Instagram Post Videos and IGTV will now be combined into Instagram Videos

Instagram has been struggling to find its footing ever since the world moved onto video content over images. The social media platform had introduced one-minute post videos, followed by IGTV, a product it hoped would compete with the likes of YouTube. When TIkTok burst into the scene, Instagram tried to capture the short video market with Reels - a platform that somewhat picked up after the Chinese social media app was banned in India. With Instagram trying to be so many things, users of the platform have become somewhat accustomed to app glitches every other day. In an effort to consolidate their product, reduce redundancies, and hopefully reduce app glitches, Instagram is now combining post videos with IGTV into one product - Instagram Videos.

What will happen to the standalone IGTV app?

Instagram had launched a standalone IGTV app, and to the brand’s dismay, only 7 million of its 1 billion users had downloaded the app. Users preferred encountering IGTV videos through their feed and didn’t feel the need to download a standalone app. As a result, Instagram removed the orange IGTV button from the app, realising that it didn’t really get much traction.

Creators have been using IGTV in order to post videos longer than 1 minute, and the product has been successful enough to get brands interested in integrating ads. Like YouTube ads, IGTV ads play before the video one’s watching. However, with this new change, we’re expecting the branding of the ad platform to change to something like Instagram Video ads. 

Instagram video will combine both, long and short videos, however, since post videos and Reels both have a one-minute capacity, it’s still unclear how creators should differentiate between the two. The social media platform has increasingly been marketing Reels as the go-to product for Instagram users to increase reach and followers. However, Instagram is also notorious for promoting creator content that showcases the latest features. One can’t help but wonder what this means for creators who prioritise Reels over Instagram Video when posting 1-minute (or under) content formats. 

Also Read: How to Download Instagram Reel Videos and save them on your Mobile

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Whatsapp poised to introduce a Global Voice Message Player and Disappearing Messages Feature

WhatsApp’s voice message functionality has always been quite convenient to use, barring the fact that the message stops playing when you exit the chat. Now, according to Wabetainfo, the app is planning to rectify this issue by releasing a new update that allows the voice messages to play even when you exit the chat. The voice message will be shown at the top of the chats, and you can listen to it while scrolling through other messages. 

Other WhatsApp Updates on the horizon

Additionally, according to Wabetainfo, Whatsapp is also testing a new disappearing messages feature and will be rolling out the update to their Beta users on iOS. Reports indicate that you can choose between three different time stamps - 24 hours, 7 days and 90 days - and the messages will disappear once the time is up. 

Both the updates are not available to Beta users at the moment, though some users are reporting that they can s;et timings for disappearing messages. This is mainly because Whatsapp allows you to set a default timing under its privacy settings - and this is a very rudimentary version of what the app is planning to offer. 

What is WhatsApps Voice Messaging Feature?

Whatsapp has been tweaking its voice message functionality, adding features like altering playback time to the mix. Its global voice message player should make it easier for users to leverage this functionality without feeling restricted to a specific chatbox.

Whatsapp has many updates on the horizon, including one that might just negate all its privacy features! Keep an eye on our website to know more. 

Also Read: Whatsapp Expands into the Business Directory Market with latest offering

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Realme UI 30 Launching on October 13, Realme GT to Be First Series to Receive Android 12-Based Build

Realme recently confirmed that it will be launching the Realme UI 3.0 on October 13, with the Realme GT being the first series to use an Android 12-based OS. With the Android 12 OS poised to release globally soon, you can bet that other smartphones will also receive the OS update in the coming weeks.

The new Realme UI 3.0 is said to improve on the "functionality, fluency, customisability, security, and privacy that young users are concerned about." 

What can you expect from Android 12?

The Realme UI 3.0 is based on Android 12, and will also showcase some of the features used in the ColorOS 12 (also based on Android 12). Android 12 is supposed to offer a more aesthetically pleasing experience as it will integrate the Material You update throughout all the pertinent apps. Most widgets will also have a more modern look, according to Google. The new OS is also claimed to boost the overall performance of the smartphone, while bringing new privacy features to the forefront. 

Which phones will receive Android 12?

Other brands have already begun revealing upcoming smartphones that will have Android 12 installed right out of the box. Most users should also be able to upgrade compatible smartphones to Android 12 quite easily.

Google has already released a stable version of the Android 12 build, however, it hasn’t been rolled out to smartphones yet. You can expect the same to happen within the coming weeks. 

