AllYouCanTech

Threads Unveils Group Direct Messaging and Improves Messaging Functions in the EU

**Meta Enhances Messaging Functions on Threads: Group DMs Now Accessible**

After the launch of private direct messages on Threads last July, Meta is elevating its messaging features by adding support for group direct messages (DMs) and expanding this functionality to users within the European Union (EU). This enhancement is aimed at boosting user engagement and offering greater control over messaging.

### Include Up to 50 Members, Provided You Follow Them

Meta’s introduction of a dedicated direct messaging system for Threads, independent from Instagram, represents a notable advancement in user communication. The organization has pledged to further enhance this feature with extra messaging controls, group messaging, and inbox filtering.

With the newest update, users can establish group chats that accommodate as many as 50 members. However, to minimize potential misuse, members can only be included if they follow the user on Threads. This strategy is intended to uphold a certain degree of security and ease during group communications. Moreover, groups can be personalized with distinctive names, and Meta is working on introducing link-based invitations to facilitate the addition of members without manual input.

### Launch in the EU

Meta has revealed that in the upcoming days, it will start rolling out the full messaging experience in the EU, encompassing both private and group chats, messaging settings, privacy options, a hidden folder for unwanted messages, and media support. This rollout is part of Meta’s persistent efforts to enrich user engagement and communication on the platform.

In a blog entry, Meta mentioned, “This provides individuals throughout the region access to the complete messaging experience, including private and group chats, messaging settings, privacy options, the hidden folder, and media support.” The company has also expressed its aim to keep refining the messaging features in response to user feedback.

### Summary

With the launch of group DMs and upgraded messaging features, Threads is positioning itself as a more comprehensive platform for user engagement. As users increasingly rely on direct messaging for private discussions, these updates are expected to elevate the overall experience on Threads. Users are urged to share their experiences and insights as Meta continues to evolve and enhance its messaging features.

Apple Omits Trade-In Choice for M5 Vision Pro Enhancements

# Upgraders of M5 Vision Pro Must Seek Alternatives to Discard Apple’s Initial Model

Are you an early adopter of Vision Pro eager to upgrade to the latest M5 version? While trade-in is a typical choice for other Apple devices, the company regrettably does not provide a trade-in option for those purchasing the new Vision Pro.

Apple has just unveiled the M5 Vision Pro, showcasing numerous incremental enhancements over the prior M2 model. If you’ve been hesitant about acquiring a Vision Pro, there’s likely nothing about the M5 version that will compel you to buy. However, if you possess and cherish the original Vision Pro model, utilizing it extensively in your daily routine and work, you may be curious about the cost of upgrading to the M5.

The new M5 Vision Pro retains the same starting price of $3,499 as the M2 version. Trading in the original model should, in principle, reduce that price. However, if you wish to do so, you’ll need to seek alternatives outside of Apple. Unlike almost every other item Apple offers, the company currently does not provide an option to trade in the original Vision Pro.

This implies that anyone aiming to upgrade to the M5 version will have to sell their original Vision Pro through a third-party marketplace such as eBay or find a friend or family member interested in it. It’s unfortunate that Apple is not granting its most dedicated Vision Pro enthusiasts a first-party trade-in option, particularly as the company could gain from offering refurbished Vision Pro models at reduced prices.

Regardless, the number of affected users is likely minimal. Yet, if you are considering trading in your Vision Pro for a new M5 version, we’d be eager to hear your thoughts. Would you contemplate trading in your Vision Pro for the M5 variant? If so, share your thoughts in the comments.

## Top Vision Pro Accessories

Pinterest Unveils ‘Reduced AI Clutter’ Toggle Option; Users Push for Off Switch in Every App [Poll]

As apps for sharing photos and videos become increasingly saturated with AI-created content, Pinterest has launched a new feature designed to tackle user worries about the abundance of such images in their feeds. This initiative responds to a rising wave of complaints from users who believe that AI-generated visuals compromise the platform’s original aim of offering true inspiration and creativity from real individuals.

The r/Pinterest subreddit has emerged as a venue for users to express their discontent. Numerous users have voiced their unhappiness with the surge of AI-generated images, arguing that it diminishes the authenticity they desire. Comments reflect a feeling of letdown, with users mentioning that the AI content often does not align with their standards for quality and relevance. For example, one user expressed, “I use Pinterest for real life inspiration, art and ideas. From REAL people,” signifying a preference for authentic creativity over algorithm-driven visuals. Another user pointed out the challenge of distinguishing AI images from genuine content until it’s too late, resulting in disappointment when the images fail to satisfy their needs.

In light of these issues, Pinterest has implemented a “refine your recommendations” setting. This functionality enables users to lessen the prominence of AI-generated content across multiple categories, such as art, architecture, beauty, fashion, entertainment, health, home decor, and sport. Pinterest acknowledges that these areas have experienced a notable rise in AI-generated content and assures users that options will expand in the future.

Nevertheless, a significant limitation exists: users presently cannot minimize the volume of AI-generated videos in their feeds. This is especially pertinent considering the recent spike in AI video content following the introduction of Sora, a tool aimed at video creation.

The rollout of this feature signifies Pinterest’s awareness of user input and the increasing need for enhanced control over the content appearing in their feeds. While providing the option to turn off AI-generated images is a positive advancement, the lack of similar functionalities for video content may leave some users feeling discontented.

