Author: Richard

Spotify Unveils Audio Previews and Instant Music Sharing Capabilities for Instagram Stories and Notes

Spotify is elevating how users share their music on Instagram with the launch of two new global features. These enhancements are designed to foster a more engaging and interactive experience for those who love to share their musical preferences with friends.

### Audio Previews in Stories

One of the key features is the addition of audio previews when users share tracks in their Instagram Stories. This implies that when a user posts a song, a brief audio snippet will automatically accompany the post. Friends viewing the Story can listen to this preview instantly and have the choice to tap on the music sticker, which will lead them to the complete track on Spotify. Moreover, tapping the song title will direct users to Instagram’s audio page, where they can discover related Reels or save the track to their Spotify “Liked Songs.”

### Real-time Music Sharing in Notes

Another noteworthy update is the real-time music sharing capability in Instagram Notes. This feature enables Notes to automatically display the currently playing track or the subsequent track within a 30-minute timeframe. Friends can react to these updates or save the song directly to their library. Additionally, Spotify has unveiled a new sharing option that streamlines the posting of any track directly to Notes, improving the connection between the two platforms.

These features not only simplify how users share their music choices but also stimulate interaction among friends, nurturing a community of music enthusiasts.

In conjunction with these updates, Instagram is also introducing a new opportunity for creators to link multiple Reels in a sequence. This adjustment aims to facilitate viewer engagement with related content, enriching the overall user experience on the platform.

As Spotify continues to evolve, it recently revealed a new feature similar to Apple Music’s AutoFix, which is anticipated to debut with iOS 26. This initiative underscores the ongoing rivalry between music streaming services to enhance their integration with social media platforms. Additionally, Spotify has recently raised prices for paid subscribers globally, signaling a shift in its business strategy as it seeks to improve its service offerings.

For further details about these new features from Spotify, you can read the complete announcement

Read More
FOX Unveils New Streaming Platform, Augmenting Apple’s TV App Features

**Brand New FOX One Streaming Service Completely Integrates with Apple’s TV App**

The debut of FOX One signifies a major advancement in the streaming arena, particularly for enthusiasts of live sports and news. As one of two significant new streaming platforms launching today, FOX One fills a persistent void in the market, especially for those who have missed FOX content in the age of streaming.

Traditionally, leading networks such as CBS, NBC, and Disney have leveraged streaming through services like Paramount+, Peacock, and Disney+. However, FOX has notably been absent, leaving NFL fans and other viewers who seek live content at a disadvantage. The release of FOX One, available for $19.99 each month, seeks to amend this by delivering an all-inclusive package that features sports, news, and entertainment, with a strong focus on live broadcasts.

A standout aspect of FOX One is its complete integration with Apple’s TV app. This integration enables users to effortlessly browse content, save shows to their watchlist, and enjoy a more unified viewing experience directly from the Apple TV app. This presents a significant benefit for Apple users, as it improves the app’s functionality and offers a centralized hub for accessing various streaming platforms.

Alongside the rollout of FOX One, ESPN has introduced its own streaming service, which also integrates with the Apple TV app. This development further enriches the landscape of supported streaming services, which already encompasses popular platforms such as Disney+, HBO Max, Paramount+, and Peacock. Nonetheless, Netflix remains a prominent outlier, as it persists in prioritizing its own app development and has yet to collaborate with Apple for integration.

As streaming services continue to advance, the introduction of FOX One and its compatibility with the Apple TV app signifies a favorable trend for consumers in search of varied content options. With an increasing focus on live programming and user-friendly access, FOX One is set to become an essential resource for viewers eager to stay connected with their preferred sports and news broadcasts.

Read More
Masimo Initiates Legal Action Against Customs Concerning Restoration of Blood Oxygen Feature in Apple Watch

reintroduce its Apple Watch blood oxygen feature in the U.S., Bloomberg reports that Masimo claims U.S. Customs and Border Protection “illegally permitted Apple Inc. to reactivate a blood-oxygen monitoring feature on Apple Watches that infringes on patents related to the technology,” according to a lawsuit filed in federal court.

