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Microsoft Announces New Skype Features

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Microsoft has announced that it is planning several new features for Skype, its consumer communications platform. Many reports had earlier suggested that Microsoft had been planning to kill off Skype in lieu of Microsoft Teams for years. But now it says that Skype is “here to stay.”

“Skype has been in our lives for nearly two decades, and we are here to stay,” an unattributed post to the Skype Blogs reads. “We care about all of you, our Skype users, so we … [have] plans for an improved, faster, reliable, and super modern-looking Skype.”

So, here are some of the new features coming to Skype:

Calling stage modernization: Microsoft is adding new layouts, beautiful theming, and other new features to the Skype calling stage, which is its weird name for the interface you see when you’re conversing with one or more other people. You will be able to see yourself on the main view during a call, view multiple people with a more natural grid, disable the video stream, and hide audio-only participants from the calling stage.

Other modern features: The chat header is getting updated with a new layout, a group avatar, and button gradients. The left side panel in the main Skype window is likewise being redesigned with Fluent icons throughout. And Skype will support vibrant new color themes.

Improved Meet Now: This Windows 10-only feature is being redesigned to be even lighter weight, easier to use, and better looking.

Browser support: The web version of Skype will natively support “all browsers,” Microsoft says, alongside icons of Edge, Chrome, Safari, and Opera.

Office Lens on iOS: The iPhone version of Skype is getting camera improvements thanks to Office Lens so you can “capture your memories, create videos or scan documents, whiteboards and business cards in the smartest way.”

TwinCam: This intriguing feature will let Skype users add a second camera—perhaps on their smartphones—to a call so you can show two things at once.

Notification sounds customization: Microsoft will let users choose their own notification sounds.

New reactions chooser: Using a new reactions chooser, you will be able to choose any emotion and react within two seconds. Microsoft claims. It will also support search, reactions organization, and pinned items.

PSTN translation: Skype Universal Translator will be able to translate phone calls on the fly between languages. It supports all languages and works on landlines as well as video calls.

Improved performance: Skype is about to get 30 percent faster on desktop and an incredible 2000 percent faster on Android thanks to modernizing the media stack.

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Meta Expands Integration of WhatsApp with Accounts Center

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Since its launch in 2020, Accounts Center has allowed users to manage their connected experiences across Facebook, Instagram, and Meta Quest with ease. In a significant expansion, Meta announced the rollout of a new option to add WhatsApp to the Accounts Center over the coming months.

The integration prioritizes user choice and privacy. WhatsApp accounts will remain separate from other apps, and only users can decide to link them. This integration is optional and off by default. However, those who opt in can enjoy added convenience. For instance, sharing updates from WhatsApp Status to Facebook or Instagram Stories will become seamless, eliminating the need for multiple posts. Additionally, a single sign-on feature will enable quick and easy access to WhatsApp accounts.

Meta plans to introduce more cross-app features over time. Future updates will allow users to manage their avatars, Meta AI stickers, and Imagine Me creations all in one place. The company commits to providing clear explanations for these updates within their apps to help users make informed decisions.

Privacy remains a priority, with personal messages and calls on WhatsApp continuing to be protected by end-to-end encryption. This ensures that no one, not even WhatsApp or Meta, can access this content. Integrating WhatsApp into Accounts Center does not change this standard.

The global rollout will take time. Users will see the new option in their WhatsApp settings or when prompted while performing cross-app actions, such as resharing their Status. Meta aims to enhance user experience by making digital interactions smoother and more intuitive.

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Lamborghini Rolls Out Smart TV App

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Lamborghini has launched Lamborghini TV, a smart TV app that offers fans and customers an immersive experience in the world of this iconic automaker.

The app delivers exclusive content, including in-depth model analysis, technical insights, motorsport highlights, event coverage, lifestyle features, interviews, and podcasts.

Available on Android TV (8.0 Oreo and above), Samsung Tizen (2018+ devices), and LG WebOS (2018+ devices), Lamborghini TV can be downloaded directly from smart TV app stores. With high-resolution visuals and curated programming, the app allows enthusiasts to explore behind-the-scenes stories.

From comprehensive looks into Lamborghini’s latest supercars to exclusive podcasts offering expert insights, Lamborghini TV is designed to provide a captivating experience tailored to every fan. The app is available for download now on compatible devices.

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Elon Musk Teases Launch of ‘Xmail’ to Rival Gmail

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Elon Musk has sparked speculation about the potential launch of ‘Xmail,’ an email service that could rival Google’s Gmail. The excitement began when the X account DodgeDesigner suggested that an X-based email service would be “cool.” Musk responded, stating, “Yeah. On the list of things to do,” confirming that the concept is being considered.

This announcement is in line with Musk’s usual method of revealing updates through casual interactions on X. Although no official timeline or details about ‘Xmail’ have been shared yet, the news has generated significant buzz on social media, especially among Musk’s followers.

As of September 2024, Apple Mail dominates the global email market with a 53.67% share, while Gmail holds 30.70%, according to recent data. Outlook, Yahoo! Mail, and Google Android combined account for less than 10% of the market. If Musk introduces ‘Xmail,’ it could potentially disrupt the current market dynamics, leveraging his influence as the world’s richest man and US President-elect’s ‘First Buddy.’

Supporters are already rallying behind the idea. One user expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “I’d drop Gmail so damn fast,” reflecting frustration with Google’s dominance.

The potential launch of ‘Xmail’ underscores Musk’s ambition to expand X’s ecosystem and challenge established tech giants. Whether ‘Xmail’ will succeed remains to be seen, but the anticipation and excitement are already high.

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