Another week has buzzed on by and it’s time for our weekly tech news recap. From AI on TikTok to the Giphy Acquisition and more, stay connected with our round-up of tech and media news.
TikTok is Experimenting with an AI Chatbot Named Tako
TikTok is currently experimenting with an AI chatbot named Tako, which aims to provide video recommendations based on user inquiries, as per screenshots shared with The Verge. Daniel Buchuk, from Watchful Technologies, suggests that this feature could dramatically alter the way users search and navigate within the app, should it be widely implemented. Tako, which resides above the user’s profile icon in the test interface, prompts a chat screen where it is designed to respond to a broad array of questions. It remains uncertain which AI model fuels Tako’s capabilities. According to Buchuk, Tako will provide relevant TikTok video suggestions based on user queries, whether it’s a request for a recipe after viewing food videos, or asking for recommended art exhibitions in Paris.
Google Begins to Grant User Access to its AI Search Experiment
Google has begun offering limited access to Search Labs, a platform for testing new search features. The key feature, known as the Search Generative Experience (SGE), provides AI-generated summaries at the top of search results. This significant change could alter user search behaviors, potentially impact the SEO industry, and possibly even transform the web’s business model. The Search Generative Experience (SGE) stands out as the most intriguing feature of Labs.
Discord Acquires Custom Stream Deck Hardware and Receives a Major Plug-in Update
Elgato is enhancing the Discord plug-in for its Stream Deck, offering new features such as Discord’s soundboard integration, message notifications, and improved volume control. Additionally, the company is rolling out custom Discord-branded hardware. The soundboard feature, similar to Voicemod’s function, allows users to assign sounds to buttons and search for preset sounds, although it is exclusive to Discord Nitro subscribers. Another new feature enables users to conveniently switch between audio inputs or outputs on their PC using a Stream Deck button. Additionally, Elgato has incorporated a notifications feature that displays the number of pending messages directly on a Stream Deck button.
Reportedly, Sony’s PlayStation Handheld is Set to Launch in November
Sony has officially acknowledged it’s new PlayStation handheld, expected to debut in November 2023. No specific release date or pricing has been revealed by Sony, but they have confirmed a launch within this year. The PlayStation handheld is designed to allow PS5 owners to stream games onto an 8-inch LCD screen. The controllers are similar to the DualSense PS5 controller on either side. This device won’t run games natively, requiring installed games on a PS5 and robust Wi-Fi connectivity for streaming. Sony’s move into handheld gaming seems to be in response to the increasing popularity of portable gaming devices like Nintendo’s Switch and Valve’s Steam Deck.
Netflix Password Sharing will now cost $7.99
Netflix has announced stricter regulations regarding account sharing. New plans allow subscribers to add extra members at an additional cost. Under the Netflix Standard plan ($15.49 per month), users can add an additional member outside their household for an extra $7.99 monthly fee. Premium subscribers can add up to two extra members at the same cost per member. However, subscribers on Netflix’s two cheapest plans won’t have this option. These additional users, called “extra members”, will have their own passwords and profile. The definition of a Netflix household is based on the location and IP address of a TV device.
Shutterstock Acquires Giphy for $53 Million
Shutterstock has announced the purchase of Giphy for $53 million, following the UK’s competition regulator’s block of Meta’s acquisition attempt. As part of the agreement, Meta will maintain access to Giphy’s library across its platforms. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) obstructed Meta’s acquisition due to concerns of increased market power potentially harming competition. Despite challenging the ruling, Meta eventually consented to sell Giphy last year.