In light of this, Masimo seeks a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction from the court to prevent Apple’s blood oxygen capability on its Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models.

“Every day that this unlawful ruling continues to exist irreparably strips Masimo of its right to be sheltered from unfair trade practices and to maintain its competitive position in the U.S. market,” stated Masimo. We now await the court’s determination on whether Masimo’s claims warrant Apple’s removal of this feature again, or if the decision made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection was justified.

Apple may depend on blood oxygen feature to enhance other health technologies

Best Bands for Google Pixel Watch 4 in 2025

Bands for Pixel Watch 4 come in all finishes and every conceivable material.

Google recently launched the Pixel Watch 4 during its August 2025 Made by Google event, alongside the Pixel 10 smartphone lineup. Similar to its predecessor, the Watch 4 is available in two sizes. There’s the conventional 41mm size that has been around since the first Pixel Watch. Additionally, there’s the larger 45mm version that was introduced with the Pixel 3. The elegantly polished pebble-like Pixel Watch 4 appears magnificent in both sizes, though I favor the 41mm variant due to my petite wrists.

The top Google Pixel Watch 4 bands are available in a range of sizes and colors. Whether you require an elegant leather band for an outing or a sleek metal band for a formal event, we have options for you. Although there aren’t many trustworthy third-party accessories for the Pixel Watch 4 yet, you will find that most of the finest watch bands for it come from either Google or Spigen. Luckily, several first-party bands are priced more reasonably than you might think. For budget-conscious buyers, Spigen offers numerous affordable choices that fit the Pixel Watch 4 perfectly.

Make sure to obtain one formal and one casual Pixel Watch 4 band while shopping

Why you can trust Android Central Our knowledgeable reviewers dedicate hours to testing and comparing products and services to help you find the best choice for your needs. Learn more about our testing methods.

Google Playfully Mocks Apple During the Pixel 10 Launch Event

**Google Pixel 10 Launch Event: A Bold Leap Forward**

The recent Made by Google event revealed the eagerly awaited Pixel 10, demonstrating a significant show of confidence from the tech giant. Led by Jimmy Fallon, the event was infused with humor, mainly aimed at Apple, as Google showcased the fresh features and enhancements of the Pixel 10.

From the very beginning, Google’s confidence was evident. The company adopted a daring stance, openly mocking Apple, which has become a consistent aspect of their marketing approach. Rick Osterloh, Google’s SVP, commenced the event with a nod to “broken promises,” referencing delays in Apple’s AI progress. He underscored that Google’s Gemini AI is a revolutionary tool, claiming it delivers unmatched assistance on smartphones.

Osterloh also reminded attendees that the Pixel first introduced Car Crash Detection back in 2019, well ahead of Apple. This claim was part of a larger narrative that cast Google as a pioneer in the smartphone arena, contrasting with Apple’s more reserved tactics.

The event proceeded with Fallon and SVP Adrienne Lofton conversing about Google’s product array. Lofton made a subtle dig at Apple’s restrictive ecosystem, asserting that Android is “the most open platform that’s built for genuine freedom of choice.” This notion resonated with many in attendance, especially those who prioritize flexibility in their tech selections.

A key highlight was the debut of Pixelsnap, a feature that enables the Pixel 10 series to seamlessly work with Apple’s MagSafe accessories. Lofton confidently expressed that Google embraces “everybody in the game,” implying that they are undeterred in competing directly with Apple. She also tackled the “green bubble” controversy, dismissing it as an outdated topic in the era of RCS (Rich Communication Services), which both platforms now endorse.

Lofton expressed the significance of communication in today’s mobile environment, emphasizing that RCS offers a unified text standard, improving the messaging experience across platforms. Her comments were aimed at reassuring potential switchers from iPhone to Pixel that they would maintain connectivity with friends and family.

