Author: Rodeo Realty Media Team

Stay on the pulse of what’s happening in the world of technology and media. From Snapchat to Mint Mobile, and more we have you covered with this week’s news. Check out the top headlines of the week below!

Snapchat to Introduce Feature Allowing Message Editing Post-Sending

Snap is introducing several enhancements to Snapchat, including a feature that allows users to edit messages within five minutes of sending them, provided they haven’t been opened, initially available only to Snapchat Plus subscribers. The update also brings emoji reactions, map reactions, and AI-powered reminders, which leverage Snap’s OpenAI-based My AI chatbot to set countdowns for important deadlines. Additionally, users can enjoy new customization options like AI-generated clothing for Bitmojis and AI Lenses for creating retro-style Polaroid images. Emoji reactions to messages and location-based reactions for shared spots are also new, although users are cautioned against using this feature while driving. These new features are available now, with editable messages for Plus subscribers slated to arrive soon.

T-Mobile Acquires Mint Mobile

T-Mobile has finalized its acquisition of Mint Mobile, which was previously part-owned by Ryan Reynolds. Under the deal, Mint Mobile customers can continue enjoying the $15 per month/5GB data plan and gain access to T-Mobile’s perks, including scam call screening and free Canada roaming with unlimited talk, text, and 3GB of data. The acquisition, valued at up to $1.35 billion, also includes Ka’ena Corporation, parent of Mint Mobile, along with Ultra Mobile and Plum. Ultra Mobile customers will also benefit from enhanced data roaming in Mexico. Approved by the FCC last month, the acquisition sees Mint founders joining T-Mobile, with Reynolds remaining as Mint’s ambassador, helping T-Mobile re-enter the prepaid phone market after its divestiture from Boost Mobile.

WhatsApp Introduces Event Planning Feature

WhatsApp is launching a new feature that simplifies event planning within group messages. The feature is ideal for organizing both virtual and in-person gatherings for friends, schools, and local communities. This feature allows group members to create events for occasions such as birthday parties and work meetings. Events are pinned to the group’s information page and have a dedicated chat thread for RSVPs and discussions. Additionally, WhatsApp is enhancing “Announcement Groups” with the capability for members to reply, providing feedback while keeping the chat muted to avoid excessive notifications. Initially available in WhatsApp Communities, this feature will expand to all groups in the near future, leveraging WhatsApp’s capabilities like 32-person video calls to enhance group interaction.

Audible Introduces Book Recommendations Based on Streaming History

Audible is introducing a new feature for recommending audiobooks. The update will be recommended based on your Prime Video watching habits. Likewise, this is currently being tested with half of the users who have both Audible and Amazon Prime memberships. This new section suggests audiobooks related to your viewing choices, such as “Dune,” “Project Hail Mary,” and “Fourth Wing.” The initiative follows observations of increased audiobook listening aligned with Prime Video releases. Examples include an 80% rise in listening minutes for Lee Child’s books coinciding with the “Reacher” series premiere. This integration also extends to a partnership between Audible and Amazon MGM. This would lead to developing TV series from Audible’s audiobooks and podcasts. Of course, the move capitalizes on the natural overlap between TV, movies, and books.

Roku to Introduce Video Ads on Homescreen

Streaming app Roku is strategizing to enhance its advertising revenue by introducing video ads on users’ home screens. Roku plans to incorporate video ads into a section called the “Marquee” on the home screen. Of course this being, where static ads currently reside. This placement suggests the ads will not be full-screen, potentially less disruptive than some other platforms’ approaches. Wood also mentioned ongoing tests for various video ad formats and more innovative advertising strategies on the home screen. Additionally, Roku has introduced an “AI-driven” personalized content row to the home screen, further tailoring user experience. 

If you’re looking for a leisurely way to spend some free time, Los Angeles is surrounded by picturesque driving routes. Perfect for locals and visitors of all ages, these are our recommendations for the top scenic drives around Southern California.

Griffith Park

Locals are familiar with Griffith Park but we often forget how ideal it is for scenic drives. The 3.5-mile route through Griffith Park takes just 15 minutes to cruise through. Drive past elegant homes on Vermont Avenue and glimpse the Greek Theater. Soak up the stretching city vistas before driving back down the hill. You’ll get quite the stunning view of the park on the tree-lined Fern Dell as you exit.

