Here is the top trending news from the world of technology. News that every tech enthusiast should keep a tab on.
1)
Apple is planning to power Mac laptops with M4 AI focused chips
According to Bloomberg, Apple is planning to launch new series of M4 laptops that will be powered by its in-house chip M4, which is significant upgrade from the current M3 generation. The great thing about M4 processor is that it comes with many AI capabilities, which can help in fulfilling many of your complicated tasks. We’ll likely hear more details about the M4 Macs and their capabilities at Apple’s upcoming WWDC 2024 event. Apple is expected to launch M4 laptops into the market later this year and significant upgrade is expected in the early 2025. Overall, this is exciting news for Mac fans as they will look forward to some exciting functionalities in the upcoming Mac series.
2)
Google One VPN is shutting down soon
Google has announced that is ending its VPN service offered as a part of Google One plans. The company cited ‘low usage’ as the main reason for discontinuing the service. An exact shut down date isn’t announced, but it’s expected to happen sometime later in 2024. Google, however, has said that it won’t be discontinuing the free Pixel VPN service that debuted in 2022 with the Pixel 7 phone. For all those who don’t know, Google One VPN offered many security and privacy features like masking of IP address and encrypting online traffic. However, unlike other VPN services, it lacked features like choosing a server location or split tunneling.
3)
Instagram to Auto-blur nude pics in DMs in latest teen safety step
Instagram DMs or direct messages will soon offer new feature that will automatically blurs nude photos. However, teen will still have the option to choose whether to view the image or not. A Informative message will also pop up alongside blurred images, reminding teens that they have the option to report or block the sender all together. This feature will be automatically enabled for users under 18, with adults receiving a notification to consider turning on or enabling the feature. This feature is still in beta testing phase,
4)
Taylor Swift Songs Return to TikTok amid clash with Universal Music
There is a great news for TikTok users who are Taylor Swift fans or addicts. After nearly two-month break, Taylor Swift’s music is back on TikTok. This follows TikTok’s licensing dispute with Universal Music Group, which owns most of Taylor Swift’s songs. It is still unclear if TikTok has struck a deal with the Universal Music Group. However, mind you, not all Taylor songs are back yet on TikTok. Users can currently enjoy songs from her recent albums like Folklore and Evermore and some singles like “ME. Interestingly, this return coincides with the upcoming release of Taylor’s new album, “The Tortured Poets Department, which is scheduled to release on April 18th
5)
You can now enjoy Substack podcasts on Spotify
Substack podcasts are all set to land on Substack podcasts. Starting from April 11, 2024, Substack podcast creators can distribute their shows, both free and paid, directly to Spotify. This will opportunity to Substack creators to reach Spotify’s massive user base, potentially growing their audience significantly. Free Substack shows will be accessible after linking your Substack account. Paid episodes, on other hand, will require a Substack subscription, which you can manage within Spotify app. Overall, this is a win-win for both Substack creators and Spotify listeners, offering a wider variety of podcasts as well as a convenient listening experience.