Category Archives: Social Media

Android, Editorial, Lifestyle, Mobile, Social Media

Your Social Media is Going to Be Lit with These Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Features

September 12, 2024 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, LinkedIn – we can’t deny that social media is everywhere nowadays. It wasn’t that long ago when we could only find celebrities from magazines, TV shows and movies. Today, we’ve got the power of becoming a celebrity in the palm of your hands – literally. We’re so intertwined with social media that we need a companion that can adapt and allow us to shoot and edit on the fly. This is where Samsung’s new Galaxy AI-enabled Galaxy Z Flip6 comes in with its nifty tricks and practical features.

I’m not joking when I say that the Galaxy Z Flip6 is one of the most compact smartphones available right now. It literally is the size of your palm when it’s closed. It’s not just small – it’s powerful. A compact powerhouse that is packing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 – the latest high-end processor. It’s thanks to this the Flip6 can run apps like Adobe Rush or CapCut without breaking a sweat.

50-Megapixel Dual Sensor Camera When You Capture

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves, before we edit we need to shoot. The Flip6 comes with a dual camera setup that has a 50-megapixel main sensor and a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor. This setup is not only versatile, it’s got enough megapixels to capture every detail. You’ll be able to use this dual setup even when you’re in front of the camera thanks to Flex Cam- a signature for all Z Flip series phones.

Auto Zoom & Flex Mode When You’re Creating

This year we get a little bit more with Auto Zoom. The new feature makes sure that you get the whole picture – whether it’s a wefie or a full-body shot. You’ll also be able to shoot video like a pro with the Flex Mode Camcorder grip too. The mode allows you to have a better grip when shooting video minimizing unwanted shaking and putting you in control.

Did I forget? You’ll be using a large 3.4-inch display as a cover screen with 1600 nits peak brightness. Not only will be able to see what you’re capturing; You’ll be able to see it even under direct sunlight.

Galaxy AI When You’re Editing or Just Need Some Spice

Got the perfect pic but something’s in the background? Galaxy AI in the Galaxy Z Flip6 allows you to remove it with a simple long press. If that doesn’t do it, you can circle to highlight what you want gone. Galaxy AI won’t only remove it, it’ll make it seem like it was never there, to begin with. Maybe you don’t want to get rid of it totally, but just replace it with something else; Galaxy AI definitely has your back with Generative Fill.

Captured a picture that’s missing that special something? Galaxy AI is coming to your rescue in the Flip6. You can literally sketch anything! I mean look at this… I sketched the vaguest piggy… and it created a happy one to accompany me during coffee! Want to turn that funny picture into a sticker? Long press and tap. That’s all it takes. Galaxy AI will do the rest.

Don’t feel like posting a selfie? You can use Samsung’s Portrait Studio to generate illustrated pictures of yourself. You’ll be able to choose from one of five styles and Galaxy AI will do the rest. This feature has to be one of the most fun Galaxy AI features you have on this phone. It’s a blast when you’ve got a kid around and you use this. It’ll keep them entertained for a hot second!

These features are just some of the features that will help you create posts that will get you those likes. Perhaps the best reason the Galaxy Z Flip6 is going to be your social media pal is the fact that it has a battery that can last more than 9 hours on a single charge even when you’re busy making content. I’m pretty sure you’ll even be taking your social media game to the next level with awesome pictures and even some funny ones courtesy of your Galaxy Z Flip6.

News, Social Media

Instagram Revamps Notes with Prompts, Likes, and Mentions, Making it More Interactive

June 1, 2024 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Instagram is shaking things up with its Notes feature, aiming to transform it from a simple status update to a more interactive and engaging experience. This update, rolling out now to users worldwide, brings a wave of new features designed to spark conversations and boost user connection.

Instagram rolls out new updates for its Notes feature Prompts Likes and Mentions webp 92 — Source: Instagram

Gone are the days of one-way announcements on Notes. Now, users can leverage “Prompts” to initiate conversations and invite friends to share their thoughts. Imagine asking a question like “Favorite summer movie?” or “Beach day essentials?” and seeing your friends respond with their picks directly within the Notes section. This fosters a sense of community and encourages deeper interaction beyond likes and comments on traditional posts.

But the party doesn’t stop there. Notes now supports likes, allowing users to express their approval without leaving a full comment. This simple addition makes engagement on Notes quicker and easier, perfect for situations where a double-tap conveys all you need to say.

