Instagram introduces “song on profile” feature similar to Myspace: Details

Instagram introduces “song on profile” feature similar to Myspace: Details



Instagram has announced a new feature allowing users to add a song to their profile. The selected music will be displayed in the bio area of the user’s profile, according to screenshots shared by Instagram. Users will have the option to remove or replace the song as desired.


This feature is reminiscent of the one available on Myspace in the early 2000s; however, unlike Myspace, the songs will not autoplay. Visitors to a user’s profile can play and pause the added song at their convenience.


“We’re excited to announce that you can now add a song to your profile, giving you more ways to express yourself through music. Your profile song selection will be live until you swap out the song,” Instagram stated in a post by its creators account.


How It works


Users can access the “edit profile” page and select “Add music to your profile.” After that, they can search for and choose a song from Instagram’s library of licensed music, the same library available for Reels and posts. The duration of the music can be up to 30 seconds.


This new feature is being launched in collaboration with singer Sabrina Carpenter. Her profile will feature a teaser of her new song, “Taste,” ahead of its official release. Instagram has mentioned that the song can only be heard through this feature before its release.


Additional updates


In related news, Meta-owned Instagram is reportedly testing a change to users’ feeds that could replace the squares in the profile grid with vertical rectangles. According to The Verge, this change is currently in the testing phase and has been noticed by some users. The report suggests that Instagram has been exploring a change to the aspect ratio of the profile grid since 2022.

First Published: Aug 23 2024 | 10:53 AM IST



Source link

Google introduces 'Essentials' app for Microsoft Windows PCs: What is it: Technology News

Google introduces 'Essentials' app for Microsoft Windows PCs: What is it: Technology News


Google Essentials app for Windows


Google has introduced a new app, called “Google Essentials,” designed as a one-stop hub for accessing various Google services such as Google Photos, Google Messages, and more on a Microsoft Windows PC. Google Play Games on PC, currently in its beta phase, will also be available through this new app. Google Play Games is a PC application that allows users to play smartphone games on their Windows PCs.


Google Essentials app for Windows: What it is and how it will work


In a blog post explaining the new app, Google stated, “You can open Google Essentials right from the start menu and easily switch between your phone and laptop.” While the company has not provided details on the user interface, it mentioned that services like Google Photos and Google Messages will be accessible within the Essentials app. The app will also offer shortcuts to Google Workspace services, including Google Docs, Drive, Calendar, and more. Additionally, Google is offering a 2-month trial of a Google One 100GB subscription to eligible users.


Regarding Google Play Games, the company noted that the service will not only allow users to play smartphone games on Windows but will also enable them to sync their in-game progress. This feature will let players pick up where they left off on their Android smartphones or vice versa.


Google Essentials app for Windows: Availability and compatibility


The new Google Essentials app will initially be available on HP-made PCs. Google announced that the app would be rolled out to both consumer and gaming series PCs from HP, including the Spectre, Envy, Pavilion, OMEN, and Victus series. The HP OmniBook series will receive the app at a later stage.


Google stated that once the Essentials app is available, HP PC users will be able to install other Google apps when “setting up a new PC.” This suggests that the Essentials app will come preloaded on new HP laptops. However, Google confirmed that the app can be uninstalled at any time by the user.


The Google Essentials app is not available for download through a standalone link and is currently rolling out exclusively to HP laptops and desktops. However, Google mentioned that the app would be expanded to more laptops and desktops in the coming months.

First Published: Aug 23 2024 | 10:47 AM IST



Source link

Apple to update browser options in EU, make applications more deletable

Apple to update browser options in EU, make applications more deletable



Apple will change how users choose browser options in the European Union, add a dedicated section for changing default apps, and make more apps deletable, the company said on Thursday.


The iPhone maker came under pressure from regulators to make changes after the EU’s sweeping Digital Markets Act took effect on March 7, forcing it to offer mobile users the ability to select from a list of available web browsers on a “choice screen” the first time they open Safari.

 


In an update later this year, Apple users will be able to select a default browser directly from the choice screen after going through a mandatory list of options.

 


A randomly ordered list of 12 browsers per EU country will be shown to the user with short descriptions, and the chosen one will be automatically downloaded, Apple said. The choice screen will also be available on iPads through an update later this year.

