Tag: Tech News Today

Instagram Experiments with Picture-in-Picture Mode for Reels

New Instagram Update: Picture-in-Picture Viewing for Reels

Instagram is currently testing a new feature for its Reels: picture-in-picture (PiP) mode. This new option lets users keep watching a Reel in a small window even when they leave the app. The feature is being shown to some users with a prompt to try it out, and a new setting for PiP has also appeared. This is a big step for Instagram, as it lets people do other things on their phone, like checking messages, while a video keeps playing.

Bringing a Popular Feature to Instagram

This change is all about making the app more useful for people who like to multitask. Both TikTok and YouTube already have this PiP function, which allows users to watch videos outside of their apps. By adding this feature, Instagram is catching up to its rivals.

The goal is to keep users engaged and watching content for longer, as they won’t have to stay in the app to finish a video. This new viewing option could help increase how long people watch content and boost a video’s reach.

How it Benefits Both Viewers and Creators

For regular users, picture-in-picture makes watching Reels much more flexible. You can start a video and then switch to another app without the video stopping. This makes the experience smoother and more convenient.

For creators, this is good news too. The ability for viewers to keep watching while doing other tasks means a higher chance of a video being watched all the way through. This can improve a creator’s “retention rate,” a key metric for success. This new feature shows that Instagram is listening to what users want and is working to improve the Reel experience for everyone.

Instagram Testing Auto-Scroll Option for Posts & Reels

Instagram’s Auto-Scroll Feature Might Change How You View Posts & Reels

Instagram is currently experimenting with a new “Auto-Scroll” feature for its main feed posts & reels, aiming to provide a more seamless and hands-free content consumption experience for users. This potential Instagram feature update would allow the platform to automatically advance through posts & reels, removing the need for users to manually swipe or tap to see the next piece of content. This update could significantly alter how many users interact with their daily feed.

The Auto-Scroll on Instagram for posts & reels mirrors similar functionalities already present on other popular platforms like TikTok and YouTube, which offer continuous playback for videos. While Instagram’s Reels already have an auto-scrolling option, this new test focuses on the traditional main feed, which includes a mix of photos and videos. This move suggests Instagram is exploring ways to make its entire content ecosystem more passive and effortless to navigate.

For users, the primary benefit of the Instagram Auto Scroll is convenience. Imagine being able to consume content while multitasking or in situations where manual interaction with the screen is difficult. This update could lead to a more relaxed viewing experience, allowing users to simply absorb information as it flows through their feed. However, it also raises questions about potential increased screen time and the impact on user engagement with individual posts.

As this Instagram feature update is still in the testing phase with a select group of users, there is no official timeline for a wider rollout.

However, if the trials prove successful in enhancing user experience and engagement, the Auto-Scroll on Instagram could soon become a standard feature for everyone. This ongoing innovation highlights Instagram’s commitment to refining its platform and staying competitive in the fast-evolving social media landscape.

YouTube to Reject Repetitive & AI-Generated Videos for Monetisation – New Rules July 15

No More Easy Money: YouTube Now Requires Original & High-Value Content to Earn

YouTube is rolling out significant changes to its Partner Program (YPP) starting July 15, 2025. These new rules aim to boost originality and quality on the platform by cracking down on content that is reused, repetitive, AI-generated, or lacks genuine value. This means creators who rely on simple copy-paste methods, automated slideshows, or poorly edited compilations might soon find their channels unable to earn money. The platform’s goal is to reward creators who offer unique and meaningful content, fostering a healthier environment for both viewers and authentic voices.

The updated guidelines directly target what YouTube calls “copy-paste” creators. This includes channels using AI to generate videos without significant human input, those recycling content with minimal changes, or channels focused on low-effort clickbait. Even reaction videos will need to show clear added value from the creator, beyond just showing clips from other videos. If content doesn’t provide real educational insights or fresh entertainment, it won’t be eligible for monetisation. This move is a clear signal that YouTube is prioritizing substance over shortcuts.

Even if a channel meets the usual requirements for the YouTube Partner Program, like having 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, its application for monetisation could still be turned down if the content isn’t original. YouTube’s official support page highlights that only creators producing original educational videos, truly creative entertainment, or authentic visuals and narration will qualify. This emphasizes YouTube’s commitment to protecting its creator community from mass-produced or automated content that simply tries to trick its recommendation system.

These stricter rules come at a time when AI tools are becoming more common, leading to a rise in low-effort videos designed mainly to get views without offering much in return. YouTube’s stricter enforcement is part of a bigger plan to improve the overall quality of content on the platform. For creators, this means focusing on genuine creativity and adding unique value will be key to staying monetized and succeeding on YouTube.

Trump Tariffs Shock: How Tech Giants Like Meta & Google Face Rising Costs

The introduction of new reciprocal tariffs by Donald Trump has sent shockwaves through the technology sector, with major companies like Meta, Google, and other IT giants facing potentially significant impacts. The tariffs, aimed at reshaping international trade, introduce increased costs on imported components and equipment vital to these companies’ operations. This shift could alter their supply chain strategies and financial outlooks.

Specifically, the building and maintenance of data centers, crucial for services provided by Meta, Google, and others, are threatened with increased expenditures. Many of the components required for these facilities are manufactured overseas, making them subject to the new tariff regulations. As reported by The Straits Times, analysts predict a potential slowdown in Big Tech’s US data center spending spree due to these rising costs. This situation may hamper efforts to expand AI infrastructure within the United States.  

