Search results for: “instagram”

  • Instagram finally brings its app to iPad

    Instagram finally brings its app to iPad

    After years of waiting, Instagram has launched an official app for iPad, exciting fans who have long wanted a better way to use the platform on bigger screens. The news dropped on April 8, 2025, and it’s a big deal for users tired of the stretched-out phone version.

    The new iPad app keeps things simple and familiar. You’ll find all the usual features—like scrolling through posts, watching stories, and sending messages—now built to fit the iPad’s larger display. It’s not just a blown-up phone app anymore; Instagram tweaked it to feel right at home on tablets.

    The layout spreads out nicely, letting you see more photos and videos without squinting. For a while, iPad users had to deal with the iPhone version, which looked awkward and didn’t use the extra screen space well. People kept asking Instagram for a proper app, and now it’s here.

    The company says they listened to feedback and wanted to make something that works smoothly on iPads. You can grab the app from the App Store for free, and it works on any iPad running iPadOS 16 or later. It’s perfect for anyone who loves snapping pics, sharing moments, or just browsing their feed.

    Plus, with the bigger screen, editing photos or watching Reels feels way more fun. This move shows Instagram cares about its fans and wants to keep up with how people use tech today. It’s a win for iPad owners who’ve been hoping for a better experience. So, if you’ve got an iPad, download it and see how Instagram shines on a larger canvas!

  • Meta blocks Apple’s AI features from working on Facebook and other apps

    Meta blocks Apple’s AI features from working on Facebook and other apps

    Meta has decided to block Apple’s new AI features, called Apple Intelligence, from working with its apps like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads on iPhones and iPads.

    According to Apple, developers have the choice to allow Apple Intelligence to use app data to help users with AI tasks. These tasks include writing, editing, and summarizing text across different apps. But Meta has chosen not to let Apple’s AI access data from any of its apps for now.

    When users try to use Apple Intelligence with Meta apps, a message will say that the app doesn’t support this feature. Meta hasn’t shared why it made this decision, but it might be a move to protect user data or to keep control over its own AI tools.

    This decision could impact how useful Apple’s AI feels to users, especially those who use Meta apps a lot. It also shows the growing tension between big tech companies, as they all try to develop their own AI systems while keeping users inside their own app ecosystems.

    Apple Intelligence is coming to iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia later this year, but it seems it won’t work fully with Meta apps—at least for now.

  • Apple removes iPhone 16 ad about a smarter Siri

    Apple removes iPhone 16 ad about a smarter Siri

    Apple recently took down an advertisement for the iPhone 16 that highlighted a “smarter Siri.” This decision came after the company announced last week that some of the new Siri features, part of Apple Intelligence, won’t be ready as soon as they had hoped for iOS 18.

    The Smarter Siri Ad

    The ad starred English actor Isabella Ramsey and was posted on YouTube in September, just before iPhone 16 pre-orders began. In the video, Ramsey asks Siri to recall the name of someone they met at a restaurant a month earlier. The clip, now private on YouTube, was also shared on Instagram by fans, and you can still find it there.

    Apple described the ad like this:

    With a better understanding of your personal details, the ability to work across apps, and improved language skills, Siri will help you in exciting new ways.

    Apple now says these advanced Siri upgrades will take more time and will arrive sometime next year.

    What’s Happening with Siri?

    The smarter Siri features were first shown off at WWDC when Apple introduced iOS 18. They were supposed to launch in an iOS 18 update and include things like knowing more about your life, understanding what’s on your screen, and working better with apps.

    According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, these updates might not come until next year—or possibly later. Some folks in Apple’s AI team even worry that the features might need a complete redo or could be dropped entirely.

    Challenges Ahead

    Inside Apple, there’s talk that making Siri better might need stronger hardware. This could mean cutting back on some features or slowing them down on today’s devices. For now, Apple is working through these issues, and fans will have to wait a bit longer for the Siri they saw in the ad.

