Messenger Unveils Siri Integration, AI-Powered Video Backgrounds, and Voicemail Functionality

# Thrilling New Updates in Messenger: Voicemail, AI Backgrounds, and Siri Compatibility

Meta has unveiled a major upgrade for its Messenger application, bringing features that significantly improve the calling experience for its users. This update introduces voicemail support for both audio and video calls, a sought-after addition since Apple implemented a similar feature for FaceTime last year. Along with voicemail, Messenger is incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) to generate dynamic video backgrounds and enhancing its integration with Siri to facilitate easier communication with friends and family.

## Voicemail for Calls

A key highlight of this update is the launch of voicemail for missed calls. Users can now leave messages when a call goes unanswered, whether it’s an audio or video communication. This feature revolutionizes the way people utilize Messenger, ensuring more fluid interactions and safeguarding important messages from being overlooked. However, it is important to mention that custom answering machine-style messages are still unavailable on both Messenger and FaceTime, providing opportunities for future improvements.

## Improved Audio Features

Beyond voicemail, Messenger is also adding sophisticated audio features like voice isolation and background noise suppression. These enhancements target improved call quality, fostering clearer and more enjoyable conversations, even in loud settings. This is particularly advantageous for users who depend on Messenger for work calls or virtual meetings.

## Siri Compatibility

Meta has made noteworthy strides in integrating Messenger with Siri, Apple’s voice-controlled assistant. This integration enables users to make calls and send messages without using their hands. For example, users can say, “Hey Siri, send a message to Cassandra on Messenger,” followed by their dictation. This capability is especially beneficial for those who are juggling multiple tasks or have their hands occupied, rendering communication more accessible and convenient.

## AI-Created Video Backgrounds

Acknowledging the rising trend of personalized video interactions, Messenger is introducing AI-generated backgrounds for video calls. This feature allows users to modify their video calling experience, making it more exciting and enjoyable. While FaceTime has recently added customizable backgrounds, Messenger’s AI-driven options promise a distinctive touch, though users will need to wait for further enhancement with Apple’s AI functionalities.

## Conclusion

The recent update to Messenger highlights Meta’s dedication to improving user experience through cutting-edge features. With the inclusion of voicemail for calls, enhanced audio clarity, Siri compatibility, and AI-generated backgrounds, Messenger is establishing itself as a formidable contender in the communication app landscape. These updates not only simplify the calling procedure but also introduce elements of personalization that users are bound to value.

For more information regarding the new version of Messenger, you can check the official announcement

“AirTag 2 Encounters Higher Anticipations Compared to Other Apple Offerings”

# Apple AirTag 2: Anticipations for the Next Tracker

Apple is said to be preparing for the release of the AirTag 2 in 2024, roughly four years after the initial AirTag was launched. While the first model of this tracking device garnered positive feedback, there are greater expectations for the upcoming version, especially concerning privacy and security functionalities. Here’s a detailed overview of what we can look forward to in the AirTag 2 and the considerable challenges it faces.

## Major Updates in AirTag 2

The AirTag is a device that doesn’t typically see yearly revisions due to its simple operational nature. Nevertheless, as time progresses and new issues arise, Apple seems set to bring forth significant upgrades. Sources in the industry reveal that the AirTag 2 will uphold a design similar to the original but will incorporate several important enhancements:

1. **Better Range**: Users should look forward to improved connectivity, which will provide more dependable tracking across larger distances.

2. **Advanced Wireless Chip**: The forthcoming version will come with a more powerful onboard wireless chip, which is expected to enhance overall effectiveness and efficiency.

3. **Strengthened Privacy Features**: This aspect might be the most vital for the new AirTag 2, as Apple seeks to tackle the privacy issues that have affected the first version.

## Privacy Issues: A Significant Hurdle

Since the initial AirTag’s introduction, numerous cases of abuse have emerged, notably in instances of stalking. The device has been misused to track people without their permission, resulting in severe breaches of privacy. In light of these problems, Apple has rolled out various modifications to alleviate such risks, but the company acknowledges that further actions are necessary.

Mark Gurman, an eminent technology journalist, indicates that Apple intends to make it more difficult to detach the speaker from the AirTag 2. This change is aimed at ensuring that any AirTag misused for harmful purposes will still produce sound, aiding victims in recognizing and finding the device.

Moreover, there are aspirations that Apple will enhance the internal speaker’s functionality, making alerts louder and harder to ignore. The ultimate objective for Apple should be to construct a device that is as hostile to stalkers as feasible.

