TikTok Files Emergency Motion to Halt Ban Pending Supreme Court Appeal
December 11, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYOOD) — Social media platform TikTok has filed an emergency motion seeking an injunction to prevent the TikTok Ban from taking effect on January 19, 2025. The request comes as the company pursues an appeal of a decision made by the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, which TikTok is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review.
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In a press release, TikTok cited the economic impact of the potential ban on its 170 million American users, including small businesses and content creators. According to company estimates, small businesses using the platform could lose over $1 billion in revenue, and creators could face nearly $300 million in lost earnings in a single month if the ban is enacted.
TikTok also highlighted its contributions to the U.S. economy, noting that in 2023 alone, the platform generated $24.2 billion through advertising, marketing, and organic reach, while its operations contributed an additional $8.5 billion to the U.S. GDP.
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TikTok's legal action aims to delay enforcement of the ban until its case is heard by the Supreme Court.
Click here to read TikTok’s full filing.
For more updates, visit newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us.
Source: TikTok
LinkedIn Releases Guidelines for Creating Engaging Posts
NEW YORK, November 26, 2024 (V Social Media of Hollywood) — LinkedIn has released a guide for users on how to create engaging posts that can enhance professional visibility and foster meaningful connections. The platform highlights strategies such as completing profiles, building networks, and tailoring content to resonate with audiences.
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According to LinkedIn, professionals who post twice a week can see up to five times more profile views. The company recommends fully completing profiles with information like education, skills, and a profile photo to establish credibility. Adjusting post visibility settings to "Anyone" can further increase reach by allowing posts to appear in feeds, search results, and public profiles.
To grow engagement, LinkedIn advises building a strong network by connecting with colleagues, clients, and alumni. Reciprocal engagement, such as reacting to and commenting on others’ posts, is highlighted as an effective way to foster professional relationships and boost visibility.
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LinkedIn suggests sharing posts that reflect career milestones, professional insights, or industry news to connect with audiences. Topics such as lessons learned, current trends, and company announcements are particularly effective in generating conversations. Posts should begin with a compelling hook—such as a surprising statistic or thought-provoking question—and use short paragraphs for better readability.
Diverse content formats, including videos, images, polls, and documents, are encouraged to enhance post engagement. LinkedIn notes that videos generate 1.4 times more interaction than other post types, while images and polls can capture attention and encourage participation.
To maximize reach, LinkedIn advises users to incorporate relevant hashtags and tag individuals or companies when appropriate. The company also recommends ending posts with clear calls to action, such as inviting feedback or sharing perspectives.
LinkedIn’s analytics tools allow users to measure post performance through metrics such as impressions, reactions, and comments. These insights can help users refine their content strategies to better engage their networks.
For additional tips, LinkedIn directs users to its Guide to Creating and Create Possibilities newsletter.
Source: Linkedin
Instagram Introduces New DM Features to Enhance User Connections
Photo Credit: Meta
November 25, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) — Social media company, Instagram, has announced new features designed to enhance direct messaging (DM) experiences for users. According to the company, these updates include over 300 new stickers, customizable nicknames, and location-sharing capabilities.
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The new sticker packs aim to make messaging more expressive, offering a range of options to capture moods or reactions. Users can favorite stickers from chats, reuse stickers shared by friends, or create their own using cutouts.
“Nicknames” is another feature allowing users to customize the names of friends or themselves within chats. Nicknames are visible only in DMs and can be changed at any time. This feature is intended to simplify lengthy usernames or add a personal touch to conversations.
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Instagram has also added location-sharing to make meet-ups more convenient. Users can share live locations for up to one hour or pin specific locations on a map within group or one-on-one chats. The feature is designed for coordination during outings or events and includes privacy controls to ensure user safety. Location sharing is currently available in select countries.
Source: Meta
TikTok Partners with Rauw Alejandro to Launch Exclusive In-App Experience for New Album Cosa Nuestra
Photo via TikTok
NEW YORK, November 19, 2024 (VSNewsNetwork.com) — TikTok has announced a global in-app experience in collaboration with Grammy-winning artist Rauw Alejandro to celebrate the release of his upcoming album, Cosa Nuestra. The platform’s users can engage with the album in unique ways, including purchasing exclusive merchandise, saving the album to their music apps, and participating in interactive challenges.
