Here are the top trending news from the world of technology. News that every tech enthusiast should keep a tab on.
1)
Instagram may launch 10-min long Reels to take on TikTok
According to TechCrunch, Instagram is internally testing the ability to create Reels that are up to 10 minutes long. By increasing the time limit on Reels from three minutes to 10, Instagram would be directly challenging TikTok, which expanded its maximum video length to 10 minutes way back in February 2022. An extended video length gives more time and flexibility to creators to create videos with better explanations and creativity. It is not yet clear when Instagram will publicly roll out 10 minutes Reel. However, only time will say whether the long videos will help Reels to catch up with TikTok, which is still the most popular short video app with over 1 Bn active users.
2)
Apple experimenting with 3D Printing (here’s why)
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is testing the use of 3D printers to produce the steel chassis that will be used in its upcoming smartwatches. This new 3D printing technique is called binder jetting, which uses less material and takes far less time for producing steel chassis. This printing technique can also help Apple in creating complex designs with a high degree of accuracy along with minimizing the environmental impact. Apple is still in the early stages of experimenting 3D printing. However, if successful, it could redefine how Apple manufactures its smart watches. According to rumors, Apple may also use 3D printing for manufacturing iPhones and Mac books.
3)
Microsoft is retiring Visual Studio from Mac
Microsoft has announced that it will stop providing support to Visual Studio on Mac. The latest version of Visual Studio for Mac, 17.6, will be supported only till August 31st 2024. Microsoft is recommending to switch to other alternatives like Visual Studio Code, which is a free and open-source IDE. Another alternative is JetBrains Rider, a commercial IDE that is also available on Mac. Microsoft has cited several reasons for discontinuing Visual Studio including the fact that Visual Studio’s declining popularity among the Mac users and the persistent challenge to develop a cross-platform IDE.
4)
Samsung launches its AI powered recipe App
Samsung has launched its AI-powered recipe app called Food. The Food app uses AI to personalize recipes and food recommendations for users. For instance, if you are a die hard vegan, the app will suggest only vegan recipes or ingredients that could be used in Vegan recipes. Overall, the Samsung’s Food app currently boasts over 160,000 recipes. Additionally, it allows you to share recipes with friends and create meal plans as well as grocery lists. The app is available in eight languages and 104 countries. It is a free app and is available for download on App store and Google play store.
5)
Baidu opens up its AI chatbot ERNIE for general public
China’s search engine giant Baidu has announced that it is making available ERNIE, its generative AI chatbot, for general public in China. Baidu had first launched ERNIE to limited people or only on invite basis in March this year. Just like ChatGPT, it can generate text, translate languages, write different kinds of creative content, and answer your questions in an informative way. Baidu will be making ERNIE available to public through various platforms including an open-source API and cloud-based service that allows users to access ERNIE. Baidu will also make available series of tutorials and documentation in public domain that will help users get started with ERNIE.