  • The Future of Slim: Imagining the iPhone 17 Slim

    The Future of Slim: Imagining the iPhone 17 Slim

    There’s a lot of buzz about Apple’s next big thing – the iPhone 17 Slim. If rumors are to be believed, we might see this super-thin iPhone hit the market soon. After some blurry pictures leaked online, a detailed concept now gives us a glimpse into what this device might look like in everyday use.

    iPhone 17 Slim Concept

    The concept, crafted by WEIS Studio, shows the iPhone 17 Slim in someone’s hand, illustrating how thin it could be. According to the latest whispers, this phone could be just 5.5 millimeters thick. To put that into perspective, the iPhone 16 Pro measures at 8.25 mm, and the thinnest iPhone we’ve seen so far, the iPhone 6, was 6.9 mm.

    The concept also features a unique single-lens camera on the back with a bar-like design, setting it apart from the current iPhones. This matches up with what we’ve seen in the leaked images.

    Why So Thin?

    The idea of an iPhone this slim is both exciting and intriguing. If these rumors hold, the iPhone 17 Slim might be as thin as the latest M4 iPad Pro, which is 5.3 mm for the 11-inch model. Analysts think Apple is aiming for an ultra-thin design to make the phone more appealing, potentially increasing sales among those looking for something new and innovative.

    Public Reaction

    One user, Terry Benedict, commented, “Why would anyone want something so thin it seems fragile? I get changing the screen size or edge design, but this? It reminds me of Ian Malcolm’s famous line, ‘Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.’”

    What to Expect

    The iPhone 17 Slim is rumored to take the place of the “Plus” model, fitting between the standard iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro. However, due to its slim profile, some compromises are expected. It might not have multiple camera lenses or a large battery.

    The new model is expected to sport a 6.6-inch OLED screen with a refresh rate of 90Hz, not matching the 120Hz of the Pro models. Additionally, it will likely include Apple’s new in-house 5G modem, set to debut with the iPhone SE 4, paired with an A19 chip for better battery efficiency.

    You can watch the full concept video on Instagram to see more of this sleek design.

  • WhatsApp update allows iPhone users to use multiple accounts

    WhatsApp update allows iPhone users to use multiple accounts

    WhatsApp is now developing a feature where iPhone users can use more than one account on the same phone. According to WABetaInfo, this update is aimed at making it easier for people who have both personal and work accounts.

    WhatsApp Feature Update
    Before this, only Android users in the beta program could use multiple accounts. Now, iPhone users testing the app through TestFlight can try this out too. This means you won’t need another app like WhatsApp Business to handle a different account; you can do it all in the main WhatsApp app.

    With the latest beta version, 25.2.10.70, you can choose to make your phone the main account or connect another account by scanning a QR code to use it as a “companion” account. This way, each account keeps its own notifications, chats, backups, and settings. You can switch between accounts easily, without needing another phone.

    Instagram, which is also run by Meta, already allows switching between accounts in its app. Adding this to WhatsApp makes the apps more similar. We don’t know when everyone will get this feature, but since it’s in the testing phase, it might not be too long. There’s still no word on a WhatsApp app for iPads.

    In other news, Meta has recently linked WhatsApp with its Accounts Center, where you manage your privacy and settings across all Meta platforms. Now, you can tweak your settings all in one spot and share your status from WhatsApp to Instagram and Facebook.

  • New updates coming to iPhone screen recording

    New updates coming to iPhone screen recording

    The iPhone’s screen recording tool is about to get even better with three cool new features. It’s great for making quick videos of your screen, like when you’re showing someone how to do something on their phone. I talk about these updates in my latest “iPhone Secrets” episode.

    What Does Screen Recording Do Now?

    Screen recording on your iPhone lets you capture whatever is on your screen and save it in your Photos. You can also stream it live! To do more, just hold down the Screen Record button in the Control Center. This lets you turn on your microphone or choose where to send your live video, like to Zoom or Instagram.

    What’s New?

    • Stereo Sound Recording: Right now, when you record your screen, the sound is only in one channel (mono). But soon, you’ll be able to record in stereo using the iPhone’s multiple microphones for a richer sound experience.
    • HDR Screen Capture: Currently, if you record your screen while watching high-quality (HDR) video, it all goes back to standard quality (SDR). In the next update, you’ll keep the high quality, making your recordings look just as good as what you’re watching.
    • Live Camera Overlay: Imagine recording your screen and adding a live video of yourself in a small window. This is coming soon! It’s like having a mini TV of you in the corner of your screen recording, perfect for tutorials or explaining things hands-free.