Furthermore, the introduction of “@ mentions” empowers users to directly tag their friends in Notes. This personal touch can be used to spark discussions, share inside jokes, or simply get someone’s attention about a specific topic.

With these new features, Instagram is clearly aiming to make Notes a more dynamic and engaging space. While it may not replace the dominance of Stories and posts, the revamped Notes offer a unique way for users to connect and share fleeting thoughts or ideas in a more interactive format. This caters especially to younger demographics who thrive on quick and casual communication.

It remains to be seen how widely adopted these changes will be, but one thing’s for sure: Instagram is actively evolving Notes to keep users engaged and foster a more interactive platform. So next time you have a quick thought to share, consider using Notes and see how the new features spark conversations with your friends.

Social Media

Instagram Steps Up Efforts to Combat Sextortion Among Teens

May 31, 2024 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Social media platforms have become an undeniable part of teenage life. While they offer opportunities for connection and self-expression, they also present unique safety challenges. One growing concern is the issue of sextortion, a form of blackmail that involves coercing someone into sending sexually explicit content.

Sextortion cases have been on the rise in recent years, with teenagers and young adults being particularly vulnerable. The combination of digital naivety and a desire for social validation can leave them susceptible to online predators. These predators may use various tactics, including flattery, manipulation, or threats, to pressure victims into sending explicit photos or videos.

Teen Limits Four Screen jpg 92 — Source: Instagram

Recognizing the seriousness of this issue, Instagram has been actively implementing features aimed at enhancing teen safety on the platform. The platform’s recent update focuses on empowering teens to control who can interact with them.

Limiting Interactions: Close Friends Only Mode

The new feature allows users to switch to a “Close Friends” only mode, effectively limiting direct messages (DMs) and comments to a pre-selected list of trusted individuals. This creates a safer space for teens to share and express themselves without fear of unwanted attention.

The update expands existing functionalities by allowing users to mute interactions with anyone who is not already on their Close Friends list. This empowers users to manage their experience and avoid unwanted messages or comments, even from accounts they follow.

Restrict Updates jpg 92 — Source: Instagram

These updates build upon Instagram’s previous efforts to create a safer environment for teens. The platform has implemented features to detect and remove abusive content, provide reporting tools, and offer educational resources on topics like online safety and healthy relationships.

While Instagram’s efforts are commendable, experts acknowledge the ongoing challenge of staying ahead of evolving online threats. Predators constantly adapt their tactics, and the platform requires a multi-pronged approach to ensure user safety.

Creating a truly safe online environment requires collaboration. Teens need to be aware of the risks associated with sextortion and how to protect themselves. This can be achieved through open communication with parents and responsible use of social media platforms.

Parents, on the other hand, can play a crucial role in educating their children about online predators and the importance of online privacy. They can also monitor their children’s online activity and encourage them to report any suspicious or abusive behaviour.

Finally, the responsibility lies with platforms like Instagram to invest in robust safety measures and continually develop features that empower users to control their online experience.

Gaming, News, Social Media

YouTube Playables Expands, Bringing Casual Games Directly to the Platform in Select Regions

May 30, 2024 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

YouTube has been steadily expanding its offerings beyond video content, and its latest move caters to casual gamers. The platform recently announced the rollout of “Playables,” a feature that allows users to play a selection of lightweight games directly within the YouTube app or on their desktop browser.

YT Playables Nitrate Image Ass.max 700x3000.format webp

Playables offers a convenient and accessible gaming experience. There’s no need to download additional apps or create new accounts. Users can simply browse the Playables shelf on the YouTube homepage or explore the new Playables destination page accessible from the Explore menu. Here, they’ll find a library of over 75 games, encompassing various genres like trivia, racing, arcade-style action, and word games.

The game selection leans towards casual titles suitable for short bursts of play. This aligns with YouTube’s core functionality, where users often consume content in bite-sized chunks. Whether waiting for a video to load or taking a break between clips, Playables offers a quick and engaging way to pass the time.

The games within Playables are built using HTML5 technology, ensuring broad compatibility across various devices. Users with Android smartphones and tablets running Android 14 (or higher) can access Playables directly within the YouTube app. Compatibility extends to select Android 10, 11, 12 and 13 devices with high memory or 64-bit processors. For iOS users, Playables is currently available on iPhone and iPad devices running iOS 14 and above within the YouTube app. Desktop users with Chrome, Safari, or Firefox can also access Playables through their web browsers. It’s also worth noting that Playables aren’t widely available at the time of writing. In Malaysia, trying to open the YouTube Playables page leads to a “Page not Available” screen.

