Stay on the pulse of what’s happening in the world of technology and media. From Snapchat to Mint Mobile, and more we have you covered with this week’s news. Check out the top headlines of the week below!
Snapchat to Introduce Feature Allowing Message Editing Post-Sending
Snap is introducing several enhancements to Snapchat, including a feature that allows users to edit messages within five minutes of sending them, provided they haven’t been opened, initially available only to Snapchat Plus subscribers. The update also brings emoji reactions, map reactions, and AI-powered reminders, which leverage Snap’s OpenAI-based My AI chatbot to set countdowns for important deadlines. Additionally, users can enjoy new customization options like AI-generated clothing for Bitmojis and AI Lenses for creating retro-style Polaroid images. Emoji reactions to messages and location-based reactions for shared spots are also new, although users are cautioned against using this feature while driving. These new features are available now, with editable messages for Plus subscribers slated to arrive soon.
T-Mobile Acquires Mint Mobile
T-Mobile has finalized its acquisition of Mint Mobile, which was previously part-owned by Ryan Reynolds. Under the deal, Mint Mobile customers can continue enjoying the $15 per month/5GB data plan and gain access to T-Mobile’s perks, including scam call screening and free Canada roaming with unlimited talk, text, and 3GB of data. The acquisition, valued at up to $1.35 billion, also includes Ka’ena Corporation, parent of Mint Mobile, along with Ultra Mobile and Plum. Ultra Mobile customers will also benefit from enhanced data roaming in Mexico. Approved by the FCC last month, the acquisition sees Mint founders joining T-Mobile, with Reynolds remaining as Mint’s ambassador, helping T-Mobile re-enter the prepaid phone market after its divestiture from Boost Mobile.
WhatsApp Introduces Event Planning Feature
WhatsApp is launching a new feature that simplifies event planning within group messages. The feature is ideal for organizing both virtual and in-person gatherings for friends, schools, and local communities. This feature allows group members to create events for occasions such as birthday parties and work meetings. Events are pinned to the group’s information page and have a dedicated chat thread for RSVPs and discussions. Additionally, WhatsApp is enhancing “Announcement Groups” with the capability for members to reply, providing feedback while keeping the chat muted to avoid excessive notifications. Initially available in WhatsApp Communities, this feature will expand to all groups in the near future, leveraging WhatsApp’s capabilities like 32-person video calls to enhance group interaction.
Audible Introduces Book Recommendations Based on Streaming History
Audible is introducing a new feature for recommending audiobooks. The update will be recommended based on your Prime Video watching habits. Likewise, this is currently being tested with half of the users who have both Audible and Amazon Prime memberships. This new section suggests audiobooks related to your viewing choices, such as “Dune,” “Project Hail Mary,” and “Fourth Wing.” The initiative follows observations of increased audiobook listening aligned with Prime Video releases. Examples include an 80% rise in listening minutes for Lee Child’s books coinciding with the “Reacher” series premiere. This integration also extends to a partnership between Audible and Amazon MGM. This would lead to developing TV series from Audible’s audiobooks and podcasts. Of course, the move capitalizes on the natural overlap between TV, movies, and books.
Roku to Introduce Video Ads on Homescreen
Streaming app Roku is strategizing to enhance its advertising revenue by introducing video ads on users’ home screens. Roku plans to incorporate video ads into a section called the “Marquee” on the home screen. Of course this being, where static ads currently reside. This placement suggests the ads will not be full-screen, potentially less disruptive than some other platforms’ approaches. Wood also mentioned ongoing tests for various video ad formats and more innovative advertising strategies on the home screen. Additionally, Roku has introduced an “AI-driven” personalized content row to the home screen, further tailoring user experience.