 


Apple released a previous update in response to the new rules in March, but browser companies criticized the design of its choice screen, and the Commission opened an investigation on March 25 saying it suspected that the measures fell short of effective compliance.

 


“We welcome Apple’s updated choice screen, particularly as it precedes the upcoming iPhone launches,” Andrew Frost Moroz, founder of Aloha browser, told Reuters.

 


“For those less familiar with us, the description will highlight these benefits, and fewer taps to start browsing will enhance the user experience and benefit third-party browsers,” he said.

 


Apple said it has been in dialogue with the European Commission and believes the new changes will address regulators’ concerns.

 


The Commission said on Thursday it will monitor the effectiveness of the solutions in achieving the objective of the DMA and will decide on the next steps in the open case.

 


It also plans to introduce a dedicated area for default apps where a user will be able to set defaults for messaging, phone calls, spam filters, password managers and keyboards.

 


Users will also be able to delete certain Apple-made apps such as App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos and Safari. Only Settings and Phone apps would not be deletable.

First Published: Aug 22 2024 | 11:45 PM IST



Source link

Tech wrap Aug 22: Pixel 9 sale, India-made iPhone 16 Pro, iOS bug, and more

Tech wrap Aug 22: Pixel 9 sale, India-made iPhone 16 Pro, iOS bug, and more



Google’s latest Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL smartphones are now available for purchase in India. Launched on August 13 at the Made by Google event, these models have been available for pre-order since then. Customers can buy either model through the e-commerce platform Flipkart or offline at Croma and Reliance Digital stores.


A recently discovered bug can crash an iPhone when a specific set of characters is typed. Typing “”:: in Spotlight Search or App Library search can cause the Apple mobile user interface to crash, with the device either reloading the lock screen or briefly going blank. This issue affects iOS 17 through iOS 18.1 but is not considered a security threat.


Apple is reportedly producing Pro models of its upcoming iPhone 16 series in India. While there have been multiple reports about Apple potentially starting assembly of the iPhone 16 Pro line in India, images of the box for an India-made iPhone 16 Pro have recently surfaced online, according to 9To5Mac. An image shared on the Chinese social media platform Weibo shows the label on the seal of an iPhone 16 Pro box stating “Assembled in India.”


Microsoft has announced that its Recall feature for Windows on ARM will launch in October, exclusively for Windows Insiders. Recall, an AI-powered feature available through the Microsoft Copilot+ PC platform, functions like a photographic memory, allowing users to revisit what they have previously seen or done on their PC.


Meta-owned instant messaging platform WhatsApp is planning to roll out a new feature aimed at increasing user privacy. Users would soon have an option to replace their phone numbers with usernames on the instant messaging platform. According to WhatsApp update tracker WABetaInfo, the upcoming feature, called “Username and PIN,” will offer users three privacy settings: “Username,” “Phone number,” and “Username with PIN.”


Samsung is set to launch the Fan Edition (FE) model of its flagship Galaxy S24, as the smartphone has reportedly received Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification. According to 91mobiles, the anticipated Galaxy S24 FE has appeared on the BIS certification website under the model number “SM-S721B/DS”. Although the BIS certification does not provide detailed specifications, it indicates that the Galaxy S24 FE might be launching in India soon.


Apple is reportedly planning to launch the second-generation AirPods Max alongside the anticipated iPhone 16 series next month. According to a report by 9To5Mac, the new AirPods Max 2 will feature significant upgrades that could bring it on par with the AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds. Although the current generation of AirPods Max is priced higher than the AirPods Pro 2, it lacks some of the advanced audio features found in the latter. This could change with the release of AirPods Max 2.


OpenAI’s ChatGPT is expected to be integrated into Apple’s latest operating system for iPhone, iOS 18, later this year. The integration will not only introduce a set of generative AI tools to iPhones but also enhance the native voice assistant, Siri.


Hong Kong-based electronics manufacturer Secure Connection has unveiled a new line of Honeywell-branded soundbars in India. The newly launched models include the Trueno U4000 and Trueno U7000, both feature a black gloss finish and offer five play modes: Bluetooth, AUX, USB, Optical Input, and HDMI/ARC.