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Through the new experience, fans can access Rauw’s TikTok Shop to purchase a limited-edition vinyl and an exclusive Cosa Nuestra T-shirt. Completing four in-app challenges unlocks a themed profile frame to showcase fan loyalty. Additionally, the app features animated Cosa Nuestra album art exclusive to TikTok. Fans can also submit content to potentially appear in the Fan Spotlight carousel.
"For me, it’s an honor to be the first Latin artist to partner with the team at TikTok for this massive campaign. This platform has been an outlet to express myself creatively and talk to my fans in a different way. For me, that’s everything," said Alejandro.
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The in-app experience includes a live concert and special livestream on Rauw’s TikTok account (@rauwalejandro) on November 19, starting at 8:30 p.m. EST from New York. Fans can access the experience by searching “Cosa Nuestra” or “Rauw Alejandro” on TikTok or through video anchors in his content.
Rauw Alejandro’s TikTok presence includes over 16.3 million followers. His song Punto 40 gained traction with a viral dance trend, leading to over 2.2 million creator videos. His behind-the-scenes performance clips from Japan, Mexico, and other locations have amassed over 13 million views and 1.1 million likes.
Fans can explore Cosa Nuestra by downloading the TikTok app for free via the Apple App Store, Google Play, or Amazon.
Source: TikTok
Instagram Introduces Trial Reels for Testing Content with Non-Followers
Photo Credit: Instagram/Meta
December 17, 2024 (VSNewsNetwork.com) – Instagram has announced the launch of Trial Reels, a new feature that allows creators to test content with non-followers before sharing it broadly. The feature is designed to help creators experiment with new formats, topics, and storytelling techniques without impacting their existing audience.
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Trial Reels are displayed exclusively to non-followers, providing creators with insights into how their content performs before deciding whether to share it with their followers. After 24 hours, creators can access engagement metrics such as views, likes, comments, and shares. Additionally, Instagram provides performance comparisons with other trials to help creators evaluate the content's success.
Creators can enable the feature by toggling the "Trial" option during the reel creation process. Trial Reels are not visible on a creator's profile grid or Reels tab unless they are later shared with all followers. Instagram also offers an automated option, allowing Trial Reels to be shared with followers if the content meets certain engagement thresholds within 72 hours.
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Trial Reels have been in testing with select creators earlier this year. Instagram reports that feedback has been positive, with creators finding the feature effective for reaching new audiences and refining their content strategies. The feature is now rolling out globally to eligible creators.
For more information about Trial Reels and eligibility requirements, visit Instagram’s Help Center at www.help.instagram.com.
Source: Instagram
TikTok Celebrates Cybersecurity Awareness Month and Highlights Security Efforts
Source: TikTok
October 29, 2024 (V Social Media of Hollywood) – TikTok is marking Cybersecurity Awareness Month by encouraging its global community to #BeCyberSmart and promoting its ongoing efforts to enhance security on the platform. As part of its initiative, TikTok is celebrating four years of its Global Bug Bounty Program in partnership with HackerOne, which has contributed to identifying and resolving over 1,000 security vulnerabilities since its launch in 2020.
TikTok's collaboration with HackerOne, which engages over 450 security researchers, has awarded more than $1.6 million in bounties for reported vulnerabilities. In August, TikTok participated in a Live Hacking Event, awarding $720,000 to 50 researchers from 29 countries for their findings.
“TikTok’s bug bounty program contributes to its sophisticated security posture as an invaluable last line of defense. Over the last four years, TikTok's dedication to building engagement on their program has continued to produce powerful results,” said HackerOne CEO, Marten Mickos.
As part of the Cybersecurity Awareness Month celebrations, TikTok is spotlighting key contributors in its bug bounty program, including researchers like Jeffery (supermancyber), Imran Nisar (imran_nisar), and Pham (datph4m), who have consistently helped enhance the platform's security.
In addition, TikTok is highlighting cybersecurity creators such as Kevin (@adjacentnode), Marcus Hutchins (@itsmarcushutchins), and Lola (@lolalovestech) who educate the platform's users on cybersecurity topics. Their content empowers the community to explore cybersecurity and encourages responsible online behavior.
