Take a dive into the latest tech news with our weekly round-up of what’s happening across the web. From Vizio Updates GM Expansions and more, we have you covered. Read on for what’s going on in the world of tech and media.
Vizio is undertaking a significant upgrade to the software of its TVs
Vizio has revealed an extensive revamp of the home screen interface for its TVs. The update is set to be rolled out to models as far back as 2016. The company’s new interface presents a sleeker, more modern look than the existing SmartCast OS. The inspiration for the overhaul seems to draw heavily from the aesthetics of a streaming service. The user experience is further enhanced by including small badges on the cover art. In addition, details pages for shows and movies will now include Rotten Tomatoes scores and Common Sense Media parental guidance, as Vizio has announced. A notable feature of the Home Screen is its universal watchlist, capable of aggregating content from various entertainment apps. The improved, cohesive, and intuitive design of the Home Screen is a significant leap forward from the SmartCast OS.
Android TV Introduces a Tab for Movie Rentals and Purchases, Catering to Those Who Still Prefer This Method
As the streaming landscape grows, Android TV enhances its interface to accommodate users who still enjoy renting or purchasing movies. The platform is introducing a ‘Shop’ tab, which allows users to rent or buy movies on their Android TV directly. The new tab, which will also host a consolidated library of previously purchased content, aims to simplify the user experience in an increasingly fragmented streaming environment. This move by Google, which manages all purchases and rentals, raises questions about the future of its support for the Movies Anywhere service.
TikTok May Debut an E-commerce Platform Next Month
According to a report from Semafor, TikTok is preparing to launch an online store for its U.S. customers. This store would be integrated within the TikTok app, under an e-commerce tab, and would showcase a selection of curated items, as well as products listed through its current in-app shopping feature, TikTok Shop. The new feature could be launched as early as next month. TikTok’s strategy appears to be changing; instead of solely facilitating brands to sell products on the app, the company plans to purchase its own merchandise, such as toys and kitchen items, and handle the logistics and customer service itself. This move aligns with job listings spotted last year, suggesting TikTok’s ambition to establish a network of fulfillment centers in the U.S. to compete with companies like Amazon.
1Password Now Enables User Account Management within Its Apps
1Password has introduced in-app family account management, eliminating the previous need to manage user accounts exclusively through the web. As of Tuesday, “Family Organizers” can now administer user accounts associated with a 1Password Family membership directly from the macOS, Windows, Linux, and Android apps, as stated in a company blog post, with iOS support expected later this week. Within the app, administrators can now invite new members or guests to a 1Password Family account via the Manage Accounts section and keep track of the status of these invitations. Additionally, the app now displays information about connected user accounts’ statuses, including their access levels, recovery statuses, and the trusted devices and browsers linked to the family account, enhancing security monitoring capabilities.
GM Expands Its Portfolio with Home Energy Products to Complement Its EVs
GM Energy, a subsidiary of GM that specializes in selling batteries, charging equipment, solar panels, and software, has just unveiled its first range of energy management products under its residential business unit, Ultium Home. At launch, customers will have the option of three distinct product bundles, two of which leverage the bidirectional charging capabilities of some GM EVs, while the third is independent of owning an electric GM vehicle. The bidirectional V2H (vehicle-to-home) charging technology allows homeowners to use their parked GM EV as an emergency energy source for their homes during power outages. To this end, there are two Ultium Home kits: the V2H Bundle and Energy System Bundle. The Home Energy Storage Bundle caters to those looking to install stationary batteries without requiring an EV. This bundle includes GM’s PowerShift Charger, a V2H Enablement Kit, and GM’s PowerBank.
DoorDash Introduces Hourly Rates and Location Sharing Features for Couriers
DoorDash is revolutionizing its payment model for couriers by introducing the option to earn an hourly rate in addition to tips. This represents a significant change from the current model, which calculates base pay based on factors such as time, distance, and desirability of an order. However, not all orders will offer the hourly rate option. Moreover, DoorDash is implementing a location-sharing feature, allowing couriers to share their real-time location with up to five contacts. This feature enhances couriers’ safety by enabling their close ones to track their whereabouts and potentially provide emergency assistance if necessary. The company is also introducing a “Dash Along the Way” feature, allowing couriers to pick up orders en route to a specific destination, and a post-checkout tipping option for customers to add or increase tips, incentivizing better tipping practices.