Category: Mobile & Apps

YouTube has introduced a dedicated app for the Apple Vision Pro headset, offering users a more immersive viewing experience.

When the Vision Pro was first released two years ago, YouTube opted for a web-based approach, directing users to access content through Safari. This decision meant missing out on key features like offline downloads, limiting the headset’s utility for travel or offline viewing.

To address this gap, third-party solutions like Juno briefly filled the void on visionOS before being removed for violating YouTube’s Terms of Service.

The newly launched app enables users to enjoy a wide range of content, including standard videos and YouTube Shorts, on a large virtual screen for a fully immersive experience. Noteworthy features include a Spatial tab for discovering spatial videos in 3D, VR180, and 360-degree formats. For users with the latest Vision Pro models equipped with the M5 chip, the app now supports 8K playback.

Moreover, users can interact with the visionOS app through gesture controls, allowing actions like resizing windows and video scrubbing.

This release comes at a pivotal time, as YouTube’s delay in investing in a dedicated visionOS experience may have been influenced by the headset’s adoption rate. While other major streaming services swiftly provided native experiences on the platform, YouTube’s decision to launch now marks a significant step forward in enhancing the Apple Vision Pro viewing experience.

Source: TechCrunch

Google has introduced the first beta version of Android 17, featuring performance enhancements and new capabilities for media and camera applications. A significant change in this release is how developers will access the latest APIs and features.

Instead of traditional developer betas, Google is adopting a continuous Canary channel model for providing updates to developers promptly. This approach mirrors Google’s strategy in web browser development, where a Canary channel is used for Chrome browser updates.

By moving to this new model, approved features and APIs will be instantly accessible to developers. The Canary channel enables seamless over-the-air updates, streamlining workflows and enhancing app testing processes for developers.

Google aims for platform stability by March, targeting the official release of Android 17 in Q2 2026. Following the two-release structure introduced with Android 16, this approach facilitates quicker adoption of the latest Android versions by device manufacturers, reducing fragmentation within the Android ecosystem.

Android 17 will enforce restrictions on developers regarding screen resizing options, promoting app optimization for various screen sizes and orientations, including tablets and foldable devices. Additionally, Google is enhancing camera capabilities in Android 17 by introducing smoother camera transitions, VVC video codec support, improved loudness management for consistent volume, and stricter background audio controls.

The update also includes performance improvements, reduced missed frames, and enhanced garbage collection, focusing on delivering a smoother user experience.

Source: TechCrunch

Threads, the Meta-owned social network, has introduced a new AI-powered feature called ‘Dear Algo’ that allows users to customize their feed based on their preferences. This feature enables users to request more or less content on specific topics by posting ‘Dear Algo’ followed by their preferences in a public Threads post. For instance, users can ask for more posts about podcasts or less content on certain TV shows. The feed adjusts accordingly for three days after the request is made.

While this personalization feature enhances user control over their content, it also has a unique twist – the requests are public, allowing others to see and even apply them to their own feeds. Meta positions this transparency as a way for users to explore new discussions and themes, transforming personalization into a communal experience.

By empowering users to influence their feed content temporarily, Threads distinguishes itself from competitors and offers a feature not found on other platforms. This aligns with Threads’ aim to keep users informed about current events efficiently.

Although Threads and its rivals like X and Bluesky already provide a ‘Not Interested’ option for user preferences, the addition of ‘Dear Algo’ takes personalization to a deeper level. This feature not only enhances user engagement but also aligns Threads more closely with the real-time experience X is known for.

The ‘Dear Algo’ feature is currently available in select regions, including the U.S., New Zealand, Australia, and the U.K., with plans for further expansion in the future.

Source: TechCrunch

Cash App, owned by Block, Inc., has enhanced its user experience by launching a new feature known as payment links, as reported by TechCrunch. This feature allows users to simplify the process of sending and receiving payments by generating hyperlinks that can be shared across various digital platforms.

By accessing the payment tab on Cash App, users can now create a payment link instead of adding a recipient. These links can be seamlessly integrated into texts, emails, and direct messages, streamlining payment requests. When the recipient clicks the link, the requested payment amount is preloaded, expediting the transaction.

Cash App’s initiative stems from insights gathered from Gen Z users, revealing the need for smoother payment interactions. Payment links cater to recurring payments and group transactions, aiming to eliminate social discomfort often associated with money exchanges. The feature aims to make the money request process more personalized and less formal.

Alongside this update, Cash App has introduced new functionalities, such as an AI chatbot for financial guidance and an enhanced benefits program. These advancements underscore Cash App’s commitment to providing convenient and user-centric financial services.

Source: TechCrunch

UpScrolled, a social network that gained popularity following changes in TikTok’s ownership, is facing challenges in moderating hate speech and harmful content despite its rapid growth. The platform, which amassed over 2.5 million users in January, has been criticized for allowing racial slurs and hate speech in usernames and hashtags.

