Category: Mobile & Apps

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has introduced a new feature for its Threads app that allows users to easily share posts to their Instagram Stories without leaving the Threads platform. This move aims to leverage Instagram’s extensive user base to attract more users to Meta’s Threads, in a bid to enhance competition with other social media platforms.

The new feature, recently announced, enables Threads users to preview how a post would appear on their Instagram Story directly within the Threads app, streamlining the sharing process. Previously, users could share any Threads post to their Instagram Story, similar to resharing an Instagram post, along with options to share posts to their Instagram Feed or DMs.

Threads, a text-centric app reminiscent of Twitter, initially launched in 2023 and experienced rapid growth due to its integration with Instagram. Leveraging Instagram authentication during sign-up, Threads populated user accounts with details like username, bio, and followers, enabling easy follow suggestions. Meta’s strategy included showcasing popular Threads posts on Facebook and Instagram, as well as facilitating cross-posting between platforms to drive adoption.

Recent data from Similarweb indicates that Threads now surpasses Elon Musk’s X in daily mobile usage, underscoring its growing popularity. While X remains dominant on the web, Threads continues to gain traction in the mobile space, demonstrating Meta’s successful integration of its social platforms.

Source: TechCrunch

Google Chrome, the leading web browser globally, has introduced a set of new features to enhance user productivity. The additions include Split View, PDF annotations, and a ‘Save to Google Drive’ functionality. These updates aim to integrate Chrome more deeply with Google’s suite of online services, offering users a seamless browsing experience.

In response to the intensifying competition in the browser market, Google has bolstered Chrome with innovative features to maintain its competitive edge. While Chrome has already integrated its Gemini AI assistant, the latest enhancements focus on improving user experience and multitasking capabilities.

The Split View feature facilitates multitasking by enabling users to view two web pages side by side within the same tab. This feature simplifies tasks such as working across multiple pages or watching videos while taking notes. Users can easily activate Split View by dragging a tab to the browser window’s edge or selecting ‘Open Link in Split View’ from the right-click menu.

Additionally, the PDF annotations feature allows users to add notes and highlight text directly within the browser, eliminating the need to download the PDF for editing in external applications. This feature streamlines basic PDF tasks like document signing, form filling, and note-taking within files.

Furthermore, the ‘Save to Google Drive’ feature permits users to save PDFs directly to their Google Drive accounts, ensuring easy access and preventing files from getting lost on their computers. By utilizing this feature, users can efficiently manage and organize their PDF documents online.

These new features not only streamline everyday tasks but also showcase Google’s dedication to offering a seamless browsing experience to its users.

Source: TechCrunch

Meta has announced the closure of its standalone Messenger website, redirecting users to Facebook for web-based messaging starting April 2026. This decision follows the recent shutdown of Messenger’s desktop apps for Windows and Mac, signaling a shift towards unified messaging platforms.

Users with Facebook accounts can still access messaging features through the social network’s website, while those without a Facebook account will be limited to the Messenger mobile app. Chat history restoration is possible using previously set PINs, with options for PIN resets if forgotten.

The move has prompted user concerns, particularly among those who prefer to use Messenger independently from Facebook. However, Meta’s consolidation strategy aims to streamline operations and reduce platform maintenance costs.

Originally launched as ‘Facebook Chat’ in 2008, Messenger evolved into a separate service in 2011. Meta’s recent actions suggest a strategic alignment of messaging services with the core Facebook platform, simplifying user experiences and operational efficiencies.

Source: TechCrunch

Rivian, the automotive company focused on tech-savvy adventurers, is set to revolutionize how its customers interact with their vehicles by enabling control through the Apple Watch. In an upcoming update to the Rivian mobile app, users will be able to leverage their Apple Watch to perform essential tasks like locking/unlocking doors, adjusting vehicle temperature, and more.

This integration marks Rivian’s commitment to enhancing user experience and convenience. Owners of the latest Rivian models will have access to a range of customizable functions, including setting charge levels and personalizing quick controls based on individual preferences.

