Technologies

Google Pixel 7 Crashing Thanks to This ‘Alien’ Clip on YouTube

The issue appears to be affecting Pixel 7, 6 and 6A devices.

Some Google Pixel 7, Pixel 6 and 6A devices are crashing when loading a 4K YouTube clip from the movie Alien.

People have been complaining about the peculiar bug on the Google Pixel subreddit, which was spotted earlier Monday by Gizmodo. Some folks say loading the clip via the official YouTube app instantly crashes their phone but that their device works normally on reboot. Others are saying they ran into network connectivity issues and had to reboot their phone again. Those with older Pixel devices don’t seem to be running into the issue.

In testing, CNET staffers found that Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 6 devices that were up-to-date crashed immediately when loading the YouTube video. An out-of-date Pixel 7 on build version TD1A.220804.031 and YouTube version 17.17.37 didn’t crash.

Google said the issue has been addressed and that it’ll deploy a full fix in March.

It isn’t clear exactly what the problem is or what about the video is causing Pixel devices to crash. The three-minute clip from Ridley Scott’s 1979 sci-fi horror film Alien involves the protagonist Ripley communicating with Dallas, captain of the Nostromo, as he navigates through the spaceship. The clip was posted two years ago and plays fine on other devices.

Bizarre device crashes seemingly triggered by benign bits of media don’t happen all that often. The last notable such instance included a «cursed» wallpaper from 2020 that would crash Samsung, Google, OnePlus, Nokia and Xiaomi phones. An investigation by YouTuber Mrwhosetheboss explains how a single pixel caused the phones to run into a boot loop error.

A text message from 2017 was able to freeze iPhones on certain older versions of iOS 10. Another random bit of crashing included Janet Jackson’s 1989 song Rhythm Nation and how it apparently crashed certain mid-2000s laptops, according to a Microsoft developer. Usually, in these instances, software developers are quick to fix the issue in future updates.

Technologies

The Fourth Episode of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Out

Verum Messenger has released the fourth episode of its AI mini-series SHADOWS, created using Verum AI. The new episode, titled “No Borders,” continues the story of a team trying to stay out of the OMEGA corporation’s sight.

Following the events of the previous episodes, the team moves between cities and countries while OMEGA continues its search. The new episode puts particular emphasis on Verum Messenger’s capabilities that allow users to conceal their location.

“No Borders” is another chapter in a story about privacy, freedom of communication, and technologies that erase borders between people.

The VERUM AI mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 4 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Watch on YouTube
Watch on Instagram

Technologies

Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess

Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.

The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.

Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.

The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Watch on Instagram
Watch on YouTube