While YouTube hasn’t disclosed specific details on monetization, some reports suggest these games might utilize in-app purchases or advertising. It’s important to note that parental controls are available within the YouTube app, allowing guardians to restrict access to inappropriate content or limit in-app purchases for younger users.

The initial rollout of Playables has garnered mixed reactions. Some users appreciate the convenience and variety of casual games offered, while others find the selection uninspired compared to dedicated mobile gaming platforms. Regardless, Playables represents an interesting new direction for YouTube, potentially attracting new users and keeping existing ones engaged within the platform’s ecosystem for longer.

As the feature progresses, it will be interesting to see if YouTube expands the game library, explores different genres, or integrates deeper social elements within Playables. Only time will tell if Playables evolves into a full-fledged gaming destination or remains a niche offering for casual gamers within the vast YouTube landscape.

Social Media

YouTube’s War Against Ad Blockers Continues with the Platform Blocking Content Altogether

May 28, 2024 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

The relationship between YouTube and ad blockers has always been a bit… strained. Creators rely on ad revenue to keep making the videos you love, while viewers often find ads disruptive and intrusive. Lately, however, things have taken a turn for the inconvenient, with reports suggesting YouTube might be taking a more aggressive stance against ad blockers.

Hand Holding Smartphone with Internet Access to YouTube — Photo by Szabó Viktor

Recent user experiences paint a frustrating picture. Reports indicate that some viewers with ad blockers are encountering issues such as videos automatically skipping to the end upon playback, or being stuck in endless buffering loops. Others describe sound issues, where the video plays with no audio until the volume slider is adjusted, only to be muted again shortly thereafter. While these issues might seem like glitches, the timing coincides with growing reports of YouTube’s new tactic.

There’s no official confirmation from YouTube, but the evidence suggests a deliberate strategy. Disabling videos or making them unplayable for ad blocker users would certainly incentivize them to turn off their blockers and view the ads that generate revenue for creators.

The Creator Conundrum

Many content creators rely on ad revenue to fund their work. Without that income, the quality and quantity of content we enjoy could be impacted. While ad blockers offer a solution for viewers seeking an uninterrupted experience, they can harm the creators who rely on ad revenue to keep making the content we love.

Finding a middle ground is ideal. Perhaps a less disruptive or intrusive ad format could be explored. For viewers who still prefer an ad-free experience, YouTube Premium offers a subscription option. Ultimately, the goal should be to create a sustainable ecosystem that benefits both creators and viewers.

What Can You Do?

If you’re experiencing playback issues with ad blockers, you can try temporarily disabling them to see if it resolves the problem. Keep in mind, that doing so will allow ads to play. Alternatively, consider supporting your favourite creators directly through features like YouTube channel memberships or Super Chat donations.

This situation is still developing, and it’s unclear what YouTube’s long-term strategy might be. One thing is certain: the war between ad blockers and monetization continues, and viewers are caught in the middle. Here’s hoping a solution emerges that allows us to enjoy great content without sacrificing a seamless viewing experience or the livelihood of content creators.

News, Social Media

TikTok Unveils New Creator App – TikTok Studio

May 28, 2024 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

TikTok is about to get even more creator-friendly with the introduction of TikTok Studio, the brand-new desktop and mobile application to manage your profiles. This dedicated platform empowers creators of all levels with a suite of features designed to streamline content creation and enhance the overall TikTok experience.

Previously, creating engaging TikTok content often involved a juggling act. Shooting video on your phone, editing on a separate platform like Capcut, and then uploading to TikTok could be a time-consuming process. TikTok Studio aims to eliminate this hassle by offering a one-stop shop for all your content creation needs.

Creators will be able to import and edit clips directly within TikTok Studio. The platform comes with basic editing functionalities like trimming, cutting, and adding transitions, allowing you to refine your video before uploading. This would mean that you wouldn’t need to switch between multiple apps and software – just seamless video editing right at your fingertips.

Planning your content calendar in advance will be a breeze with TikTok Studio’s advanced scheduling feature. This allows you to publish your videos at specific times, ensuring your audience receives your content when they’re most likely to engage. Plus, managing comments and interacting with your audience directly through the desktop app eliminates the need to constantly switch back and forth between your phone and computer.