Reports from users and investigations by TechCrunch have revealed a concerning trend of racial slurs and hate speech present on the platform. UpScrolled has acknowledged the issue, stating that they are actively working to remove inappropriate content and enhance their moderation capabilities.

However, even after users reported instances of hate speech, accounts with offensive usernames remained active on the platform. Further analysis uncovered additional harmful content, including text posts and media glorifying extremist figures like Hitler.

Organizations like the ADL have also flagged UpScrolled for hosting antisemitic and extremist content, emphasizing the platform’s struggle to curb such harmful material.

The platform’s failure to effectively moderate hate speech raises concerns about the limitations of current content moderation technologies in combating online toxicity, despite UpScrolled’s claims of empowering every voice equally.

Source: TechCrunch

TikTok has unveiled a new feature called the ‘Local Feed’ in its U.S. app version, offering users content related to nearby travel, news, events, shopping, and dining based on their current location. This development follows TikTok’s recent terms of service update, indicating the collection of precise location data from users.

The Local Feed, first introduced in European markets like the U.K., France, Italy, and Germany, aims to keep users connected to their local communities. The feed displays posts based on the user’s location, content relevance, and posting time, providing up-to-date local information such as restaurant recommendations, local events, and shopping suggestions.

Notably, TikTok emphasizes that users have the choice to opt-in for precise location sharing, with the default setting as ‘off.’ This move aligns with TikTok’s strategy to attract small businesses to its platform, positioning them as both content creators and advertisers.

The company’s efforts to engage small businesses are significant, as 7.5 million businesses on TikTok serve more than 28 million workers, as reported by Oxford Economics in 2025. Moreover, TikTok has become instrumental for small business growth, with 84% of surveyed small business users crediting the platform for business expansion and 75% acknowledging its role in reaching customers beyond local boundaries.

Source: TechCrunch

Spotify, the leading music streaming platform, has reported a surge in user numbers, reaching a record 751 million monthly active users in the last quarter. This remarkable growth was primarily driven by the success of the annual ‘Wrapped’ campaign and the introduction of new features on its free tier.

During the fourth quarter, Spotify welcomed an impressive 38 million new users, marking an 11% increase compared to the previous year. The platform also witnessed a 10% rise in paying subscribers, totaling 290 million.

The ‘Wrapped’ campaign, which engages users with personalized data insights, reached over 300 million users and generated 630 million shares across 56 languages on social media. This engagement contributed to a revenue of €4.53 billion ($5.39 billion), with subscription revenue climbing by 8%.

Despite a slight dip in ad-supported revenue, Spotify’s gross margin reached a record high of 33.1%, showcasing improved profitability. The company’s recent focus on podcasts and music ads has evidently paid off.

Spotify has evolved from a music streaming service to a multifaceted platform, offering podcasts, audiobooks, video content, and innovative AI features like AI-generated playlists and personalized recommendations.

Source: TechCrunch

Musicboard, a platform dedicated to music discovery and recommendations, has recently encountered technical difficulties, sparking concerns among its user base. Reports indicate that the app faced outages, website unavailability, and disappearance from the Android Play Store, leaving its approximately 462,000 users seeking answers.

Despite ongoing issues, Musicboard users have expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the platform’s operators. The absence of updates has led users to explore alternative music apps while waiting for resolutions.

In response to the mounting queries, an unofficial group named ‘Help Save Musicboard’ has emerged, aiming to raise awareness and address the issue. However, efforts to seek clarification from Musicboard’s team have been met with a brief statement attributing the problems to ‘temporary downtime,’ without delving into long-term solutions.

Notably, Musicboard founders Johannes Vermandois and Erik Heimer have been associated with other projects, including the AI app Frank AI. Despite assurances from Musicboard that the app remains operational and efforts are underway to restore it on the Google Play Store, unanswered inquiries persist.

As users await further updates and clarity on the future of Musicboard, the tech community observes how the platform navigates these technical challenges and addresses user concerns amid its turbulent period.

Source: TechCrunch

Social network Bluesky has introduced a new Drafts feature, allowing users to save and edit their posts before publishing. This move aligns Bluesky with its competitors, X and Threads, which have offered draft capabilities for some time.

Users can access the Drafts feature by opening the new post flow and selecting the dedicated button in the top right corner, mirroring the user experience on other platforms.

Bluesky’s decision to incorporate Drafts comes as part of the company’s recent roadmap announcement, which outlines plans to enhance the app’s algorithmic Discover feed, provide improved suggestions on who to follow, and create a more real-time experience for users. However, Bluesky acknowledges that there is still room for improvement in getting the fundamentals right.

Despite amassing a sizable user base since its public launch in early 2024, with over 42 million users as reported by data from the Bluesky API for developers, the platform has faced criticism for lagging behind competitors in offering basic features such as private accounts and extended video support.