Mulholland Drive

Winding through the Santa Monica Mountains, the pretty 15-mile-long route along the famous Mulholland Drive provides exquisite views of the city, iconic Hollywood sign, and surrounding mountain landscapes. It’s easy to see why several famous people have chosen to live here, both today and in times gone by, as you ogle expensive real estate. Reminisce over songs, films and books that feature the beautiful road. You can park up and take an energetic walk through San Vicente Mountain Park or Runyan Canyon.

Angeles Crest Highway

Cruise along the Angeles Crest Highway to Mt. Wilson, passing steep inclines and dense trees. As you climb higher you might even find yourself driving above the clouds! Be wowed by the views of the San Gabriel Mountains and pause for an alfresco lunch at the Red Box Picnic Area. Plan to spend at least an hour, depending on your speed and stopping times, enjoying this scenic SoCal drive. Popular with motorbikes and car drivers alike, it’s often said to be one of the most stunning drives around LA.

Palos Verdes to San Pedro

Follow Palos Verdes Dr S around the coast from Palos Verdes Estates to San Pedro, taking time to appreciate the impressive dwellings before you reach a wealth of magnificent natural wonders. As you drive around the peninsula and past the dramatic cliffs, consider making a stop at Pointe Vicente Lighthouse to try to spot whales swimming through the waters below. The scenic drive passes rolling golf courses and sandy beaches too, before providing a contrast in landscapes as you enter the residential and industrial outskirts of San Pedro. Before heading home, why not take a stroll through Angel’s Gate Park, home of the Korean Friendship Bell, or visit the imposing USS Iowa? The route covers around 14 miles.

Santa Monica to Malibu

Enjoy the sandy beaches and pier-based attractions of Santa Monica before driving north along the coast toward Malibu. You’ll pass close to the impressive Getty Villa before skirting along the edges of the nature-filled Tuna Canyon Park. Likewise, you’ll enjoy splendid ocean vistas in the opposite direction. There are plenty of dazzling photo stops along the 20-mile-long route, and you could consider a short detour to the picturesque Escondido Falls before finishing your scenic drive at the honeyed sands of Malibu’s Zuma Beach.

This may be one of the biggest debates for homeowners, and we understand why. There are evident differences between the types of stone that most often grace your kitchen and bathroom countertops. You may be asking yourself which one is superior. Well, that answer is not simple because it depends on several factors. That’s why in this week’s blog, we’re talking quartz vs. granite countertops.

Appearance

Granite:

This stone often becomes a go-to for its unique appearance. Unlike quartz, granite is not engineered, and therefore every slab possesses slight differences in mineral pattern and color. Granite can be found in many different colors works perfect as a subtle complement to your kitchen or a standout slab.

Quartz:

The recently popular stone has gained more interest as of late due to your ability to customize the design. Quartz is an engineered stone, which means it is more uniform in appearance. With Quartz, there are many colors and unique patterns that are available. So while granite offers many options in terms of appearance, you’ll have to search for the right piece that matches your color scheme. This is, of course not the case with quartz, making the selection process easier.

Composition

Going back to what we mentioned above, the difference in the two stones comes down to material matters. Literally. Granite will always be pure natural stone that’s been directly cut into slabs from stone quarries. The stone is then polished and fabricated into countertops.

With quartz, because the countertops are engineered stone products, they still contain a large percentage of natural quartz. On the other hand, it’s important to note; they may include other minerals. Since what you are getting are not slabs of quarried stone, the stone byproducts are ground up and formed in slabs. 

Cost

With either stone, you’ll be selecting a premium material that comes at a high-dollar price for a product that has to be sourced internationally. That being said, let’s break down some of the costs associated with both products.

Granite:

The cost for granite can be anymore between $2,000 and $4,000, usually and depending on any edging treatments requested. The best option to save money on your choice in stone would be to purchase the material from a wholesaler. We also recommend sticking with a professional for installation as the last thing you want to do is damage the granite you’ve just spent over $2K for.

Quartz:

The price for quartz ultimately depends on the quality. That’s why the price ranges between $1,500 and $5,500. Because engineered quartz is heavier than other stone surfaces, a professional installer would also be recommended in this case. That’s to ensure the structure you are placing it on is structurally sound, because you know…weight and everything we just mentioned.