For more information on TikTok’s cybersecurity initiatives, visit www.tiktok.com.
Source: TikTok
Meta Partners with Blumhouse to Pilot AI Video Technology 'Movie Gen'
October 28, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – Meta has announced its partnership with Blumhouse, the production company known for its work in horror films, to pilot "Meta Movie Gen," an AI-powered suite of models that allows users to generate custom videos and audio from text inputs. According to the company, Meta is collaborating with filmmakers and content creators to gather feedback on the tool as it continues its development.
Meta Movie Gen is designed to generate high-quality 1080p video with accompanying audio tracks. Although the platform is not yet available for public use, Meta has launched a pilot program with Blumhouse and select filmmakers to evaluate its potential. The filmmakers Aneesh Chaganty (Searching, Run), The Spurlock Sisters (The Breakline), and Casey Affleck (I’m Still Here, Light of My Life) participated in the trial, using the generated videos as part of larger creative projects. Short films and experimental videos created with the technology are currently available on Meta’s Movie Gen page, with additional works from Affleck and The Spurlock Sisters set to be released.
"While we’re not planning to incorporate Movie Gen models into any public products until next year, Meta feels it’s important to have an open and early dialogue with the creative community about how it can be the most useful tool for creativity and ensure its responsible use," said Connor Hayes, VP of GenAI at Meta.
Blumhouse founder and CEO Jason Blum emphasized the significance of innovation in the film industry. "Artists are and forever will be the lifeblood of our industry. Innovation and tools that can help those artists better tell their stories is something we are always keen to explore, and we welcomed the chance for some of them to test this cutting-edge technology and give their notes on its pros and cons while it’s still in development," said Blum.
The feedback from the pilot so far has highlighted the technology's potential as a collaborative tool for filmmakers. According to Meta, the directors involved in the trial found that Movie Gen helped them explore creative ideas quickly, generate sound effects, and experiment with visual direction, tone, and mood. The tool’s capabilities for generating audio and unexpected video responses to text inputs also provided inspiration for new concepts.
Meta plans to extend the pilot program into 2025, gathering further insights from both traditional filmmakers and digital-first content creators. As the company continues to develop the tool, the feedback provided will help improve its functionality before it is made available to the public.
For more information, visit www.meta.com/moviegen.
Source: Meta
UnitedMasters Partners with TikTok to Expand Opportunities for Independent Artists
Photo Credit: UnitedMasters
BROOKLYN, NY, October 25, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – UnitedMasters, a music distribution platform that focuses on supporting independent artists, has announced a new partnership with TikTok. This multi-year deal will provide TikTok access to UnitedMasters' catalog of music and offer additional commercial opportunities for UnitedMasters artists through TikTok’s Commercial Music Library.
According to the company, the collaboration aims to create more opportunities for independent artists while providing TikTok users with access to a diverse range of music. “Our partnership with TikTok provides UnitedMasters artists unparalleled access to a vast global audience, while TikTok creators and users gain early exposure to some of the most impactful independent music today,” said Steve Stoute, Founder and CEO of UnitedMasters.
“We want to make the world's best music available to our global community of over a billion music fans. That's why we are so excited to be entering into a direct deal with a prominent independent label like UnitedMasters, with its deep, diverse roster of independent artists. Together, we’re ready to amplify these voices and bring their music to a global stage, unlocking new opportunities for discovery,” said Ole Obermann, Head of Music Business Development at TikTok.
UnitedMasters has already supported the rise of artists like BigXThaPlug, Tobe Nwigwe, and FloyyMenor, whose song "Gata Only" became a global hit after gaining traction on TikTok.
For more information, visit www.unitedmasters.com.
Source: TikTok
WhatsApp Introduces New Features for Adding and Managing Contacts
Photo Credit: WhatsApp
October 23, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – WhatsApp is rolling out new features aimed at simplifying how users add and manage contacts across multiple devices. The updates will allow users to manage contacts not only on mobile devices but also on WhatsApp Web, Windows, and eventually other linked devices, according to the company.