Also Read: Realme GT Neo 2 with Snapdragon 870 SoC, 64MP triple camera, 65W fast charging launched

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BSNL is offering free 4G SIM till December 2021: All you need to know

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is back with its free 4G SIM offer. The government-owned telecom service provider will now be giving free 4G SIM along with an extension of its promotional plan for Rs 699 till January.

BSNL is offering a free 4G SIM till December 2021

BSNL will be offering a free 4G SIM to its new and MNP(Mobile Number Portability) port-in customers till December, 2021. For getting the free 4G SIM, users need to get a first recharge coupon above Rs 100. Till now, this offer is available in the Kerala circle, but it looks like the government-telco can extend it to other telecom circles as well. 

You can grab the BSNL Free 4G SIM from your nearby BSNL Customer Service Service Centers(BSNL CSCs) and BSNL's retail outlets. The cost of Rs 20 for BSNL's 4G SIM card will be waived off. 

BSNL is extending it’s prepaid plan of Rs 699 for 90 days

The most popular prepaid plan from BSNL will now be available until January 2022. This plan comes with 0.5GB of data/day, unlimited calls, 100 SMS per day and Free BSNL Tunes. The validity offered here is 180 days and will be available for the next three months. It will be available to the current and new users, and they can activate the plan by either going to a retail shop or via SMS and call. 

If you want to activate the plan by sending an SMS or call, you need to have a prepaid account balance above Rs 699. Users can dial a short USSD code *444*699# to activate the plan. Customers can also send PLAN BSNL699 to 123 via SMS, as always.

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Google bans 136 malicious apps infected with Grifthorse Android Trojan

Google bans 136 apps from the Play Store after researchers at Zimperium zLabs discovered a unique trojan. This trojan is called Grifthorse Android Trojan, which attacks its victim by first hiding behind different applications and spreading throughout the system. Later it manipulates users by inviting them to accept fake prizes and steals money from them without any information.

Security experts at Zimperium zLabs informed Google about this malware and shared a blog post regarding the same. They have mentioned that Grifthorse Android Trojan has stolen money from over 10 Million victims across 70 countries. This malware campaign could have stolen more than hundreds of millions of Euros.

How did the Grifthorse Android Trojan affect over 10 Million users?

The malicious Android application looks harmless in the store, but these apps start charging for their services without users knowledge and consent. The amount is around 36 Euros per month.  When the victim's device is infected, they start getting thousands of alerts and notifications, with a frequency of five alerts per hour. These alerts show that the user has won a prize and asks them to claim it immediately. They won't stop appearing until you accept the reward.

Once you claim it, the malware redirects you to a geo-specific webpage, where they will ask you to submit your phone numbers for verification. Here the users are entering their number to pay for a premium SMS service and not for attestation. Once you are a subscriber to the premium subscription, you will be paying for it without any information.

This campaign has been running since November 2020 and has remained unnoticed until now. The cybercriminals took great care as they attacked different targets in different ways based on geolocation.

Google banned malicious 136 apps, and you should delete them 

Google removed 136 apps from Google Play Store after Zimperium reported the Grifthouse Android Trojan. These apps might still be available in third-party stores. If you have downloaded these apps in the past, now it's time to delete them or else you can be a victim of these attacks in the future. These apps include Heart Rate and Meal Tracker, iCare – Find Location and App Name. Here is the list of all these malicious apps.

 

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Facebook adds new features and cross-app Group Chat in Messenger and Instagram

Facebook Messenger and Instagram cross application Group Chat

Facebook has unveiled a slew of new Messenger and Instagram Direct features, including cross-app group chats, which allow you to participate in group discussions across the two apps, new group typing indicators to increase participation, and polls in your IG DMs. Instagram-Messenger cross-app group chats seem to be the most notable addition.

“Last year, we announced cross-app messaging between Messenger and Instagram. With this update, you’ll be able to start group chats between your Instagram and Messenger contacts”, stated Facebook.

It does provide a new wrinkle, and it's also another step in Facebook's larger messaging integration strategy. The update is a significant step forward in Facebook's efforts to improve the interoperability of its apps. You must opt in to access the cross-app communications, and Facebook claims that “over 70% of eligible Instagram users have updated to the new Messenger experience.”