## The Significance of User Privacy

Apple has consistently promoted user privacy as a fundamental principle, yet the AirTag has unintentionally turned into a tool for some significant privacy infringements. Therefore, the company faces an exceptional challenge with the AirTag 2: it needs to enhance the technical specifications while also affirming its dedication to user safety and privacy.

To accomplish this, Apple will probably need to introduce both hardware and software upgrades that tackle the weaknesses of the original AirTag. This could involve features that notify users if an unfamiliar AirTag is nearby, along with more effective tracking and reporting systems for individuals who suspect they are being monitored.

## Conclusion: Elevated Expectations for AirTag 2

As Apple gears up to unveil the AirTag 2, the stakes are considerable. The company must strike a careful balance between boosting functionality and safeguarding user privacy. With insights gained from the inappropriate uses of the original AirTag, Apple has a chance to redefine the product and establish a new benchmark for privacy in tracking gadgets.

What modifications do you wish to see in AirTag 2? Leave your feedback in the comments below.

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Overcast Unveils Updated Listening Metrics and 48-Hour Reversal Feature

# Overcast Podcast Player Unveils Thrilling New Additions in Recent Update

The well-known podcast player, Overcast, has officially launched a major update that upgrades user experience with two highly awaited features: **Listening Stats** and a **48-hour History and Undo** capability. These enhancements not only elevate the app’s performance but also furnish users with important insights into their podcast listening behaviors.

## Fresh Listening Stats Feature

Among the key improvements in this update is the **Listening Stats** feature. Overcast users can now monitor their podcast listening patterns across different periods—daily, monthly, or annually. This feature enables users to identify which podcasts they’ve tuned into the most over the past two years, offering a thorough summary of their audio journey.

### Key Highlights of Listening Stats:
– **Top Podcasts Overview**: Users can check their most-listened-to podcasts by year, month, or day, with data accessible from the beginning of 2023.
– **Social Sharing**: The feature comes with the ability to create images of your favorite podcasts, simplifying the process of sharing your listening stats on social networks.

This fresh functionality not only injects an element of enjoyment into podcast listening but also motivates users to discover new shows based on their listening trends.

## 48-Hour History and Undo Functionality

In addition to the Listening Stats, Overcast has launched a **48-hour History and Undo** feature. This upgrade is especially beneficial for users who might accidentally skip a podcast or delete an episode they wanted to retain.

### Key Highlights of the 48-Hour History and Undo Feature:
– **Accidental Seeks**: If you inadvertently seek too far ahead in a podcast or leave your device playing overnight, you can easily reverse those actions.
– **Episode Recovery**: Users can retrieve deleted episodes, podcasts, or playlists within a 48-hour timeframe, ensuring errors can be corrected without losing content.

This feature expands upon the **undo seek** capability that was added earlier this year, further improving the app’s functionality.

## Premium Subscription Revision

While these new features are accessible to Overcast Premium users, it’s crucial to note that the price of the subscription has risen from $9.99 to $14.99 per year. This marks the inaugural price hike in Overcast’s eight-year existence, effective for new subscribers starting November 21, and for existing subscribers upon renewal.

Marco Arment, the creator of Overcast, shared the reasoning behind the price adjustment:

> “My business model is to deliver a substantial surplus of value to you over time, significantly exceeding what I charge, so when I eventually request more, it’s an obvious choice. I trust I’ve accomplished that for you.”

Numerous users, including loyal fans of the app, feel that the previous price was overly generous considering the continuous upgrades and new features being implemented.

## Conclusion

Overcast continues to reinforce its status as a premier podcast player with these new functionalities. The Listening Stats and 48-hour History and Undo features not only enhance user experience but also offer valuable insights into listening patterns. While the price increase may be a factor for some, many users recognize the ongoing value that Overcast provides.

For those eager to explore these new features, Overcast is available for download on the [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/overcast/id888422857). You can also hear more about the update from Marco Arment on the latest episode of the

“Investigating the Potential for Apple to Venture into the Television Market: A Survey for Feedback”

# Handling Push Notifications: An In-Depth Guide In the current digital environment, push notifications have emerged as a vital means of engaging users and providing timely updates. However, the ease of push notifications carries the obligation of managing them properly. This article delves into the management of push notifications, the advantages of personalization, and the

UK Carrier O2 Creates AI Grandmother Called Daisy to Distract Scammers [Video]

### O2’s Daisy: The AI Grandma Battling Phone Scammers

In a world increasingly inundated with phone scams, the UK mobile carrier O2 has launched a groundbreaking solution: Daisy, an AI-driven grandmother crafted to engage and distract phone scammers. This initiative seeks to safeguard consumers by keeping fraudsters preoccupied, thereby diminishing their likelihood of targeting unsuspecting individuals.

