Here are top trending news from the world of technology. News that we feel every tech enthusiast should keep a tab on.
1)
WhatsApp is reportedly Beta Testing a Newsletters Feature
If everything goes well then pretty soon Whatsapp users might be able share newsletters with all its contact. WhatsApp dedicated news portal WABetaInfo has claimed that it has found a code in a recent WhatsApp beta with reference to “Newsletter” feature. However, not much is known about this feature till now. Besides, there is no surety that WhatsApp may eventually release the newsletter feature on a full-fledge basis. However, considering that WhatsApp is as much a source of information as it is a messaging service it won’t be surprising that if WhatsApp does introduce this feature on its platform. Over the last few months Meta has launched several features including community chat feature to enhance its functionalities.
2)
Microsoft rolls out its Bing AI Chatbot on Mobile apps and Skype
Until now Microsoft has granted access to its AI powered chatbot in Bing and Edge only through desktop web browser. But starting from today Microsoft is going to make the AI chatbot feature available on Mobile apps and Skype. Talking specifically about the mobile apps, the chatbot will be made available on both Android as well as IOS. Users mandatorily need to have a Microsoft account to avail the chat service. However, once signed in you cannot start using the all the new Bing and Edge straight away as you will be added in a long wait list. Both Edge and Bing have witnessed a massive jump in the userbase ever since Microsoft integrated ChatGPT chatbot into both these services.
3)
TikTok is coming into Mercedes Benz (for the first time ever)
Now you can soon start enjoying the popular short video app TikTok on your own car’s LED TV. That’s because TikTok has been successfully integrated into the multimedia system of the new Mercedes Benz E Class model, which is likely to be launched into the market in the fall of 2023. This is the first time that TikTok has been integrated into any car’s multimedia system. Many other popular car brands may also look to integrate TikTok into their multimedia system considering the massive popularity of the app across the world. Recently there were also speculations that Tesla is planning to integrate the AI powered chatbot ChatGPT into its EV fleets.
4)
Byju’s is Planning to close coding platform WhiteHat Jr
According to media reports, India’s edtech giant Byju’s is weighting on the decision of shutting down its coding platform WhiteHat Jr. Byju’s, which is currently valued at around $22 Bn, had acquired WhiteHat Jr for almost $300 Mn in 2020. Back then many believed that WhiteHat Jr would prove to be a game changer for Byju’s but over the years the online coding platform has proved to be a drag on the company’s revenue. Shutting down WhiteHat Jr will surely help the edtech giant on cutting down its expenses and expenditure. Saddled by growing losses, Byju’s recently laid off thousands of employees. Cutting down on losses and improving its balance sheet is crucial for Byju’s, which plans to for an IPO pretty soon.
5)
Bill Gates buys stake in Popular Beer Company Heineken
Microsoft founder and billionaire Bill Gates has bought a minority stake in the Dutch beer giant Heineken Holding. According to Heineken’s regulatory filings, Gates bought the minority stake for about $938 Mn. The Microsoft founder bought the stake from Mexico’s famous beverage company FEMSA, which is exiting from Heineken. Gates recently said that he is not really a big beer drinker and does enjoying drinking beer much. For all those who don’t know, Heineken is one of the most popular beer brands in the world and is a major sponsor of several high-profile sporting competition including UEFA Champions League and Rugby World Cup.