Previously, contacts could only be added via mobile devices, either by typing in a phone number or scanning a QR code. With these new updates, users can now manage contacts directly from their desktop. The company has also introduced a feature allowing contacts to be saved exclusively to WhatsApp, ideal for those sharing their phones with others or separating personal and business contacts across multiple accounts.
According to WhatsApp, contacts saved within the app will be backed up and restored if users lose or change their devices. WhatsApp also revealed that it is working towards enabling contact management through usernames, which would allow users to communicate without sharing phone numbers, enhancing privacy.
For more information, visit the official WhatsApp report.
Source: WhatsApp
TikTok LIVE to Feature at MCM x EGX London 2024 Gaming Convention
LONDON, October 22, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – TikTok LIVE will take center stage at this year’s MCM x EGX London 2024, one of the UK’s largest gaming conventions, running from October 25–27 at ExCel London. The event marks the collaboration between TikTok and ReedPop, bringing together the gaming community, content creators, and fans for live interactions both online and on-site.
TikTok LIVE, known for connecting millions of users worldwide through real-time interactions, will feature a dedicated booth where UK-based gaming creators will compete and stream live gameplay to the TikTok community. Fans will have the opportunity to watch creators like @sizzsarzlive, @tomjoneswales, and @just..evie_ stream from the TikTok LIVE Lounge.
When asked about participating in the event, creator @sizzsarzlive said, "I love being able to showcase new and exciting games to my community, in a safe environment where I feel truly supported by TikTok."
Steve Wang, Head of TikTok Gaming, emphasized the importance of the platform for gaming creators, stating, "TikTok LIVE is where gaming creators thrive and communities grow. With millions of fans discovering new content on TikTok every day, we’re excited to return to MCM x EGX and continue supporting the rise of gaming on TikTok."
MCM x EGX 2024 will feature a wide range of activities, including panels, game demos, cosplay competitions, and workshops. Attendees can also watch the UK’s TEKKEN 8 Major event as part of the European TEKKEN Cup and participate in photo ops with the cast of Baldur’s Gate 3.
Keep an eye on the official EGX & MCM Comic Con pages for the latest announcements and purchase tickets HERE.
- TikTok
Source: TikTok
Meta Introduces New Educational Resources to Boost Engagement on Threads
Photo Credit: Meta
October 21, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – Meta has announced the launch of new educational resources designed to help users of its platform, Threads, improve engagement and visibility. According to the company, these resources aim to provide users with best practices, data-backed tips, and content examples from successful creators to enhance content creation and drive conversations on the platform.
In the announcement, Meta highlighted several insights already helping users grow their audience. For example, replies account for nearly half of the views on Threads, suggesting that joining conversations can increase reach. Additionally, posting frequently—at least 2 to 5 times per week—has been linked to higher impressions per post, and humorous content has shown to receive more views. According to Meta, combining text with video or images, and posting during weekends, can further boost engagement.
The new resources are available on the Threads website and include detailed advice on how to create more engaging and discoverable content. Topics that generate high levels of replies include TV and movies, fashion, sports, and travel, among others.
"We created Threads because we think everyone has something worth saying, and we want you to be able to create a community around your best ideas and most interesting thoughts," the company stated. Meta plans to continue adding more insights and stories from successful creators in the coming months.
To read the official announcement, click here.
To learn more, visit the official Threads website.
Source: Meta
Snapchat Introduces Sponsored Snaps and Promoted Places for Advertisers
October 11, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – Snapchat has announced the introduction of two new advertising formats, Sponsored Snaps and Promoted Places, which are now being tested with launch partners Disney, McDonald’s, and Taco Bell. According to the company, these new placements are designed to enhance how businesses engage with users across two widely used features on Snapchat: the Snap inbox and Snap Map.
Sponsored Snaps allow businesses to deliver full-screen vertical video messages directly to Snapchat users. The Snap appears in the user’s inbox, distinct from other Snaps, and is opt-in, meaning users can choose whether to view the message. If a user does not view the Sponsored Snap, it will be removed from their inbox. Businesses can include a call-to-action link in the Snap, allowing users to respond directly or visit a designated webpage.
