the resources offered in the standard, free Google Developer Program, such as AI-powered documentation and coding tools, first dibs on new products, and workspaces in Google's IDX app development platform.The new offering stands out as neither of Google's major cloud rivals, Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Azure, have a similar individual dev plan. Microsoft offers paid alternatives to its free Microsoft 365 Developer Program, which is similar to the Google Developer Program, but these are mainly geared towards business users. AWS provides premium support programs, but they focus more on architectural guidance and technical assistance.Interestingly, for customers in the European Economic Region, the U.K., and Switzerland, the Google Developer Program premium membership is "restricted to business or professional use," according to the fine print. This suggests that personal use is not allowed in these countries. We have reached out to Google for clarification.Assuming one makes full use of all the benefits, the Google Developer Program premium membership could prove to be a worthwhile investment. However, some developers may be disappointed to see new features gated behind a paid tier, especially since Google gave no prior indication of planning to charge for future enhancements to the original program. In June, Google wrote in a blog post that in the coming months, the Google Developer Program will unlock new tools and resources to aid developers on their development journey, such as additional training resources and more ways to connect with the community. To access these benefits, one simply needs to sign up for the Google Developer Program.Google is presenting the Google Developer Program premium membership as a revamping of its now-defunct Cloud Innovators Plus program. This previous program offered comparable benefits at the same $299-per-year price. Notably, Cloud Innovators Plus did not include Google Cloud Skills Boost, which Google estimates is worth $299 per year on its own. In a post on Monday, Google wrote that this new offering is the next evolution of their commitment to streamlining the developer experience and represents their continued investment in the Google Developer Program as the hub of benefits and resources across their many developer products and services.Devs may have some reservations, but it seems they are also showing their support for Google with their wallets. In the company's most recent fiscal quarter (Q3 2024), Google's cloud business, which includes infrastructure and software subscriptions, grew by 35% year-over-year to $11.35 billion. Its growth exceeded that of Amazon and Microsoft's cloud divisions, both of which are significantly larger in terms of market share.

YouTube made a significant announcement on Thursday, introducing a remarkable feature to its Shorts platform. This new Dream Screen feature now enables users to create AI-generated video backgrounds, a step beyond the previous ability to only create image backgrounds. The integration of Google DeepMind's AI video-generation model, Veo, makes this new capability possible, allowing for the creation of 1080p video clips in diverse cinematic styles.

Accessing the Feature

To utilize this exciting feature, users need to enter the Shorts camera. They simply tap the “green screen” icon and then select “Dream Screen.” From there, they can input a prompt like “candy landscape” or “magical forest with a stream.” After that, they can choose an animation style and tap “Create.” The Dream Screen tool will then generate a series of video backgrounds from which users can make their selection. Once a background is chosen, they can record a video with it serving as the backdrop.

Versatile Uses

YouTube emphasizes that this new feature can be employed in various ways. For instance, it allows users to place themselves in the setting of their favorite book or create an animated opening for their Short. It opens up a world of creative possibilities.

Future Plans

In the coming days, YouTube intends to provide creators with the ability to generate six-second-long stand-alone video clips for Shorts through Dream Screen. This will further enhance the creative potential for Shorts creators.

Comparison with TikTok

It's important to note that YouTube is giving Shorts creators access to a feature that is not yet available on TikTok, the leading short-form video platform. While TikTok allows creators to generate AI-powered background images, it currently does not offer the option to create video backgrounds. This gives YouTube Shorts an edge in the creative arena.The new feature is currently available in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, allowing creators in these regions to start exploring and leveraging this innovative tool right away.

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, a game-changing tool has emerged for the rapidly growing X competitor, Bluesky. This innovative tool enables users to quickly create new feeds that can be pinned to the app's home page, allowing them to effortlessly follow their diverse interests. For those daunted by the task of rebuilding Twitter/X lists on Bluesky's app, the Pack2List web app offers a convenient solution. It allows users to leverage the curation work done by other Bluesky users and create their own customized lists.

Unlock the Power of Customized Lists on Bluesky

Starter Packs versus Lists

Let's take a moment to understand the distinction between Starter Packs and Bluesky Lists. A Starter Pack is designed as a quick means to follow a group of users en masse. Any Bluesky user can create a Starter Pack of individuals they believe others should follow and share it on their feed or elsewhere. These packs are also accessible in a tab on users' Bluesky profiles.

For instance, there are Starter Packs focused on various domains such as politics, journalists, developers, technologists, academia, sports, AI, health, and different fan groups. The Bluesky Directory, a third-party site, keeps track of the increasing number of available Starter Packs. With a simple click, you can follow everyone in a Starter Pack or selectively choose specific individuals.

Turn a Starter Pack into a List

Although both types of lists are valuable, Bluesky currently lacks a key feature that would enable users to convert a shared Starter Pack into a list accessible from their Bluesky account. This is where the Pack2List web app by developer Seth Miller comes into play. The tool is available on GitHub and a basic PHP website, along with other useful tools for list management.

To use the service, you need to enter your Bluesky credentials, including your username and an app password generated from Bluesky's security settings. This ensures the security of your account. Once logged in, you simply paste the URL of the Starter Pack you want to convert into a list and select whether it's for following ("Content") or blocking people ("Moderation"). After clicking the "Submit" button, the Starter Pack is instantly added as a list on your Bluesky account. You also have the option to merge the Starter Pack with an existing list on your account if preferred.

Benefits of Using Pack2List

Using the Pack2List app offers several advantages. It saves users the time and effort of manually creating lists from scratch. By leveraging the curation work of other Bluesky users, you can quickly build a customized list that aligns with your interests. This allows for a more personalized and efficient experience on the platform.

Moreover, it provides flexibility. You can choose to follow or block specific users based on the Starter Pack you convert. This gives you greater control over the content you see on your Bluesky feed and helps you curate a more engaging and relevant social network.

Bluesky's User-Friendly Experience

One of the great things about Bluesky's app is its user-friendly nature. You don't need to be tech-savvy to create an account, follow others, and interact with posts on your timeline. It resembles the familiar interface of old Twitter, now known as X under Elon Musk. However, for those who want to explore Bluesky's more advanced features, the presence of a vibrant developer community building tools, services, and apps is a valuable asset.

These tools enhance the functionality of Bluesky and allow users to make the most of the platform. Whether you're a casual user or a power user, there are options available to suit your needs and preferences.