Snapchat rolls out ‘Topic Chats’ for public conversations
The social network says the new feature will let users chat about what’s happening in the world and across various communities, from Formula 1 to the reality TV show “Below Deck.”
Apps
Boop’s new app turns social recommendations into bookable itineraries
Instead of getting an AI-generated travel plan, Boop aims to give users access to itineraries from real people who went on real trips.
Roblox will require all users to perform age checks to access chat starting in January
The move comes amid multiple lawsuits, including from the attorneys general of Texas and Louisiana, against Roblox over child safety concerns. The lawsuits were filed following reports that Roblox was exposing young users to dangerous risks, such as grooming and explicit content.
Mastodon CEO steps down as the social network restructures
Eugen Rochko is stepping down as CEO of decentralized social network Mastodon. Felix Hlatky will now become the Executive Director as the company become structured as a nonprofit government by a board.
Apps, Google, News, Tech, Tech News
Google Calendar can finally block off time without faking a meeting
The latest feature update for Google Calendar allows you to block off time for tasks and mark yourself as busy, all in one place, expanding the existing Tasks feature in Calendar. It’s something Workspace users have been specifically requesting and effectively allows tasks to function like meetings, including options to set (and adjust) a specific […]
Meta releases a new tool to protect reels creators from having their work stolen
On Monday, Meta introduced Facebook content protection, a mobile tool designed to detect when a creator’s original reels posted to Facebook are being used without their permission. The new tool extends to Instagram too.
Cisco acquires translation startup EzDubs
Cisco has acquired Y-Combinator-backed translation app EzDub to integrate it into its communication suite.
Google rolls out its AI ‘Flight Deals’ tool globally, adds new travel features in Search
To get started, users need to describe where, when, and how they want to travel. Flight Deals will then use AI to display the best bargains available.