The event, while sprinkled with humor and light-hearted digs at Apple, also centered on the remarkable software capabilities of the Pixel 10. The overall vibe was one of enthusiasm and innovation, a refreshing change from the often-overlooked launches of Android devices in the past.

In summary, the Pixel 10 launch event represented a notable occasion for Google, exemplifying a confident and assertive stance in the competitive smartphone landscape. With its combination of humor and innovation, Google is unmistakably positioning itself as a serious contender, eager to disrupt the status quo and transform the user experience in mobile technology.

Read More
Correction Accessible for Actively Targeted iPhone Weakness

“`html
Following the launch of iOS 18.6.2, Apple has clarified that this update addresses a vulnerability that is currently being exploited on iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. Notably, iOS 18.6.2 was released just a week after iOS 18.6.1, which reinstated the blood oxygen feature for Apple Watch users in the United States.

In the release notes from Apple, the company indicates that this ImageIO correction is accessible for all iPhone, iPad, and Mac models that support iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. The company describes the attack as follows:

“Impact: Handling a malicious image file could lead to memory corruption. Apple is aware of a report suggesting that this vulnerability may have been leveraged in a highly sophisticated attack targeting specific individuals.”

Although Apple states that “an out-of-bounds write issue has been resolved with enhanced bounds checking,” anyone not on iOS 18.6.2 might still be susceptible to this attack. Here’s what it entails and why you should upgrade without delay.

Hackers found a way to covertly install spyware on an iPhone by sending an image

“How Gemini Live’s AI Can Help You in Actual Scenarios”

the latest Pixel 10 smartphones, the Pixel Watch 4 variants, and the budget-friendly Pixel Buds 2A earphones were unveiled earlier this week, but Gemini AI was also a major highlight of the Made by Google event. At the core of all these devices is artificial intelligence, with Google revealing several intriguing AI features. Magic Cue, Camera Coach, and conversational edits in Google Photos stand out, but Gemini Live also received several enhancements this week, including the capability to see what you see and engage with the physical environment through the Pixel phone’s display.

The new Gemini Live functionality will not be surprising to any Pixel user who viewed Google’s Project Astra demonstration at I/O 2025 a few months back. At that event, Google presented ideas for Gemini Live, showcasing the AI assistant’s ability to recognize objects in the physical world and respond to inquiries in real time while marking those items on the display.

Perhaps you are attempting to fix something following an online guide and are unsure which tool to select from a case or countertop. By sharing your screen with Gemini Live and requesting the AI to identify the tool referenced in the guide, you could find your answer. The AI would analyze the camera feed, recognize the item, and then emphasize the correct tool by outlining it with a rectangle.

How Gemini Live’s new visual help feature operates

Visual assistance will be offered in Gemini Live on Pixel 10 smartphones initially. This feature will debut in time for the phones’ release on August 28. The functionality will become accessible on other Android devices within the same week. iPhone users who employ Gemini Live will receive visual support afterward.

To enable Gemini Live to offer assistance

Read More
Vivo Unveils Vision Pro Replica Available for $1,400 and Weighing 398g

Apple’s Vision Pro is an impressive piece of technology, but its $3,400 price tag indicates that even CEO Tim Cook recognizes it as a specialized product, and the over 600g weight leads many to find it uncomfortable to wear for more than an hour.

Chinese manufacturer Vivo has sought to remedy both concerns with a design that closely resembles Apple’s spatial computer.

## Vision Pro Price and Comfort

The primary grievances users have regarding Vision Pro have been its price and comfort. Cook acknowledged last year that the product was not likely to appeal to a broad audience at its current cost, labeling it as “tomorrow’s technology today.” Those who opted to purchase one often report discomfort, feeling too hot and heavy after wearing it for more than thirty to sixty minutes. This was certainly my own perspective after trying it.

