Stay connected with what’s happening in the world of tech! From Google Passkey to YouTube Hype and more, we have you covered on the latest. Read on for this week’s round-up of tech news from across the web.
Hipstamatic’s Party! Disposable Camera App Revives Event Photography
Hipstamatic’s new Party! Disposable Camera app recreates the charm of disposable film cameras for event photography, allowing guests to snap candid photos at weddings or other gatherings. Guests can use a custom QR code to download the app and join the event, with all photos collected in a private gallery available the day after, mimicking the anticipation of film development. The app is free for up to five users, with tiered pricing for larger groups. While similar apps exist, Hipstamatic’s Party! app stands out for its visual styles and focus on simulating the retro camera experience, though it’s limited to iPhone users.
Google Enhances Passkey Support in Chrome for Easier Access Across Devices
Google is upgrading passkey support in Chrome, making it easier to use passwordless sign-in credentials across multiple devices. The update introduces a Google Password Manager PIN, allowing users to securely save and sync passkeys across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, with iOS support coming soon. This replaces the previous need to scan a QR code on Android devices, while maintaining security with end-to-end encryption. Users can unlock passkeys on new devices by using either their Android screen or the Password Manager PIN.
Microsoft Launches Windows App for Streaming Across Multiple Platforms
Microsoft has launched a new Windows app for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, web browsers, Android, and Windows PCs. The app serves as a hub for streaming Windows from sources like Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Remote Desktop, featuring a customizable homescreen, multi-monitor support, and USB redirection for local devices. Designed for work and school accounts, the app helps Remote Desktop users connect to work PCs from personal devices. While currently limited to business users, the app is part of Microsoft’s long-term vision of moving Windows to the cloud. The app is available on the Microsoft Store, Apple’s App Store, and in public preview on Android.
YouTube Introduces Hype to Boost Smaller Creators
YouTube is launching Hype, a new feature designed to help smaller channels grow by allowing users to promote their favorite videos. With the Hype button, users can recommend videos from channels with fewer than 500,000 subscribers, contributing to a platform-wide leaderboard. Each user gets three hypes per week, and the most-hyped videos are ranked, with smaller channels receiving more points per hype to ensure visibility. Hype aims to foster community engagement, offering creators bonuses and users rewards like badges and performance summaries for their hypes. This feature helps fans support emerging creators while making video discovery easier.
Amazon Launches New AI Tools to Enhance Shopping Experience
Amazon has introduced new generative AI tools to personalize the shopping experience for both customers and sellers. At the Amazon Accelerate event, the company unveiled features like personalized product recommendations based on customers’ preferences and shopping habits, as well as more relevant product descriptions tailored to user interests. For sellers, Amazon launched a free AI-powered video generator and live image tool, making video marketing more accessible. Additionally, “Project Amelia,” a chatbot offering personalized business insights, is being tested with select retailers. These AI updates aim to improve user engagement and seller performance on the platform.