Welcome to our tech news blog! In this edition, we bring you exciting updates from Spotify and the latest Meta Quest 2 news. Stay tuned for all the highlights from this week’s leading tech news.
Meta Enhances the Performance of its Quest 2 and Pro Headsets
Meta announced an update that will enhance the performance of its Quest 2 and Pro VR headsets. The Quest 3 is set for release in September. The new Quest 2 v55 update, which Meta is currently rolling out, increases the GPU speed by 19% for Quest 2 and 11% for Quest Pro while also providing up to a 26% performance boost in CPU power for both headsets. As a result, users should experience smoother game performance on the Quest 2, more responsive system UI, and Dynamic Resolution Scaling for improved pixel density at consistent frame rates. Developers can update their games and apps to harness these performance gains, as demonstrated by a sample video from “The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners” shared in Meta’s blog post.
Opera Unveils Revamped Browser Featuring an AI Assistant
Opera has introduced Opera One, a revamped version of its browser featuring an AI-powered chatbot named Aria. Much like Microsoft Edge’s Bing chatbot, Aria is integrated into Opera’s sidebar, allowing users to generate text, code, and brainstorm ideas, among other things. Powered by Opera’s Composer AI engine and OpenAI’s GPT model, Aria can be accessed by simply clicking its icon on the screen after creating an Opera account. Despite its capabilities, Aria lacks the conversation style selection and one-click options for tone, format, and length found in the Edge assistant.
Discord Intends to Enable Creators to Sell Downloadable Goods
Discord is planning to introduce a new monetization avenue for creators through the sale of digital products, known as “Downloadables,” such as ebooks, gaming guides, and digital wallpapers. These products will be purchasable from a Server Shop, which is currently under testing. This move, expected to roll out in the coming months, adds to Discord’s existing server subscription methods for creator monetization. Alongside this, Discord is enhancing its server subscriptions by introducing tier templates to simplify the decision-making process regarding subscription offerings. Furthermore, Discord has launched a new type of channel, ‘Media Channels’. The channel focuses on videos, photos, and files, making the platform increasingly attractive for community building.
Unseen Fitness Features Reportedly Exist for Apple’s Vision Pro
Apple’s Vision Pro headset has not yet revealed its potential fitness applications. A report by The Information indicates that Apple has been contemplating workout apps for the mixed reality headset. The features were not ready at the time of its June launch. The company reportedly considered partnerships with Nike for creating Vision Pro workouts. In addition, they explored ideas for interactive stationary bike content and face cushions designed for high-intensity workouts. Unveiled wellness apps include a meditation app and rumored yoga and tai chi apps.
Patreon to Introduce Free Membership Tier and Enable Purchases for Fans
Patreon is set to introduce a free subscription option. The option would enable creators to offer fans a taste of their content without an upfront payment. This move is in response to platforms like TikTok and Instagram, which increasingly incorporate paywalls and subscription features. According to Julian Gutman, Patreon’s chief product officer, reducing initial barriers can lead to increased conversion rates. This free subscription tier could help creators reach a broader audience. Likewise, offering them the option to share public content and gain access to Patreon’s suite of tools. Furthermore, creators can also sell one-off digital products. The products include videos, podcasts, and other downloadable files.
Spotify Revamps the Design of its Desktop Application
Spotify has unveiled a redesigned desktop app aimed at providing easier access to song and podcast details. In addition, they have also improved playlist organization. The revamp, described as one of Spotify’s most significant overhauls, is being rolled out to all desktop users globally. The Your Library sidebar has undergone a major change. The library now features colorful icons and displays recently played artists and albums alongside playlists. Users can customize the sidebar layout and filter their library. Additionally, Spotify has introduced a Now Playing view on the right side of the screen. The update showcases additional information, such as tour dates, merchandise, episode descriptions, and transcripts.