While first-generation R1T trucks and R1S SUVs have limited functionality allowing only manual locking/unlocking via the Watch, second-generation R1 vehicles will offer automatic unlocking when the driver approaches with the digital key set up.

Notably, this integration comes alongside a comprehensive software update aimed at improving performance and accessibility. Features like ‘kneel mode’ for lowering the vehicle, seamless drive mode transitions, and a cold weather indicator for monitoring battery usage further enhance the Rivian driving experience.

Source: TechCrunch

Current, a new RSS reader, is offering a more fluid and stress-free approach to news consumption. Unlike traditional RSS readers that resemble email inboxes, Current presents news in a manner that mimics a flowing stream, making information more engaging and less overwhelming.

Developed by Terry Godier, Current addresses the common issue of users feeling burdened by unread counts and bolded text in traditional feed readers. Godier’s inspiration came from the realization that the visual language of email inboxes, with their associated social obligations, did not align well with consuming news through RSS.

RSS, short for Really Simple Syndication, allows users to access updated content from websites in a structured format. While the popularity of RSS declined with the rise of platforms like Twitter for real-time news updates, Current aims to reintroduce the benefits of RSS in a modern and user-friendly way.

By offering a unique approach to RSS reading, Current is reshaping how users interact with news feeds, catering to a broader audience beyond information enthusiasts and professionals. The app’s design emphasizes a seamless and enjoyable news browsing experience.

Source: TechCrunch

Snap Inc. announced that its direct revenue business has reached a $1 billion annualized revenue run rate. This achievement was primarily driven by the success of Snapchat+, a subscription service that has attracted over 25 million subscribers since its launch in 2022. Snapchat+ offers exclusive and pre-release features for $3.99 per month, expanding Snap’s revenue streams beyond advertising.

Building on the initial success of Snapchat+, Snap introduced new paid tiers, such as Lens+ for $8.99 per month, providing access to exclusive Lenses and AR experiences. In early 2025, Snap launched a premium ad-free tier, Snapchat+ Platinum, priced at $15.99 per month. This tier offers increased storage capacity and an enhanced user experience.

In a recent move, Snap initiated creator subscriptions in alpha, allowing users to subscribe to select creators like Jeremiah Brown, Harry Jowsey, and Skai Jackson. These subscriptions enable users to access exclusive content and receive priority replies to creators’ public Stories.

By diversifying its revenue streams and focusing on subscription services like Snapchat+, Snap aims to strengthen its financial position and reduce reliance on advertising revenue. The company’s strategic expansion into subscription-based models reflects a broader industry trend towards diversified monetization strategies.

Source: TechCrunch

Etsy has announced the sale of Depop, a popular secondhand clothing app, to eBay for $1.2 billion in cash, marking a significant move in the secondhand clothing tech market. This deal comes nearly five years after Etsy acquired Depop for $1.62 billion, reflecting a shift in focus for both companies.

Depop, founded in 2011, has been a key player in the secondhand clothing space, particularly appealing to Gen Z and millennials. With approximately $1 billion in gross merchandise sales in 2025 and significant year-over-year growth in the U.S., Depop boasts a strong user base of seven million active buyers, predominantly under 34, and over three million active sellers.

eBay CEO Jamie Iannone expressed confidence in Depop’s future within eBay, highlighting the brand’s momentum and community-driven approach. The move allows Etsy to concentrate on its core marketplace amid increasing competition in the e-commerce landscape.

As Etsy navigates post-pandemic challenges and aims for sustained growth, the sale of Depop underscores a strategic decision to optimize resources and capitalize on market opportunities. Etsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal emphasized the unique value Depop brings to the fashion resale market, positioning it for continued success under eBay’s ownership.

Source: TechCrunch

Social network Bluesky has integrated technology from startup Germ Network, introducing end-to-end encrypted (E2E) messaging directly within the Bluesky app. This makes Germ DM the first private messenger to be seamlessly launched from the platform.