Promoted Places, the second new feature, highlights specific locations on the Snap Map to help users discover businesses they may want to visit. The Snap Map, which is frequently used for exploration, will showcase these places of interest, potentially increasing foot traffic. According to Snapchat, their internal data shows that marking a location as a “Top Pick” on the Snap Map results in an average visitation lift of 17.6% for frequent Snapchat users.
Snapchat is also exploring future enhancements to these features, including potential integrations with CRM systems and AI chatbot support to facilitate easier interactions between businesses and customers.
Read the full press announcement here.
Source: Snapchat
StudioNow Introduces Bad Moon Media to Expand Influencer Marketing Offerings
NASHVILLE, October 10, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – StudioNow has announced the launch of Bad Moon Media, a new subsidiary designed to offer influencer marketing and media campaign solutions. The new division aims to serve brands across a range of industries, with a particular focus on the gaming sector.
Bad Moon Media builds on an 18-month collaboration between StudioNow and Bad Moon Talent, during which the two worked together to deliver campaigns for brands including Amika, Jack Link’s, and Sony PlayStation.
David Mason, Founder and CEO of StudioNow, said, “The creation of Bad Moon Media marks a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering premium content solutions for brands across various industries. By combining our production capabilities alongside Bad Moon Talent’s influencer marketing expertise, we’re positioned to deliver scalable campaigns that not only engage audiences but also elevate brand storytelling to new heights.”
Reed Trimble, Vice President of Bad Moon Media, emphasized the subsidiary’s focus on the gaming industry, stating, “Bad Moon Media was created to provide a proper solution for brands that want to invest in marketing to the 3.3 billion worldwide gaming audience.”
With this expansion, StudioNow offers clients a broader range of services, from content production to influencer-driven campaigns, aimed at helping brands effectively reach their target audiences across multiple platforms.
For more information, visit www.studionow.com.
Source: StudioNow, Inc.
Instagram Introduces New Features for Direct Messaging
Photo Credit: Instagram
October 9, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – Instagram has announced the release of new features aimed at improving the functionality of its Direct Messaging (DM) platform. These updates include options for sharing disappearing content, customizing chat themes, and using new tools to enhance communication efficiency.
The new "View once" feature allows users to send photos and videos that can only be viewed once before disappearing, providing more control over shared content. Additionally, Instagram has expanded its customization options by offering various themes for chat backgrounds, which can be selected based on user preferences.
Instagram has also introduced new AI-powered stickers and a "Cutouts" feature, allowing users to create personalized stickers from their own photos or videos. These updates are designed to offer more creative ways to engage in conversations.
Users can now pin up to three chats at the top of their inbox for easy access. Other updates include the ability to edit or unsend messages within 15 minutes of sending them, allowing users to make corrections or retract messages as needed.
Additional features include the option to send messages silently using the "/silent" command, and the ability to conduct polls within group chats to gather input from participants.
For more information on the new Instagram Direct Message features, click here.
Source: Instagram
Coldplay Launches Interactive TikTok Experience to Celebrate New Album 'MOON MUSiC'
Photo Credit: TikTok
LAS VEGAS, October 8, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – Coldplay has launched an exclusive interactive experience on TikTok to coincide with the release of their highly anticipated album, MOON MUSiC. The in-app experience offers fans unique opportunities to engage with Coldplay’s content, unlock exclusive features, and earn rewards while interacting with the band’s new music.
Photo Credit: TikTok
Available globally, the MOON MUSiC experience allows TikTok users to explore exclusive Coldplay content, purchase limited merchandise on TikTok Shop (U.S. only), and earn a Coldplay-themed profile frame. Fans can participate by searching for "Coldplay" or "MOON MUSiC" within the app, or by interacting with content on Coldplay’s TikTok account (@coldplay). To unlock the profile frame, users must complete tasks such as adding Coldplay’s latest single, "ALL MY LOVE," to a streaming platform, liking and commenting on exclusive videos, and creating a video using the song.
Fans can further engage by using the hashtag #MoonMusic on their videos, offering a chance to be featured in the official Fan Spotlight carousel on TikTok.