Furthermore, these tariffs will also impact the overall economic health, and that, in turn, has a direct impact on the advertising revenues of companies such as Meta and Google. As reported by the Motley Fool, with the tariffs applied, economists expect a slowdown in spending, which relates to a decrease in advertising revenue. This presents a ‘double whammy’ for the alphabet, as explained by the strait times, having both higher construction cost for data centers, and lowered advertising revenue.

In addition to increased hardware costs, general economic instability due to tariffs also causes market-wide stock selloffs, as was seen after these tariffs were introduced. As seen in reporting from the Times of India, there were large drops in market capitalization within tech companies. This overall market instability can heavily impact the ability for these large companies to continue investing in the capital needed for growth.

Meta Tests AI-Powered Comment Suggestions on Instagram

Meta, the tech giant behind Instagram, is pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence (AI) integration within its platforms. Following experiments with AI-generated characters—ultimately scrapped due to user feedback—Meta is now testing an AI-powered comment suggestion feature on Instagram. This new feature aims to streamline user interaction but raises questions about authenticity and potential over-reliance on AI.

The “Write with Meta AI” Feature:

Social media feature tester Jonah Manzano recently discovered a “Write with Meta AI” prompt on Instagram. This feature offers users AI-generated comment suggestions, simplifying the process of engaging with posts. A pencil icon, located next to the text bar, initiates the AI, which then analyzes the post’s content—be it a photo or video—to provide three tailored comment options.

How It Works:

When activated, Meta AI analyzes the visual content of a post. For instance, a photo of someone playing cricket might prompt AI suggestions like “Well played,” “You are a good player,” or “Best wins.” Users can refresh these suggestions to explore alternative comments if the initial options aren’t to their liking.

Meta’s aggressive integration of AI across its platforms reflects a broader industry trend. However, user reception remains a critical factor. The company’s previous AI experiments have shown that user feedback can significantly impact feature development.

Meta Introduces Community Notes on Facebook & Instagram to Fight Misinformation

Meta is launching its Community Notes feature on Facebook and Instagram, mirroring X’s fact-checking system, aiming to fight misinformation. This rollout, starting next week, allows users to contribute context to potentially misleading posts. Based on X’s open-source framework, the system relies on crowd-sourced notes, rated by other contributors.

The process involves users submitting notes, which are then evaluated by a diverse group of contributors. To mitigate bias, notes are only published if contributors with varying viewpoints reach a consensus. This aims to ensure that helpful context is provided, regardless of political leanings. However, this method might also prevent crucial notes from appearing due to the stringent agreement requirements.

While designed to address misinformation, the system could inadvertently amplify certain posts, aligning with past concerns about censorship. The reliance on a broad agreement might stifle accurate but controversial information, creating a potential for significant issues at Facebook‘s vast scale. The effectiveness of this approach in curbing misinformation remains to be seen, with potential drawbacks outweighing its benefits.

Nokia Appoints Intel Executive Justin Hotard as New CEO

Nokia has announced the appointment of Justin Hotard as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1st, 2025. Hotard, formerly of Intel, succeeds Pekka Lundmark, who will be retiring from the role on March 31st. Lundmark will remain available as an advisor to Hotard until the end of 2025, ensuring a smooth transition.

This leadership change comes as Nokia focuses on regaining lost ground and addressing recent profit declines. The company has been working to strengthen its position in the competitive telecommunications market.

Hotard brings a wealth of experience to Nokia, having held key leadership positions at Intel. His background includes expertise in areas crucial to Nokia’s current strategy, such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing. This experience is expected to be invaluable as Nokia navigates the evolving technology landscape and seeks to capitalize on emerging opportunities.  

Lundmark has led Nokia through a significant period, overseeing its transformation and navigating challenging market conditions. His contributions to the company are widely recognized.  

The appointment of Hotard signals Nokia’s commitment to innovation and its focus on the future. The company is poised to leverage Hotard’s expertise to drive growth and solidify its position as a leader in the telecommunications industry.

Instagram launches Trial Reels for creators to test a reel before sharing

Instagram is rolling out a new feature called Trial Reels that allows creators to share their latest uploads with a selection of users who don’t follow them yet. This is a great way to get your Reels in front of a wider audience and see how they perform before sharing them with your entire following.

Here’s how Trial Reels works:

1. When you create a new Reel, you’ll see a new option to share it with a trial audience.

2. Select the option to share with a trial audience and Instagram will show your Reel to a small group of users who are interested in the type of content you create.

3. Once your Reel has been viewed by your trial audience, you’ll be able to see how it performed in terms of views, likes, comments, and shares.

Trial Reels is a great way to get feedback on your Reels before you share them with your entire following. It’s also a great way to reach new audiences who may be interested in your content.

Here are some tips for using Trial Reels:

Use high-quality visuals and audio in your Reels.
Make sure your Reels are creative and engaging.
Use targeted hashtags to help people find your Reels.
Track the performance of your Reels and make adjustments as needed.

By following these tips, you can use Trial Reels to increase your reach and engagement on Instagram.

Will Telegram app be banned in India? Indian government is alert after the arrest of CEO Pavel Durov

The Indian government has also become vigilant following Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, who was arrested in Paris. The Home Ministry has been contacted by the Ministry of Information Technology (IT) to inquire about any potential violations that Telegram may have committed in India. The IT Ministry submitted an email regarding this matter.

CEO of Telegram Durov was being held at the airport in Paris to execute an arrest warrant. His platform is allegedly being used for illegal activities like drug trafficking and money laundering.

According to reports, the IT Ministry has requested that the Home Ministry look into the ongoing complaints against Telegram and take appropriate action in light of the events that have occurred in France.

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