The collaboration with Germ showcases how open social networking ecosystems can innovate through community-driven development. By leveraging the AT Protocol that underpins Bluesky, Germ has paved the way for other apps within the ecosystem to offer similar secure messaging capabilities.

Germ’s standalone app, currently in public beta on iOS in North America and Europe, has seen a surge in daily active users following the integration announcement, underscoring the demand for privacy-focused communication tools.

Founded by communication scholar Tessa Brown and former Apple privacy engineer Mark Xue, Germ aims to provide an E2E encrypted messaging platform built on cutting-edge technologies like Messaging Layer Security (MLS) and the AT Protocol, setting it apart from established encrypted messaging services.

The partnership between Bluesky and Germ enhances user privacy on the social network and exemplifies a collaborative effort to advance secure communication standards in the digital landscape.

Source: TechCrunch

Mastodon, a decentralized social media platform and alternative to mainstream apps, has announced plans to improve the user experience for newcomers and cater to creators through new features. The platform, which operates within the fediverse using the ActivityPub protocol, aims to simplify the onboarding process and encourage users to join smaller servers to enhance decentralization.

The recent developments come as Mastodon has been expanding its core development team and hiring a dedicated designer to drive the platform’s evolution. With approximately 750,000 to 1 million monthly active users, Mastodon is seeking to address the complexity that has deterred some users from fully embracing its decentralized model.

By refining the onboarding process and providing improved admin tools for server operators, Mastodon hopes to foster a network of diverse and independent communities across various servers. The platform emphasizes the distinct character and focus of individual servers as a key strength of its decentralized approach.

As Mastodon continues to enhance its features, the platform is poised to offer a more user-friendly experience for newcomers while empowering creators to engage with their audience effectively.

Source: TechCrunch

SeatGeek and Spotify have partnered to enhance the concert ticket purchasing process for music enthusiasts. The collaboration allows Spotify users to seamlessly access ticket links provided by SeatGeek when exploring artist pages or tour dates within the music platform. This integration streamlines the ticket-buying journey by offering direct purchase options for concerts at participating venues.

The current integration is limited to select venues where SeatGeek serves as the primary ticket seller, including notable locations such as State Farm Stadium, Nissan Stadium, and AT&T Stadium. By embedding ticket purchase links into Spotify’s interface, SeatGeek aims to engage millions of active music fans and convert them into potential ticket buyers.

Despite SeatGeek’s progress in the ticketing industry, it faces competition from major players like Ticketmaster and AXS, which hold significant market share through exclusive agreements with top venues and event organizers. Spotify’s partnership with various ticketing platforms, including SeatGeek, has facilitated artists in generating substantial revenue through ticket sales, surpassing $1 billion in total earnings.

This collaboration represents an advancement in the ticketing landscape, leveraging technology to offer music enthusiasts a more convenient and integrated ticket purchasing experience directly within the Spotify platform.

Source: TechCrunch

X has introduced an immersive video player, emphasizing its focus on mobile-centric video consumption. The latest update, announced by Nikita Bier, X’s head of product, aims to offer a more engaging and user-friendly video experience tailored for mobile devices.

The new player allows users to enjoy videos in full-screen mode with a single tap, enabling seamless scrolling to the next video by swiping up, similar to popular formats like TikTok. While designed to enhance mobile video viewing, some users have expressed concerns over the forced full-screen view, which may impact the original aspect ratio of the content.

This move aligns with the industry trend favoring vertical videos, seen on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. Acknowledging user feedback, Bier confirmed X’s shift away from cropping vertical content, prioritizing the ideal portrait orientation for video consumption.

As X continues to optimize its video player for mobile users, the tech industry observes how this update will influence video consumption habits and content creation strategies in the evolving digital landscape.

Source: TechCrunch

Amazon-owned Audible has introduced a new ‘Read & Listen’ feature that seamlessly integrates Kindle ebooks with their corresponding audiobooks. This ‘immersion reading’ functionality, available on the Audible app, allows users to follow along with the ebook text while listening to the narration, with the text highlighted in real-time. Customers will need to purchase both the ebook and audiobook versions of a title, but at a discounted price.