For creators who work in teams, TikTok Studio introduces the exciting potential for real-time collaboration. Imagine brainstorming ideas, editing drafts, and refining content together – all within a centralized platform. While official details haven’t been confirmed, this feature has the potential to be a game-changer for content creation teams.

Transparency and user experience remain at the forefront of TikTok Studio’s development. Creators can expect clear instructions and intuitive functionalities within the Studio interface, making it easy to learn and navigate the new features.

The arrival of TikTok Studio signifies a significant shift in how creators approach content production for the platform. For aspiring creators, the streamlined workflow and scheduling features can be a stepping stone towards establishing a consistent presence. For established creators and content creation teams, the potential for real-time collaboration opens exciting doors for more sophisticated content development.

News, Social Media

TikTok Tests Long-Form Videos: A Challenge to YouTube’s Dominance?

May 17, 2024 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

The short-form video king, TikTok, is making waves with a bold experiment. The platform is currently testing the ability for users to upload videos up to 60 minutes long, a significant shift from its traditional bite-sized content format. This move has sparked speculation about TikTok’s potential ambitions to compete directly with YouTube, the established leader in long-form video streaming.

solen feyissa 1S1w1c4 VyA unsplash — Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash

TikTok’s core identity has been built on its emphasis on short, engaging videos. The app’s initial focus was on 15-second clips, gradually expanding to 60 seconds and then 10 minutes in recent years. This latest test with 60-minute uploads marks a dramatic departure from the platform’s core format.

While some see this as a direct challenge to YouTube, the implications remain unclear. TikTok’s existing user base might not necessarily embrace hour-long content, and established YouTubers might not readily migrate to a new platform. However, the possibility of attracting new creators who prefer TikTok’s interface or community dynamics cannot be ignored.

Screencap of Post by Matt Navarra on Threads.net

The introduction of longer videos opens doors for a wider range of content formats on TikTok. Imagine educational tutorials, in-depth interviews, or even live-streamed events finding a home on the platform. This could potentially attract viewers seeking a different type of long-form content experience compared to what YouTube offers.

Whether TikTok’s foray into longer videos becomes a permanent feature or a fleeting experiment remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the landscape of video content is evolving. Users now have access to a diverse range of platforms, each catering to specific preferences for video length, format, and community engagement. This competition between platforms ultimately benefits users by driving innovation and offering a wider variety of content to choose from.

Android, Entertainment, iOS, Lifestyle, Mobile, News, Social Media

Meta’s Threads Takes a Step Towards Openness with ActivityPub Integration & European Launch

December 15, 2023 Sharifah Hanani Leave a comment

Meta’s competitor to X (formerly known as Twitter) – Threads – is making news in two areas: being able to work with other apps and expanding into Europe. In a surprisiong move, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, said Threads posts could be shared on Mastodon and other ActivityPub-enabled platforms as part of a test. This is a big step towards integration, which has been one of the main ideas behind the fediverse, a decentralised network of social media services, from the beginning.

viralyft nysnJ3xzLcM unsplash — Photo by Viralyft on Unsplash

What does Integration with ActivityPub mean, and why is it good? With ActivityPub, you can choose where your content is seen and how people connect with it, unlike on traditional social media sites where you are limited to your home feed. It will also help you reach more people. Allowing you to gain new followers and take part in conversations in other groups. It also helps make social media more open and democratic by lowering the need for centralised sites like Meta.

This movement indicates that Meta remains committed to making all their services work together. This fits what Instagram’s CEO, Adam Mosseri, who thinks decentralisation is the key to getting the next wave of creators to join, has said.

In addition, Threads is finally getting ready to land in Europe simultaneously. The platform will finally go live on December 14th after being delayed because of regulatory issues.

pexels julio lopez 17514176 1 — Photo by Julio Lopez on Unsplash

Threads is also adding “Tags” that work like Instagram Hashtags, but is less confusing or complicated. Tags can only be used once per post. This is meant to get people to talk about more specific topics and keep material at a managable level. Users can add tags by typing “#” or clicking a post UI button. Furthermore, Tags, unlike Instagram, don’t need to be added directly below the post with multiple hashtags, which can be confusing. Instead, it’s directly added to the post or words similar to a hyperlink. The chosen words will turn blue in the post, meaning it has been tagged with the specific topic or genre, or you can make a new one. This gives users more freedom and simplifies how they can add specific topics and genres to their posts to reach out to others looking for posts in their interest.

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Category Archives: Social Media

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