Snapchat is developing its own take on TikTok Duets with a new ‘Remix’ feature
One of the challenges that some would-be TikTok rivals have faced is that they often lack the same robust set of content creation tools, like filters, effects and tools for repurposing others’ content — like TikTok’s Stitch and Duet, for example. It now appears that Snapchat is wo
Spotify rolls out redesigned desktop and web apps
Spotify today announced it’s rolling out a new look for its streaming service on the desktop, with the launch of a redesigned app for both Mac and Windows, as well as an updated web app. The changes, which will be made available to all global users, focus on improving the navigation and provi
Twitter is exploring the use of Facebook-style emoji reactions
If you’re old enough to remember the outrage that followed Twitter’s decision to replace stars with hearts (aka likes instead of favorites), then you know that Twitter’s user base has strong feelings about how it wants to engage with tweets. Now, Twitter is considering another rad
Slack's new DM feature Connect is, thankfully, opt-in
I'm sure I'm not the only one who had a minor meltdown on seeing that Slack had finally added the Connect feature it announced in October. I'm a firm believer that there are already entirely too many ways to get ahold of me. On top of the countless inbox pitches I field on a day basis,
India antitrust body orders investigation into WhatsApp’s privacy policy changes
WhatsApp’s planned policy changes aren’t sailing smoothly in India, the instant messaging service’s biggest market by users. Indian antitrust body Competition Commission of India on Wednesday ordered (PDF) an investigation into WhatsApp’s privacy policy changes, saying that
Facebook’s Clubhouse rival looks a lot like Clubhouse right now
Facebook is building a Clubhouse rival, The New York Times reported in February. But what that product will look like or how it will work have been questions that have remained unanswered. However, new screenshots of a Facebook audio product, still under development, show what appears to be a live
‘Black Widow’ and ‘Cruella’ will get Premier Access releases on Disney+
In what looks like both an endorsement of its Premier Access streaming strategy and a tacit acknowledgement that theatrical moviegoing won’t be returning to normal anytime soon, Disney just announced that its movies “Black Widow” and “Cruella” will be coming to Disney+
Apple launches the Apple Teacher Portfolio recognition, updates Schoolwork and Classroom apps
Apple this morning announced a handful of education-related updates to its suite of classroom apps as well as a new recognition for teachers, called the Apple Teacher Portfolio. Teachers who complete a total of nine lessons where they learn foundational skills on iPad and Mac to become an officiall
Facebook will bring back F8 on June 2 as a pared-back, single-day, virtual-only conference for developers
After a few twists and turns and then ultimately cancelling its F8 developer conference last year over Covid-19 concerns, Facebook today announced a return of the event in a virtual-only format it is calling F8 Refresh. The company today said that it will be holding it as a one-day event on June 2.
Update: Telegram raises $1BN+, including $150M from Mubadala and Abu Dhabi CP via pre-IPO convertible bonds
Update: Telegram has now announced it’s pulled in over $1BN in debt financing by selling bonds.
Founder Pavel Durov put out an update via his official Telegram channel after a press announcement earlier today had revealed the company had taken in $150M from Mubadala and Abu Dhabi Catalyst Par
China to ban apps from collecting excessive user data starting May 1
Starting May 1, apps in China can no longer force users into providing excessive personal data, according to a document jointly released by a group of the country’s top regulators (the Cyberspace Administration, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Public Secur
Tencent Music now has joint labels with all ‘big three’ record labels
The music streaming arm of Tencent is further tightening its ties with the “big three” record label companies, its major licensing partners. Tencent Music Entertainment announced Tuesday that it has formed a new joint label with Warner Music Group, following similar deals with Universal
Clubhouse says its Android launch will take ‘a couple of months’
Social audio app Clubhouse has now promised a time frame of sorts for the launch of its anticipated Android version, following its recent hire of an Android software developer last month. In its weekly Townhall event on Sunday, Clubhouse co-founder Paul Davison remarked that the company was working
TryNow raises $12M to bring try-before-you-buy, Prime Wardrobe as a service to online retailers
Amazon’s Prime Wardrobe has been a key way for the e-commerce giant to expand its reach selling clothing and other apparel: giving shoppers an easy way to try on several items, return what they don’t want and pay for what they keep has helped it cross the virtual chasm by bringing the o