Instagram takes on Snapchat with new ‘Instagram Map’
Instagram notes that location sharing is off by default on Instagram Map, and a user’s location only updates when they open the app, meaning it doesn’t provide real-time location updates.
Apps
Tinder explores a redesign, dating ‘modes,’ and college-specific features to boost engagement
Tinder will redesign and debut college specific features, like searching for people within the college, to appeal to younger users.
Photo-sharing app Locket is banking on a new celebrity-focused feature to fuel its growth
Celebrity Lockets is a new feature where celebrities can engage with their most loyal followers on their home screens.
AI, Apps, Google, News, Tech, Tech News
Google Gemini can now create AI-generated bedtime stories
Google rolled out a new tool within its Gemini AI chatbot that lets you create an illustrated story by simply describing it. The feature, called “Storybook,” generates 10-page stories, each with a short paragraph of text that Gemini can read aloud, along with an accompanying illustration. You can customize your story by asking Gemini to […]
WhatsApp will show a ‘safety overview’ before you join unknown group chats
WhatsApp is adding another feature designed to protect you from group chat scams. Now, when someone you might not know invites you to a group chat, the app will display a new “safety overview” that appears before you can even see the messages. The overview will include information about the group, including when it was […]
Spotify expands audiobooks access to family plan members in the US for the first time
Though Spotify launched its audiobooks service in the U.S. back in 2022, household members on Duo and Family plans have long been left out. Spotify says that will now change.
Character.AI is adding a social feed to its app
The social feed lets users share images, videos as well as their chatbots with other users. Users can also share snippets of their chats with characters, post AI-generated images based on their chats with a character, or even have their characters debate topics on a live stream.