Other features coming to Facebook Messenger and Instagram group chats

In addition to cross-app group messaging, Facebook is also adding new features to the messaging apps. Users can now establish group chats with their Instagram and Messenger friends in addition to one-on-one talks. They can also customise the cross-app group chats by adding custom reactions and themes. Polls will be featured in Instagram group DMs and cross-app discussions. Messenger will now support group typing indicators, so you can see when numerous people are composing a message. However it is still not confirmed if the same feature will be available in Instagram groups too. 

In addition to that, users may now also view videos from your Instagram feed with their friends using Facebook's Watch Together feature. Aside from the new integration capabilities, Facebook is also bringing expressive chat themes to Messenger and Instagram for everyone. It has introduced an Astrology art suite featuring new AR effects, as well as a Cottagecore chat theme.

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Amazon Great Indian Festival 2021- Buy printer online

The Amazon Great Indian Festival 2021 sale brings you the best deals on the laser printer. Now you can buy the best printer at an affordable price. Amazon India offers the best printer price in India. HDFC cardholders earn special discounts on debit/credit card purchases as well as EMI transactions made during the sale period. The best printer for home is available on Amazon India. 

Here are the best deals on printer on Amazon India.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Link Smartphone Printer - Ash White

Price – Rs 9,999.00 Deal – Rs 8,999.00

Fujifilm Instax Mini Link Smartphone Printer - Ash White helps you capture and print the best pictures instantly. To get good shots, you will need to tilt the printer to zoom in and out and simply press the power button. You can also edit and print photos from your smartphone with ease. Choose from 27 fun frames design that adds to your photos. You can flip the printer vertically/horizontally to alter the app mode. Simply download Free “Instax" From App Store or Google play to get the best pictures. You can select from 14 collage styles and has 3 split styles that help you divide one photo into multiple frames. View deal here. 

HP Deskjet 2331 Colour Printer, Scanner and Copier 

Price – Rs 4,323.00 Deal – Rs 3,699.00

HP Deskjet 2331 Colour Printer, Scanner and Copier for Home/Small Office has a compact size. You can scan, print and copy documents with ease. It has a simple set up which can be easily done via the HP Smart app that is set up with USB in few easy steps. It has high-speed USB 2.0 Connectivity and is very affordable. Amazon India offers the best deals on printers. View deal here. 

Canon PIXMA E477 All-in-One Wireless Ink Efficient Colour Printer

Price – Rs 6,355.00 Deal – Rs 5,499.00

Canon PIXMA E477 All-in-One Wireless Ink Efficient Colour Printer is an all-in-one (print, scan, copy) for your home. The Flatbed CIS Scanner and Output. The device has USB Connectivity, Wi-Fi, Google Cloud Print, Canon Print Service, etc. The printer comes with a 1-year carry-in warranty from the date of purchase. The printer is compatible with Windows 10 OS, Windows 8, and Windows 7 SP1. You can check the laser printer prices on Amazon India. View deal here. 

Canon Pixma G3000 All-in-One Wireless Ink Tank Colour Printer

Price – Rs 15,995.00 Deal Price – Rs 13,999.00

Canon Pixma G3000 All-in-One Wireless Ink Tank Colour Printer offers Wi-Fi and USB connectivity. It is compatible with Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 10, and Windows Vista SP2, as well as Mac OS X v10.7.5.  There is no LCD display on the printer. It is suitable for Home and Small offices, Regular / Heavy usage (more than 300 pages per month). View deal here. 

HP Ink Tank 310 Colour Printer, Scanner and Copier for Home/Office

Price – Rs 13,013.00 Deal Price - Rs 10,999.00

The All-in-one HP ink tank printer meets all your printing, scanning and copying needs. The printer provides the complete comfort of printing without borders. You can expand the area of every printout to maximize the experience. It provides more pages for your money. You can print what you want at a very low cost per page. Check out the printer sale on Amazon. View deal here. 

HP Smart Tank 516 All-in-One Wireless Integrated Ink Tank Colour Printer, Scanner and Copier

Price – Rs 18,360.00 Deal Price - Rs 15,699.0

The HP Smart Tank 516 has an integrated ink tank and an automatic ink sensor. You get a compact, spill-free refill system which makes it easy to manage. The printer comes with up to 8,000 colour or 18,000 black pages. The printer is ideal for high volume printing and offers worry-free printing at just 10p for Black and 20p for colour. You can get a better range, as well as offers faster and more reliable connections using dual-band Wi-Fi. You can easily print, scan, and copy from the mobile print app: HP Smart. You can connect the printer with the High-speed USB 2.0 Connectivity, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth LE. View deal here. 

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