    Here’s what the new screen recording menu might look like, with a camera icon next to the microphone icon, allowing you to turn your camera on while recording.

    These changes might not excite everyone, but for people who use screen recording a lot, they’re big improvements. Especially the camera overlay, which can make your videos much more engaging.

    What do you think about these updates? For more details, check out the latest “iPhone Secrets” episode where I go over these features and more coming to iOS 18.3.

  • Expanding Trust: Telegram introduces third-party verification

    Expanding Trust: Telegram introduces third-party verification

    For years, the blue checkmark has reigned supreme across social media, a symbol of authenticity in a digital world often plagued by impersonators and misinformation. Telegram, the popular messaging app known for its focus on privacy and security, has long offered its verification system for public figures and organizations. Now, Telegram is taking a bold step forward, introducing a novel approach: third-party verification. This new system promises to enhance trust and uniquely combat misinformation. 

    The Current Landscape of Telegram Verification

    Telegram’s existing verification system follows a familiar model. To earn the coveted blue checkmark, individuals and organizations must demonstrate notability and verifiable identity. This typically involves showcasing at least two credible English-language press mentions and linking back to the Telegram account from at least two other established social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, VK, and Snapchat. This system has served its purpose, but it also presents limitations, particularly for organizations managing multiple accounts.

    A New Era of Decentralized Verification

    Recognizing the need for a more scalable and flexible solution, Telegram is pioneering a decentralized verification model. This new system empowers already-verified organizations to verify additional accounts under their umbrella. This means that instead of relying solely on Telegram’s internal verification process, established entities can vouch for the authenticity of related accounts, creating a network of trusted sources. 

    Instead of the familiar blue checkmark, accounts verified by a third party will display a distinct logo next to their names. This visual cue clearly distinguishes these accounts from those verified directly by Telegram, providing users with a clear understanding of the verification source. Furthermore, the name of the verifying organization will also be displayed, adding another layer of transparency and accountability. 

    The Benefits of Third-Party Verification

    This innovative approach offers several key advantages. Firstly, it streamlines the verification process for organizations managing multiple accounts, reducing the administrative burden and ensuring consistency across their online presence. Imagine a large news outlet with separate Telegram channels for different departments or regions. Under the new system, the main news outlet account could verify all related channels, ensuring users that they are indeed interacting with official sources.

    Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, third-party verification strengthens the fight against scams and misinformation. By empowering trusted organizations to act as verifiers, Telegram creates a proactive defense against impersonators and malicious actors. This decentralized approach distributes the responsibility of maintaining online integrity, making it more difficult for bad actors to operate undetected. 

    Telegram emphasized the proactive nature of this solution in a recent blog post, stating that it “sets a new safety standard for social platforms.” This underscores the company’s commitment to creating a safer and more trustworthy online environment for its users.

    How Third-Party Verification Works in Practice

    The process for becoming a third-party verifier involves an initial verification by Telegram, followed by an application process to become eligible to assign verified marks. Telegram has also implemented a Bot API, allowing organizations to automate the process of assigning and removing verification status for related accounts.

    To illustrate how this works in practice, consider a hypothetical scenario: a well-known tech website, “TechNow,” has a verified Telegram account. Under the new system, TechNow could verify the accounts of its individual writers, displaying the TechNow logo next to their names. This would assure readers that they are communicating with legitimate members of the TechNow team.

    A Human Touch: The Importance of Context and Trust

    While technology plays a crucial role in combating misinformation, the human element remains essential. Context and trust are paramount in navigating the digital landscape. Telegram’s third-party verification system recognizes this by leveraging the existing trust users place in established organizations. By empowering these organizations to act as verifiers, Telegram strengthens the overall ecosystem and fosters a greater sense of confidence among its users.

    This new feature isn’t just about adding another layer of verification; it’s about building a more resilient and trustworthy online community. It’s a testament to Telegram’s ongoing commitment to innovation and its dedication to providing a safe and reliable communication platform for millions of users worldwide. This decentralized approach to verification could very well become a new industry standard, shaping the future of online trust and authentication.