#### The Idea Behind Daisy

Daisy is a component of a larger initiative to fight phone scams via technological means. The concept is straightforward yet impactful: the longer a scammer remains on the line, the fewer potential victims they can approach. By using an AI that imitates the traits of a slow-talking, tech-inept elder, O2 aims to establish a barrier against these unscrupulous calls.

This idea was popularized by a similar application called Lenny, a voice chatbot that employs pre-recorded audio snippets to interact with unwanted callers. Lenny’s effectiveness has been proven in several instances, where it has managed to keep scammers engaged for long durations, sometimes even up to an hour.

#### How Daisy Functions

Daisy works in real-time, responding to calls from fraudsters and engaging them in dialogue. The AI is engineered to let the scammer know that they are not speaking to an unsuspecting target, thus thwarting their attempts to commit fraud. O2 urges its customers to stay alert and leave the “scambaiting” to AI experts like Daisy.

To report a scam call or message, individuals can text the number 7722. This service checks the reported number and adds it to a database of known scam targets, further bolstering the community’s defenses against fraud.

#### The Significance of Reporting Scams

O2 highlights the necessity of reporting suspected fraudulent calls and texts. By doing so, users aid in a collective effort to combat phone scams. The more information is accumulated about these scams, the better positioned authorities and service providers are to take action against them.

#### See Daisy in Action

O2 has released a demonstration showcasing Daisy in action, illustrating how the AI engages with scammers. This not only serves as a deterrent to fraudsters but also raises consumer awareness about the methods used by scammers and the importance of being cautious when receiving unsolicited calls.

#### Conclusion

The launch of Daisy by O2 represents a pivotal advancement in the battle against phone scams. By harnessing AI technology, O2 is not only safeguarding its customers but also contributing to a broader movement aimed at diminishing the incidence of fraud. As consumers grow more knowledgeable about the strategies employed by scammers, initiatives like Daisy remind us to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

In a digital landscape where scams are becoming increasingly advanced, creative solutions like Daisy provide hope and protection for consumers everywhere.

Shazam Reaches Landmark of More Than 100 Billion Songs Identified

# Shazam Marks a Significant Achievement: More Than 100 Billion Songs Identified

Shazam, the well-known music recognition platform purchased by Apple in 2018, has accomplished an impressive feat: users have now identified over 100 billion songs. This extraordinary milestone highlights the app’s extensive usage and its essential function in how individuals discover and engage with music in the digital era.

## The Most Recognized Song: “Dance Monkey”

Among the multitude of tracks identified via Shazam, “Dance Monkey” by Tones and I emerges as the most identified song, with over 45 million recognitions. This infectious melody, which soared to the top of charts globally, illustrates Shazam’s ability to connect listeners with music that resonates with them.

## Seamless Integration into Apple’s Ecosystem

While the independent Shazam app remains accessible for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, its integration within Apple’s ecosystem has become progressively effortless. Users can now directly tap into Shazam’s song recognition features through various Apple services and devices.

### Features for Control Center and Action Button

One of the most prominent integrations is the option to add a Song Recognition widget to the Control Center on iPhones. This functionality enables users to effortlessly identify songs playing in other apps or via the microphone with just a few taps. Moreover, users with iPhone 15 and newer models can designate the Shazam Music Recognition feature to the Action button, further enhancing the convenience of identifying songs on the move.

### Improvements for Apple Watch Users

With the launch of watchOS 11, Apple has made further enhancements to the Shazam experience for Apple Watch users. The watch now automatically incorporates a Music Recognition shortcut into the Smart Stack when it senses loud music in the vicinity. This feature guarantees that users can swiftly identify tracks without having to take out their phones.

## Shazam Insights in Apple Music

Apple Music is also utilizing Shazam’s extensive data to improve its playlists and offerings. For instance, the platform has launched features like “Radio Spins,” which monitor the songs that are most frequently broadcasted on radio stations. This integration not only enriches the listening journey for Apple Music subscribers but also delivers valuable insights into musical trends and listener preferences.

## Final Thoughts

Shazam’s achievement of identifying over 100 billion songs stands as a reflection of its lasting acclaim and the changing dynamics of music discovery. As it continues to integrate more profoundly into Apple’s ecosystem, Shazam is set to remain an essential resource for music enthusiasts worldwide. Whether through its standalone application or its functionalities integrated into Apple devices and services, Shazam is transforming how we relate to music in our everyday lives.