TikTok Music Partnerships Manager, Alice Razack, commented on the collaboration, stating, "We are delighted to partner with Coldplay to celebrate the launch of their highly anticipated album MOON MUSiC. As one of the most influential and iconic bands to emerge from the UK, Coldplay has continually pushed creative boundaries with enormous support from the global TikTok community. They continue to inspire fans worldwide, and we are proud to support them with this interactive experience."
The MOON MUSiC experience builds on Coldplay’s longstanding popularity on TikTok, where tracks like "Yellow," "Viva La Vida," and "A Sky Full of Stars" have inspired millions of video creations. The band recently performed a surprise show in Dublin, Ireland, ahead of their sold-out performances at Croke Park, further energizing their fanbase both on and off the platform.
Fans can join the MOON MUSiC experience by searching for #MoonMusic on TikTok to access exclusive content and participate in the interactive initiative.
For more information, visit TikTok’s newsroom at TikTok Newsroom.
Source: TikTok
Snapchat Expands Safety Measures to Protect Users from Online Exploitation
October 4, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – Snapchat has introduced new measures aimed at improving user safety, with a focus on preventing online exploitation such as sextortion and child sexual abuse. The platform has implemented advanced technology, including tools like PhotoDNA and CSAI Match, to detect and block harmful content. New in-app warnings for suspicious contacts and improved friending protections have been added to enhance safety for teenage users.
In addition to its technical updates, Snapchat has expanded its Family Center tools, which allow parents to monitor their teens' interactions on the platform. The company has also increased its global Trust and Safety teams, as well as its Law Enforcement Operations team, to support investigations and address potential threats. Snapchat collaborates with law enforcement agencies both in the U.S. and internationally, particularly in regions where online exploitation is prevalent.
The platform remains involved in industry-wide efforts to address online harm, participating in programs such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Take It Down initiative. Snapchat also works with global coalitions like WeProtect and the Tech Coalition to share information and develop strategies to prevent child exploitation.
Snapchat continues to raise awareness about online safety through public education efforts, including research initiatives like the Digital Well-Being Index. These efforts aim to provide insights into online behaviors and risks, helping users, parents, and industry partners stay informed.
Read the official release from snapchat here.
Source: Snapchat
Snapchat Launches Season 2 of "Phantom House" for Halloween 2024
Photo Credit: Snapchat
Oct. 3, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – Snapchat has announced the return of its popular horror-themed content series Phantom House for Halloween 2024. Season 2 of the series features four new episodes, each filled with chilling stories that blur the line between reality and the supernatural. The episodes will be available as Snap Story compilations and star popular Snapchat creators Tue Nguyen, Jake Koehler, Rachel Levin, and Caryn Marjorie, each bringing their unique approach to their own episode.
In collaboration with Atomic Digital Design, Snapchat is also introducing four AR Lenses that correspond with each Phantom House episode. These Lenses allow users to immerse themselves in the eerie environments of the series, from zombie-infested freezers to demon transformations, creating a more interactive and shareable experience for Snapchatters.
The series has partnered with brands including Maybelline New York, State Farm®, and Hulu, which are sponsoring various aspects of the content. Maybelline is integrating branded content into one episode and launching custom creator content, an AR Lens, Commercials, and Snap Ads. State Farm will release an immersive AR Lens, alongside other digital content, while Hulu is promoting its Huluween campaign and the Hulu Originals film Carved through AR Lenses, Commercials, and Snap Video Ads.
Episode 1 of Phantom House is currently available on the series' Public Profile on Snapchat, with new episodes releasing every Tuesday.
To watch, visit Snapchat’s Phantom House profile.
Source: Snapchat
Reddit Expands Machine Translation Feature to 35 New Countries
Photo Credit: Reddit
September 30, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – Reddit has announced the expansion of its machine translation feature to more than 35 new countries, allowing users to translate their Reddit feeds, including posts and comments, into additional languages. This feature, which was initially rolled out to users in France earlier this year, is now available to Redditors in countries such as Brazil and Spain, with plans to extend to Germany, Italy, the Philippines, and several nations across Latin America in the coming weeks.
According to Reddit, users can now access the translate icon in the overflow menu of the app to translate content into their preferred language. This function enables users to participate in discussions and contribute to communities in their own language, while posts and comments will be automatically translated into the native language of the community.