Maintenance

Granite:

When it comes to your granite countertops, they should be cleaned daily. This should be done with soap and water or a mild household cleaner. Because granite countertops can be porous and require sealing, they can be prone to staining from certain oils and acids. To help your granite last longer, resealing is recommended.

Quartz:

Similar to granite, you’ll want to clean your counter with soap and water or a mild household cleaner. This particular piece of advice would be more about maintenance than durability. Since the solid surface does not require sealing, you won’t have to worry about damage from stains, thanks to the stone’s resins. 

Connect with top technology headlines of the week! Check out this week’s rundown on what’s happening from Google Meet to WhatsApp and more. We have you covered on the news you won’t want to miss from across the world-wide-web! 

Google Meet Introduces Seamless Device Switching During Calls

Google has introduced a new feature in Google Meet that simplifies switching devices during meetings. With the “Switch here” option, users can seamlessly transfer an ongoing call from their computer to their smartphone or vice versa, without interruption. This feature is particularly useful when moving from sitting at a desk to being on the go. Additionally, Google Meet now allows users to be on a call simultaneously from multiple devices, such as a tablet in the kitchen and a computer in the office, making multitasking more manageable. This functionality is accessible via the meeting link on the desired device, and it is available to both personal Google accounts and Workspace customers, starting today.

Lamborghini’s Urus SUV Adds Hybrid Model with New Plug-In Feature

Lamborghini continues its commitment to hybrid technology with the release of the plug-in hybrid Urus SE, now the most powerful version of their best-selling SUV. This luxury hybrid boasts a combined 800 CV (789 hp) from its twin-turbo V8 and electric motor, capable of driving up to 37 miles on electric power alone. The Urus SE features enhanced driving dynamics, including a new four-wheel drive system with electric torque vectoring and an electronic rear differential, enhancing its performance with various driving modes. Priced at $258,000, it surpasses the cost of competitors like the electric Mercedes G-Wagen. This release is part of Lamborghini’s broader €1.9 billion electrification strategy, positioning the Urus SE as a new benchmark in the Super SUV category and paving the way for the brand’s future all-electric models.

Zuckerberg Indicates Generative AI Monetization for Meta Is Years Away

During Meta’s recent first-quarter earnings call, CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized that while generative AI is being integrated across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, monetizing it will be a long-term project, taking several years. Despite Meta’s significant profit of over $12 billion last quarter, Zuckerberg projected slower revenue growth and highlighted substantial investments in AI and the metaverse. He likened the integration of AI to past successful additions like Stories and Reels, noting promising early engagement. Meta plans to explore multiple revenue streams from its AI assistant, including business messaging, ads, and premium services. Additionally, Zuckerberg was optimistic about the demand for Meta’s smart glasses, developed in collaboration with Ray-Ban, indicating a strong market interest in AI-enhanced wearable tech without a display.

WhatsApp for iOS Introduces Passkey-Based Login Without Passwords

WhatsApp is advancing towards a passwordless future by introducing passkey support in its iOS app, a feature that has been available to Android users since October. This update allows users to log in using iPhone biometrics—Face ID or Touch ID—or their phone’s passcode, enhancing security beyond the existing capability to unlock the app. Passkeys, designed to be a more secure alternative to traditional passwords and SMS two-factor authentication, enable login without a network connection as the authentication key is stored on the device. iOS users can expect to see this feature in the “Settings > Account > Passkeys” section in the coming weeks. Additionally, logging into WhatsApp on non-primary devices like Mac, Windows, or web will still require scanning a QR code from the “Linked Devices” menu.

Reddit Revamps App to Emphasize Comment Interaction

Reddit is enhancing its mobile app on iOS and Android to put a greater emphasis on comments, aiming to streamline the user experience. The update includes faster loading and immediate access to comments by clicking the comments icon, which now directs users straight to the top comment, with the original post summarized in a pinned “context bar” at the top of the screen. Users can interact with the original post by clicking its thumbnail in the context bar. Navigation has also been unified across media types, allowing users to swipe between posts or directly to comments. While these changes promote more active comment engagement, they may cause users to overlook some details of the original posts, especially if they bypass expanding images or reading captions. Reddit developed these updates based on user feedback.