Zoom Video Communications raised its annual revenue forecast on Wednesday, driven by strong demand for its AI-powered collaboration tools deployed in hybrid work models, and said Kelly Steckelberg would step down as its CFO.


California legislators are set to vote on a bill as soon as this week that would broadly regulate how artificial intelligence is developed and deployed in California even as a number of tech giants have voiced broad opposition.


Google and Australia’s national science agency will join hands to develop digital tools that automatically detect and fix software vulnerabilities for operators of critical infrastructure, seeking to combat a surge in cyberattacks.

First Published: Aug 22 2024 | 8:03 PM IST



Source link

Secure Connection launches Honeywell-branded Trueno soundbars in India

Secure Connection launches Honeywell-branded Trueno soundbars in India


Honeywell Trueno U7000 Soundbar


Hong Kong-based electronics manufacturer Secure Connection has unveiled a new line of Honeywell-branded soundbars in India. The newly launched models include the Trueno U4000 and Trueno U7000, both feature a black gloss finish and offer five play modes: Bluetooth, AUX, USB, Optical Input, and HDMI/ARC.


Honeywell Trueno U4000 and Trueno U7000: Price and availability


Honeywell Trueno U7000: Rs 33,999


Honeywell Trueno U4000: Rs 24,999


Both the Honeywell Trueno U7000 and U4000 are available at discounted price of Rs 15,399 and Rs 8,799 on Amazon India.


Honeywell Trueno U4000: Features


The Honeywell Trueno U4000 is a 2.1 channel audio system, equipped with four 57mm drivers for 240W output. It comes with a wired subwoofer and supports Bluetooth V5.3+EDR connectivity, allowing users to stream audio wirelessly from smartphones, PCs, tablets, or TV screens within a 10m range. It offers three equalizer settings—Movies, News, and Music—and includes a remote control for convenience.


Honeywell Trueno U7000: Features


The Honeywell Trueno U7000 boasts Dolby Audio enhancements. With a 500W output, it supports 5.1 channel sound reproduction and includes three 58mm drivers, a subwoofer with 165.10mm drivers, and two satellite speakers with 58mm drivers each. The soundbar also features Bluetooth V5.3+EDR for wireless audio streaming within a 10m range. Additionally, it offers six equalizer settings—POP, ROCK, JAZZ, CLASSIC, COUNTRY, and STD—and includes a remote control for ease of use.

First Published: Aug 22 2024 | 4:52 PM IST



Source link

Galaxy S24 FE could be Samsung next AI-enhanced smartphone: What to expect

Galaxy S24 FE could be Samsung next AI-enhanced smartphone: What to expect



Samsung is set to launch the Fan Edition (FE) model of its flagship Galaxy S24, as the smartphone has reportedly received Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification. According to 91mobiles, the anticipated Galaxy S24 FE has appeared on the BIS certification website under the model number “SM-S721B/DS”. Although the BIS certification does not provide detailed specifications, it indicates that the Galaxy S24 FE might be launching in India soon.


Earlier this month, the smartphone’s support page briefly appeared on Samsung’s website, bearing the same model number.


Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: What to expect


The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is expected to feature a design similar to its predecessor, the Galaxy S23 FE. It will likely include a slightly rounded metal frame, a flat display with uniform bezels, and a glass back with separate camera cutouts for each sensor. New colour options, including Yellow and Blue, are anticipated.


Samsung traditionally uses a dual-chip strategy for its Fan Edition models, with a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip in the US and an Exynos chip for global markets. For the Galaxy S24 FE, Samsung is expected to launch it with the Exynos 2400e chip globally. This chip is anticipated to be an underclocked version of the Exynos 2400, which powers the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus models. The Galaxy S24 FE is expected to be powered by a 4,565mAh battery.


The Galaxy S24 FE is expected to come with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, boasting a peak brightness of 1,900 nits and protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Plus. In terms of imaging, the smartphone is anticipated to include a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto camera with 3x zoom. A 10MP front-facing camera is also expected.


Most importantly, the Galaxy S24 FE is expected to feature Samsung AI features such as Live Translate, Generative Edit, Interpreter, Summariser, and more.

First Published: Aug 22 2024 | 4:14 PM IST



Source link

YouTube
Instagram
WhatsApp