Source: TechCrunch

Lyft has recently introduced a new feature that allows minors as young as 13 to use their ride-hailing app independently in over 200 U.S. cities, including major hubs like Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, and New York. This move follows a similar offering from its competitor Uber, which also provides teen accounts with stringent safety measures.

The teen accounts on Lyft require a parent or guardian to create the account, ensuring a level of oversight. Additionally, drivers assigned to these underage passengers must meet specific criteria and undergo yearly background checks. To further enhance safety, Lyft has integrated features like PIN verification, audio recording, and real-time tracking to allow parents to monitor their teen’s ride.

Lyft’s initiative aims to cater to a younger demographic and provide more inclusive transportation options, aligning the company with industry standards and reflecting a broader trend in the ride-hailing sector towards accommodating younger users.

While Lyft is catching up with competitors in offering teen accounts, the company’s ongoing efforts in autonomous vehicle partnerships underscore its commitment to innovation and expanding its service portfolio.

Source: TechCrunch

Snapchat, the popular social media platform, has expanded its alert features with the introduction of ‘Arrival Notifications.’ This new addition allows users to set alerts for destinations beyond their home, enabling automatic sharing of their arrival at specific places. Users can create one-time or recurring alerts for various locations, streamlining the process of notifying friends and family without the need for manual messages.

According to a blog post by Snapchat, Arrival Notifications enhance user experiences by offering convenience in sharing arrival updates for activities like returning home after travel or arriving at regular commitments such as classes or meetings. The feature ensures privacy and control as alerts are only sent to selected friends with whom users have shared their location. It is important to note that location sharing on Snap Map remains opt-in, emphasizing user choice and consent.

To utilize Arrival Notifications, users must share their location with trusted contacts and select the ‘Arrival Notifications’ option in the friendship profile. By choosing a location on the map and setting alerts as one-time or recurring, users can keep their connections informed about their arrivals seamlessly.

With the introduction of this feature, Snapchat continues to enhance its user engagement and safety measures. The platform’s expansion reflects its commitment to providing innovative tools for communication and location sharing, catering to the evolving needs of its diverse user base.

Source: TechCrunch

Discord is set to implement age verification globally, starting next month, as part of its efforts to provide a safer and more controlled environment for its users. The platform will default all users into a ‘teen-appropriate experience’ unless they verify their adulthood. This verification process will be essential for adjusting specific settings and accessing age-restricted content.

Adult confirmation will grant users access to features such as unblurring sensitive content, disabling restrictions, and entering age-limited channels and servers. Furthermore, only verified adults will have the privilege to modify inbox settings for messages from unknown senders and to speak on stage within servers.

To validate their age, users can opt for facial age estimation through video selfies or submit identification to Discord’s vendor partners. The platform ensures that user data, including video selfies and submitted IDs, are handled securely and promptly deleted after confirmation.

While Discord’s move aims to enhance user safety and privacy, concerns have been raised following a previous data breach incident affecting around 70,000 users. The breach, caused by hackers exploiting a third-party vendor’s security vulnerability, underscored the challenges associated with data protection in age verification processes.

By extending age verification globally, Discord aligns with its prior initiatives in the U.K. and Australia, reflecting the platform’s commitment to fostering a secure online community for users worldwide.

Source: TechCrunch

Apple is reportedly developing plans to enable AI chatbot apps to be compatible with CarPlay, according to a report by TechCrunch. CarPlay is an app running on iPhones that synchronizes with a vehicle’s infotainment system, projecting select phone apps onto the car’s display and allowing drivers to interact with them using Siri’s voice commands.

The upcoming CarPlay Ultra version is set to enhance the user experience by incorporating a central touchscreen display and a digital dashboard providing control over specific vehicle settings.

If successful, this initiative could introduce chatbots such as Google’s Gemini, Anthropic’s Claude, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT into the driving experience, potentially challenging Apple’s own Siri assistant.

Source: TechCrunch

Spotify has introduced a new feature called ‘About the Song’ that allows users to explore the stories behind the music they are listening to. The feature presents concise story cards sourced from third parties, enabling users to swipe through and rate them with a thumbs up or down. This move sets Spotify apart by offering users insights and behind-the-scenes details not found on competing platforms like Apple Music.

Available in beta for premium users in select English-speaking countries, ‘About the Song’ can be accessed through the ‘Now Playing’ screen. Spotify aims to enhance users’ music experience by providing context and background to the songs they enjoy, fostering a deeper connection between listeners and the music.

Aside from this new feature, Spotify has been actively expanding its offerings. Recently, the platform announced plans for users in the U.S. and the U.K. to purchase audiobooks directly through the app. Additional audiobook features like ‘Page Match’ and ‘Audiobook Recaps’ were also introduced. Furthermore, Spotify now allows global access to lyrics translations and offline viewing for all users, with lyrics conveniently located beneath the album artwork.

Source: TechCrunch