## Vivo Vision

Today, Vivo has introduced what it refers to as the discovery edition of the Vivo Vision, a near-exact replica of Vision Pro. Not only does the device closely resemble Apple’s headset in design, but it seems to mimic much of the user interface and high-resolution graphics.

> The Vivo Vision Discovery Edition operates on OriginOS Vision, facilitating natural and intuitive interactions. Information is presented seamlessly in the surrounding environment, allowing users to transition from traditional “tap-through-screen” interactions to “move-and-pinch” gestures. With high-precision eye-tracking at 1.5°, 26 degrees of freedom for fingertip gesture recognition, and a vertical tracking range of 175°, users can enjoy intuitive and responsive controls. Moreover, its Dual Micro-OLED screens offer 8K binocular resolution, 94% DCI-P3 color coverage, and DeltaE At just 398g, with a height of 83 mm and a thickness of 40 mm, it is 26% smaller than the industry average, enhancing overall comfort.

While the company has not officially disclosed a price for the device, Gizmochina reports that company representatives have suggested it will be priced around 10,000 yuan ($1,400).

## It’s Not Real Competition

What Vivo Vision evidently lacks is integration within the Apple ecosystem. It also seems that it may only be available for sale in China. The company has announced that there will be demo sessions conducted in 12 authorized stores throughout major Chinese cities, encouraging potential buyers to test it before making a purchase.

Read More
Recent Update Resolves Significant Problem with the X App

**X’s Latest Update: A Long-Desired Resolution for Auto-Refreshing Feeds**

In a major step to improve user experience, X, previously known as Twitter, has tackled a persistent issue regarding its feed functionality. After almost twenty years of user dissatisfaction, the platform’s product head revealed that a solution is being implemented to stop the feed from auto-refreshing unexpectedly, a feature that has frequently resulted in content loss for users.

The matter at hand is one that many social media users can identify with: just as you start to interact with a post, the feed refreshes, causing the content to vanish. This issue was recently brought to light by entrepreneur and investor Jesse Pujji, leading to a response from product lead Nikita Bier, who emphasized that the auto-refreshing behavior was a glitch rather than a deliberate design decision.

Auto-refreshing feeds have become a prevalent practice among social networks, as companies believe that consistently introducing new content can boost user engagement. However, this strategy has backfired for certain platforms, leading to user frustration. Instagram, for instance, recognized this problem last year and chose to eliminate similar practices, acknowledging that user satisfaction should take precedence over engagement statistics.

In a statement, Instagram’s team elaborated on their earlier justification for the auto-refresh feature: it was designed to load content while users were waiting. However, they ultimately determined that the inconvenience caused to users surpassed any possible advantages in engagement.

As X rolls out this update, users are optimistic that the new behavior will enable them to read and interact with posts without the anxiety of losing them to an unanticipated feed refresh. Nevertheless, there is concern that if the change adversely affects engagement metrics, the company may revert to the previous behavior.

While the update is underway, numerous users are still awaiting confirmation of whether the fix has been applied to their accounts. The change is a welcome advancement for those who have long faced the frustrations of auto-refreshing feeds, but the future of this feature remains uncertain as X seeks to balance user experience and engagement.

In summary, X’s choice to tackle the auto-refresh issue indicates a growing awareness among social media platforms that user satisfaction is vital for enduring success. As the update continues to be rolled out, users will be observing closely to see if this change improves their experience on the platform.

Read More
Users Worried About Diminished Features in Google Photos Editor Enhancements

Google’s latest modifications to the Photos application have caused discontent among users, especially regarding the revamped photo editing user interface. Marking its 10th anniversary, Google rolled out updates aimed at improving user experience through AI-assisted recommendations and swift edits. Nevertheless, users on the Google Pixel subreddit have voiced their dissatisfaction with the new UI, describing it as cluttered and less effective. The revised editor necessitates additional effort to maneuver sliders and lacks the ease of the former design, rendering quick edits awkward. In spite of Google’s objectives, numerous users are requesting a return to the prior interface, as the updates have not been embraced positively.

Read More