Instagram allows pinning comments
After previously testing this feature to encourage positive engagement, the social media platform Instagram has officially launched the option to pin comments on posts. This feature allows users to pin up to three comments to appear at the top of the comment section of a post. Users can pin any comment on any post by scrolling left over the comment and selecting the pin option from the resulting menu. This feature is similar to those offered by platforms like Twitter and YouTube in the past.
Launch of a new version of the COVID-19 tracking app in Ireland
After the initial release in Switzerland over a month ago, the Health Service Executive of Ireland announced the launch of their version of the COVID-19 tracking app within the country. The app, developed in collaboration between Google and Apple, is now available for download to users in Ireland through the Play Store for Android phones or the Apple Store for iOS. The app provides three main functions: tracking close contact with an infected person, monitoring symptoms and confirming them in case of doubt, as well as providing related news and preventive instructions from the Irish Health Service. It is expected that more countries will launch their own version of the app in the near future in an attempt to control and minimize the spread of the virus among citizens as much as possible.
Link multiple phones with the “Your Phone” app on Windows 10
The team developing the “Your Phone” app for Windows 10 announced the addition of a new feature that allows users to add more than one smartphone and connect it to the app on the same computer. This can be done by adding a new button in the app under “Add a device,” where users can add multiple phones to view messages and photos stored on the phone, up to 2000 photos. Users can also make and receive calls on the phone through the app. This new feature is currently in testing and will gradually roll out to Windows 10 users enrolled in the “Insider” program until a stable version with this feature is deployed for all Windows 10 users.
Amazon reverses decision on TikTok app
Amazon employees were initially instructed to remove the popular TikTok app from their personal phones if they use their company email accounts on the phone by July 10th, citing security concerns and potential risks to the company. However, Amazon quickly reversed course within 24 hours, calling it a mistake and stating no changes have been made to the company’s policy regarding the use of apps like TikTok. This comes amidst the ban of TikTok in several countries, starting with India, followed by Hong Kong, with internal proposals to ban the app in the United States according to “The New York Times.”
Unveiling of the fastest processor, Snapdragon 865+
Qualcomm officially announced the specifications of the new Snapdragon 865+ chipset this week, expected to provide a 10% better performance than the base 865 version of the same processor. The 865+ will be the first processor for phones to exceed 3GHz, with the main core running at up to 3.1GHz compared to the 2.84GHz of the base version. The processor also supports wireless network connectivity with the new Wi-Fi 6E technology, as well as supporting displays with a 144Hz refresh rate, 5G network connectivity, and Bluetooth version 5.2.
Additionally, the integrated graphics processor Adreno 650 supports a “Boost” feature to enhance gaming performance. It was previously announced that the 865+ will be part of the new Lenovo Legion phone aimed at gamers and the Asus ROG 3 phone, set to be officially launched at the end of the current month.
Microsoft looking to acquire Warner Bros gaming division
Reports through Reuters indicate that Microsoft is interested in acquiring the gaming production company WBIE, a subsidiary of the famous American network Warner Bros known for developing popular graphic games like “Mortal Kombat,” “Harry Potter,” and “The Witcher.” AT&T, the owner of Warner Bros, previously announced its intention to sell the gaming development division for an initial price of $4 billion, including the company’s headquarters and some production studios. Microsoft has not commented on the news yet, but it seems logical especially after Microsoft sold its gaming platform “Mixer” earlier to focus more on developing the XBOX platform.
Google introduces split-screen feature in Gmail app for iPads
Despite the existence of multitasking in Apple systems, which allows split-screen usage of multiple apps for increased productivity, Google seems to think this feature is not enough. Google announced support for a new feature for split-screen or “multitasking” within the Gmail email app on iPads. To enable the feature, users must first activate multitasking in the iPad settings, and while using the Gmail app, they can scroll down to select the app they want to use alongside Gmail, drag and drop the app icon to the right or left, and the screen will split between the two apps.
Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets apps for Android support dark mode
Developers of mobile apps are rushing to support dark mode for its aesthetic, health, and energy-saving benefits. Following the support for dark mode in the Gmail app by Google, the company officially announced support for dark mode in its productivity apps, Docs, Slides, and Sheets. The apps will automatically enable dark mode when activated in Android 10 operating system settings. Additionally, the apps will support the dark mode in the editing screen, not only the app menus. The apps also provide the option to quickly preview content in light mode if visibility is an issue in dark mode. The update was released this week for Android users and will gradually roll out to all users in the coming weeks.
Revealing the upcoming games for the new XBOX X series
The XBOX platform account on Twitter announced the official event date for revealing details of the upcoming new games for the X series of the new XBOX devices on the 23rd of July. The event will be a live stream online through the XBOX account on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook at 4:00 PM GMT. Amidst tight secrecy around the top games to be announced, reports suggest games like “Halo Infinite,” “Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II,” and “Forza” racing game will be among the confirmed games to be showcased during the event.
Duo app increases video call participants to 32
After previously increasing the number of video call participants to 12 through the Duo app, as well as expanding video call participants on the web interface for the Duo service last month, it seems that Google intends to attract more users to the Duo service by officially announcing support for conducting video calls through the app with up to 32 participants as a maximum limit. This new feature will be a server-side update by the company itself without the need for a new app release, and Google has announced that the feature will gradually roll out to users in the coming weeks.