In summary, Pinterest’s new setting to limit AI-generated content serves as a response to user concerns regarding the authenticity and quality of visuals on the platform. As the photo and video sharing landscape continues to transform, the craving for genuine creativity remains robust, and users are optimistic for further improvements that emphasize real human artistry over AI-generated options.

Most Recent Updates and Features of the Apple Vision Pro

# Improvements in the Second Generation Apple Vision Pro

The second generation Apple Vision Pro brings numerous important upgrades designed to enhance user experience. Below is a comprehensive summary of the primary improvements.

## Dual Knit Band

A key enhancement in the latest Apple Vision Pro is the introduction of the Dual Knit Band. The initial model received feedback regarding comfort, which Apple has remedied with a reimagined strap. The Dual Knit Band boasts a back-and-top construction inspired by the original Solo Knit Band, enabling accurate adjustments with a single Fit Dial.

The back strap comes with integrated tungsten weights, which act as a counterbalance to improve comfort and stability. This configuration helps lessen facial pressure by lifting the device upward.

Apple characterizes the Dual Knit Band as follows:

> “The Dual Knit Band provides an even more comfortable fit for users. It incorporates upper and lower straps that are 3D-knitted as a singular piece to form a distinctive dual-rib structure that offers cushioning, breathability, and flexibility. The lower strap features pliable fabric ribs with embedded tungsten inserts that deliver a counterweight for enhanced comfort, balance, and stability. The new Dual Knit Band is available in small, medium, and large sizes; sold separately; and is compatible with the prior-generation Apple Vision Pro.”

Notably, the new Dual Knit Band is also suitable for the original Apple Vision Pro.

## New M5 Chip

The upgrade to the M5 chip signifies another major improvement for the Apple Vision Pro. The previous model was powered by the M2 chip, which many users found to be insufficient in performance. The M5 chip offers significant enhancements, including hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, allowing for richer graphics and realistic lighting in applications and games.

The M5 chip has an increased number of CPU cores, adding two efficiency cores compared to the M2. This enhancement results in quicker app loading times and better responsiveness in visionOS. Furthermore, the M5 chip boosts AI and machine learning capabilities with a new 16-core Neural Engine, achieving up to 50% faster performance for system features and up to 2x faster performance for third-party applications.

## Displays and Visuals

Although the micro-OLED screens remain the same, the M5 chip improves visual performance. The new visionOS can now render 10% more pixels, resulting in clearer and sharper visuals. The Apple Vision Pro is now capable of achieving a refresh rate of 120Hz when using passthrough or Mac Virtual Display, an advancement from the previous maximum of 100Hz. This upgrade helps minimize motion blur during passthrough viewing.

## Battery Life

The efficiency of the M5 chip also leads to enhanced battery life. Users can look forward to an additional 30 minutes of use:

– Up to 2.5 hours of general use, rising from 2 hours.
– Up to 3 hours of video playback, an increase from 2.5 hours.

Apple continues to assure “all day usage while plugged in.”

## Included Accessories

The packaging of the new Apple Vision Pro has been simplified. Instead of including the Solo Knit Band and Dual Loop Band, the new model comes with the Dual Knit Band. Other bands are still available for purchase. Additionally, the former 30W charger has been substituted with a new 40W-60W dynamic power adapter.

Included accessories continue to comprise the battery, a front cover, a polishing cloth, an extra Light Seal Cushion, and a 1.5m USB-C charging cable.

## Conclusion

The new Apple Vision Pro is available for preorder and will hit stores on October 22. The Dual Knit Band is also up for preorder and will debut on the same date. Additionally, Apple has announced that the Logitech Muse pencil will be available on October 22, with PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers slated for release on November 11.

M5 MacBook Pro vs M4 MacBook Pro: Important Distinctions and Enhancements Clarified

Apple unveiled a set of three new M5 devices this week, one of which is the M5 MacBook Pro. Here are four primary differences between the M5 and M4 MacBook Pro versions.

### #1: M5 Chip

The most notable change is the M5 chip itself. The M5 MacBook Pro contains a 10-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, mirroring the M4 version. Nonetheless, the CPU in the M5 provides up to 20% quicker multithreaded performance than the M4, boosting multitasking and creative software. The GPU displays significant advancements, especially in AI-related tasks, offering up to 3.5x the AI performance, 1.6x quicker graphics performance in professional programs, and 1.6x higher frame rates in gaming. The Neural Engine has also been upgraded, though exact performance statistics remain undisclosed.

### #2: Increased Memory Bandwidth

The M5 MacBook Pro features an elevated memory bandwidth of 153GB/s, surpassing the M4’s 120GB/s, highlighting nearly a 30% improvement. This bandwidth boost speeds up numerous activities, from opening applications to executing large language models on the device.

### #3: Enhanced SSD Performance

The updated MacBook Pro also claims SSD performance to be “up to 2x faster” than that of the M4 model. This upgrade is especially advantageous for tasks like importing RAW image files and exporting large video files. Moreover, the maximum storage capacity has been raised.

### #4: 4TB Storage Option

For users needing additional storage, the M5 MacBook Pro now presents a 4TB storage option, an enhancement from the M4’s highest of 2TB. The available configurations continue to include 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB options, with the 4TB version priced at an extra $1,200.

### M5 MacBook Pro: Not Designed for M4 Upgrades

In summary, the M5 MacBook Pro signifies a gradual update compared to the M4. It is not aimed at consumers who have recently acquired the M4 model but is more appropriate for individuals upgrading from Intel, M1, M2, or potentially M3 devices.