The new feature will be available across mobile web, apps, and desktop platforms, providing a seamless experience for users regardless of the device they use to access Reddit. For example, a user in Spain who typically uses Reddit in Spanish can now follow and engage in French-language discussions by translating the content into Spanish.
As part of this rollout, Reddit will also make it easier for people to discover content in their own languages through search engines. Translated Reddit content will begin to appear in search engine results, further broadening the platform's accessibility.
This machine translation feature is expected to enhance user interaction and community engagement on Reddit by breaking down language barriers and encouraging diverse conversations.
View the official announcement here.
Source: Reddit
Meta Unveils Orion: Advanced Augmented Reality Glasses for the Future
Source: Meta
September 25, 2024 (VSNewsNetwork.com) – Meta has introduced Orion, its first augmented reality (AR) glasses, described as the company’s most advanced AR glasses to date. The product, previously codenamed Project Nazare, combines the appearance of regular glasses with immersive augmented reality capabilities.
Orion is designed to offer a blend of physical and digital interaction through features such as holographic displays and integrated artificial intelligence (AI). According to Meta, select employees and external audiences will have access to the Orion prototype, allowing the development team to gather feedback and continue refining the product.
The glasses are intended to allow users to engage with digital experiences without the constraints of a smartphone screen. According to Meta, the AR glasses are equipped with advanced technology, including four cameras for hand tracking and Snap Spatial Engine, which enables interaction with virtual content. The glasses also include transparent lenses, allowing wearers to maintain eye contact and facial expressions while using the device.
In a press release, Meta stated that Orion provides the largest field of view in AR glasses to date, enabling users to view multitasking windows, life-size holograms, and more. The company also explained that the prototype represents significant progress in reducing the size of AR hardware while maintaining performance.
While Orion is not set to be released to consumers, the company notes that it is an important milestone in the development of future AR products. Meta plans to continue optimizing the AR glasses by improving the display quality, reducing the device's size, and scaling production to make it more affordable.
For more information, visit www.meta.com.
Source: Meta
Snap Inc. Unveils Fifth Generation of Spectacles and Introduces Snap OS
Photo Credit: Snap Inc.
LOS ANGELES, September 23, 2024 (VSNewsNetwork.com) – Snap Inc. has unveiled the fifth generation of its Spectacles, standalone AR glasses that run on the company’s newly developed Snap OS. This latest version of Spectacles is designed to enable users to experience augmented reality (AR) through lightweight, wearable technology, with a focus on integrating digital content into real-world environments.
The new Spectacles feature a lightweight design, weighing 226 grams, and are equipped with four cameras that support hand-tracking through Snap’s Spatial Engine. The glasses use proprietary technology, including Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) micro-projectors and advanced waveguide optics, to provide users with a 46-degree diagonal field of view and a 37 pixel-per-degree resolution. The glasses also automatically adjust their tint based on the lighting environment to ensure clarity in various conditions.
Snap’s new operating system, Snap OS, powers the Spectacles and enables users to interact with the device through hand gestures and voice commands. The system allows Lenses to be integrated into real-world environments with a motion-to-photon latency of just 13 milliseconds, making for more accurate AR experiences.
In a press release, Snap emphasized that the new Spectacles and Snap OS are designed for developers as much as for users. Through the Lens Studio 5.0 software and the new Spectacles Interaction Kit, developers can build AR Lenses without needing to create custom interaction systems. Additionally, Snap has partnered with OpenAI to bring AI models to the platform, allowing for more context-aware AR applications.
Snap has also announced partnerships with AR developers, including the LEGO Group, which is launching an interactive AR game called BRICKTACULAR. Other partners include Lucasfilm’s ILM Immersive, Niantic, and Wabisabi Games, who are developing new AR experiences for the platform.
Spectacles are available through Snap's Spectacles Developer Program, which costs $99 per month with a one-year commitment. The subscription includes access to the AR glasses and Snap’s support for developers looking to create projects on the platform.
For more information on the Spectacles Developer Program, visit www.spectacles.com/lens-studio.
Source: Snap inc.