Dive into the latest news from the world of tech and media. From a Reels App to Trello updates and more, we have you covered with the top headlines. Check out what’s happening across the web in this week’s Tech News blog!
Disney Plus Launches SC Plus, a Bite-Sized SportsCenter Show
Disney Plus will debut SC Plus, a fast-paced, 15-minute version of ESPN’s SportsCenter, starting March 3rd. The show will follow SportsCenter’s Top 10 format, delivering key sports highlights for casual fans. Weekday hosts include Gary Striewski and Randy Scott, while Hannah Storm and Jay Harris take over on weekends. The launch further blends Disney Plus and ESPN Plus, following the addition of an ESPN tile to Disney Plus in December 2024. SC Plus also teases ESPN’s upcoming standalone streaming service, which will offer live content and additional features like sports betting.
Amazon Enters Quantum Computing with Ocelot Chip
Amazon is stepping into quantum computing with Ocelot, a new chip designed to make quantum error correction up to 90% more efficient. Unlike traditional methods that add more qubits to fix errors, Ocelot integrates error correction directly using “cat qubits,” which inherently suppress certain errors. This approach differs from Google and Microsoft, which focus on increasing qubit counts. While still a prototype, Ocelot’s efficient design could lead to smaller, more resource-efficient quantum computers, marking Amazon’s major push into the field.
Instagram May Launch Standalone Reels App to Rival TikTok
Instagram is reportedly considering spinning off Reels into a standalone app as part of Project Ray, a Meta initiative to compete with TikTok. The move comes amid TikTok’s uncertain future in the U.S., where it faces a potential ban. Plans include improving content recommendations and increasing three-minute Reels videos. It’s unclear if Reels would remain integrated into Instagram, but a dedicated app would offer a more TikTok-like experience. This would mark Meta’s second attempt at a short-form video platform, following the shutdown of its Lasso app in 2020.
Microsoft Expands Free Access to Copilot’s AI Features
Microsoft is now offering unlimited use of its o1 reasoning model and Copilot Voice to all users, removing previous limits on free access. This change allows for extended AI interactions but may experience delays during high demand. The move follows Microsoft’s Copilot integration into Bing and a recent revamp of its Copilot Pro subscription, which still offers priority access, experimental AI features, and expanded Microsoft 365 integration for $20/month.
Adobe Launches Powerful New Photoshop Mobile App
Adobe has released a new Photoshop mobile app with advanced editing and generative AI tools, bringing a desktop-like experience to iPhone users today and Android later this year. Unlike Photoshop Express, this app offers deeper integration with Creative Cloud, AI-powered tools like Generative Fill, and free access to core Photoshop features. A $7.99/month subscription unlocks premium tools, including Object Select and Clone Stamp. While Adobe hasn’t clarified the future of Photoshop Express, the new app signals a shift toward professional-grade mobile editing as competition from Canva and Pixelmator intensifies.
Trello Adds AI-Powered Features to Simplify Task Management
Trello is rolling out new AI-powered features aimed at turning the app into a universal to-do list by integrating with Slack, email, and Siri to capture tasks from multiple sources. A new Inbox column lets users quickly collect and organize tasks, while Trello Planner introduces a calendar view for time-blocking. The update, launching in April, focuses on personal productivity rather than enterprise project management. Trello’s goal is to streamline task organization without adding complexity—helping users manage their workload more efficiently.