The feature, initially launched in the U.S. and soon to expand to other regions, supports hundreds of thousands of titles in multiple languages. To enable this integration, Audible automatically identifies Kindle ebooks that have corresponding audiobooks. Previously, users could switch between ebook and audiobook versions on the Kindle app, but now, the same convenience extends to the Audible platform.

By offering this feature, Audible aims to provide a more engaging reading experience for customers who prefer both visual and auditory formats, competing with alternatives like having Alexa narrate ebooks. The option to purchase discounted audiobooks alongside ebooks is designed to encourage cross-format sales and enhance accessibility to a broader audience.

Source: TechCrunch

Snapchat has unveiled a new feature that allows creators to offer subscription services to their followers, expanding monetization options within the platform. Initially launched in alpha for selected U.S. users, this move aims to enable creators like Jeremiah Brown, Harry Jowsey, and Skai Jackson to set monthly subscription prices for exclusive content access. This innovative model allows users to enjoy subscriber-only content, receive priority replies to creators’ public Stories, and access ad-free Stories from their favorite creators.

By introducing Creator Subscriptions, Snapchat strengthens its existing monetization tools, such as the Unified Monetization Program and the Snap Star Collab Studio. This new feature enhances the user experience by fostering deeper connections between creators and their audience across various Snapchat engagement channels.

With nearly a billion daily active users, Snapchat continues to evolve its platform, witnessing a significant increase in U.S.-based users engaging with Spotlight content. The company’s recent hardware spinoff into a new entity called Specs demonstrates its commitment to innovation.

In the competitive landscape, Meta, Snapchat’s rival, also offers creator subscription services on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. This trend highlights the growing importance of enabling creators to monetize their content and engage with their audience on a more intimate level.

Source: TechCrunch

Apple is set to launch a new video podcast experience within its Apple Podcasts app this spring, introducing a feature that allows users to seamlessly switch between watching and listening to their favorite shows. This enhancement will leverage Apple’s HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) video technology, enabling users to access a horizontal view of podcasts and download videos for offline viewing.

The move comes as video podcast consumption is on the rise, with a recent report from Edison Research indicating that over half of the U.S. population has engaged with video podcasts, and a significant percentage consume them monthly.

By enhancing its video podcast capabilities, Apple aims to compete more effectively with platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Netflix, all of which have embraced video podcasting. YouTube boasts over 1 billion monthly active viewers of podcast content, while Spotify offers half a million video podcasts that have been viewed by nearly 400 million users. Netflix has also entered the video podcast space through partnerships with iHeartMedia and Spotify.

The new video podcast feature will be available for testing this week through betas for iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4, with an official launch scheduled for the spring.

Source: TechCrunch

Airbnb has announced the global expansion of its ‘Reserve Now, Pay Later’ feature, enabling users to secure bookings without immediate payment. This option allows for cancellations without upfront financial loss in case of plan changes.

The company initially introduced this feature for domestic travel in the U.S., targeting properties with ‘flexible’ or ‘moderate’ cancellation policies. With this approach, users are charged closer to their check-in dates rather than at the time of booking, aligning with the ‘buy now, pay later’ trend seen in e-commerce.

Since its U.S. launch, the feature has garnered a 70% adoption rate for eligible bookings, contributing to increased nights booked in Q4 2025. Airbnb’s data shows that the ‘Reserve Now, Pay Later’ initiative has driven longer booking lead times and a preference for larger accommodations, notably those with four or more bedrooms.

A survey conducted by Airbnb and Focaldata revealed that 60% of U.S. travelers find flexible payment options crucial when booking holidays, with 55% expressing interest in utilizing such options. Airbnb’s CFO, Ellie Mertz, noted that the impact of upfront booking cancellations remains manageable within the platform.

Airbnb’s exploration of pay-later solutions underscores its efforts to enhance user experience and adapt to evolving travel preferences. The global expansion of ‘Reserve Now, Pay Later’ marks a significant step towards redefining booking flexibility in the hospitality industry.

Source: TechCrunch