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Aug 27, 2024 Alison Harvard WhatsApp Enhances Video Calls with New Augmented Reality Features in Latest Beta Update WhatsApp is currently experimenting with a new feature for its iOS app designed to incorporate augmented reality (AR) functionalities, as reported by a feature monitoring service. This innovative aspect aims to enhance video calls by allowing users to adjust elements like lighting and background settings. The beta update, which introduces this feature, is also expected to come with real-time touch-up filters, along with a specific low-light mode for improved visibility during calls.
The feature tracker, WABetaInfo, indicated that AR functionality was initially detected in the Android beta version 2.24.16.7 in July. Now, it has made its way to iOS with the recent beta update for WhatsApp, version 24.15.10.70, available through Apple's TestFlight program.
Recent screenshots reveal that the augmented reality amenities on WhatsApp feature dynamic facial filters. Users will reportedly have the ability to adjust their appearance, including altering the overall color tone of their video feed. Moreover, there’s an editing tool that allows users to blur their background or swap it for a preset background option provided by the messaging service.
Furthermore, the beta update for WhatsApp on iOS is expected to provide two distinct modes: touch-up and low-light. The touch-up mode is designed to enhance the user’s facial features by eliminating minor imperfections and smoothing the skin, similar to beauty filters found on various smartphones. The low-light mode, on the other hand, is intended to improve clarity in darker settings.
This feature is currently in the development stage, and only available to beta testers who have signed up via Apple's TestFlight. Expansion to a broader user base is anticipated in the coming weeks.
Besides the ongoing AR developments, WhatsApp has also recently broadened its sticker selection with the addition of GIPHY-powered stickers, enabling users to search for relevant options without leaving the app. Additionally, the custom sticker creator introduced in January for iOS is now accessible for Android users as well.
If users are unable to locate a fitting sticker from the existing library, they have the option to create their own using Meta AI, the conversational artificial intelligence assistant available across Meta Platforms’ applications, including WhatsApp and Instagram. Read More
Aug 27, 2024 Benjamin Carter Instagram Unveils New Profile Song Feature with Sabrina Carpenter Instagram has introduced a thrilling new feature aimed at adding a more personalized touch to user profiles. This latest addition, referred to as 'profile song,' allows individuals to select a specific song that resonates with their emotions or preferences. A rich selection of licensed tracks is available for users to choose from. To launch this initiative, Instagram has teamed up with the accomplished singer and actress Sabrina Carpenter.
A recent announcement on X (formerly Twitter) by Instagram introduced the profile song feature. The selected song will appear directly beneath the user's bio. According to the platform, the track will not play automatically; it can be activated by clicking the music icon. However, doing so will provide only a 30-second preview of the song.
Sabrina Carpenter is at the forefront of this feature's introduction, contributing a brief snippet of her song “Taste,” which is part of an upcoming album expected to drop on Friday. Users can keep this song on their profile until they opt to change it. The profile song functionality is accessible to all user accounts, including both consumer and creator accounts. To get started:
Staff members from Gadgets 360 confirmed the feature's availability on Instagram for Android devices, although it was not found on the iOS platform at that moment.
This new addition enhances the array of media-oriented features that Instagram has been introducing in recent months. Back in July, the platform launched a multi-audio tracks option, allowing users to incorporate up to 20 different tracks into a single Instagram Reel. They also have the ability to synchronize the audio with text and embellish the Reel with stickers, clips, and other elements. The application can produce fade effects and offers users the option to layer audio tracks as well.
The generated mix will be saved with credit given to the original creator. In this way, not only can the creators use their own mixes, but other users will also have the opportunity to incorporate these blended tracks into their content. Read More -
Aug 26, 2024 Benjamin Carter Mastering the Museum: A Comprehensive Guide to Donations in Stardew Valley In the captivating realm of Stardew Valley, gamers set off on an adventure blending farming, discovery, and camaraderie. One captivating aspect of the game involves the Museum run by Gunther, where players are encouraged to donate rare items and artifacts. Completing the exhibit not only enriches the museum but also rewards players with unique bonuses, including a coveted Stardrop that boosts energy and stamina. This guide will provide insights into how to successfully navigate the process of museum donations, from understanding its purpose to discovering ways of acquiring sought-after artifacts and minerals.
Understanding the Museum
The Museum occupies a significant place within Stardew Valley, situated in the town's southeast corner near the Blacksmith. It operates daily between 8 AM and 6 PM, except on days when town festivals take place. Visitors to the Museum are greeted with shelves filled with books, offering knowledge of various lore pieces through lost books that can be found throughout the game. As you venture deeper into the museum, a large display area awaits, showcasing the items you collect and donate.
Gunther, the curator, will introduce you to the donation process early in your agrarian adventure. As you bring different artifacts and minerals to him, Gunther grants you the freedom to choose where to display these items, with the option to rearrange them at a later time. This personalization fosters a connection between players and their collections, making every visit to the Museum a rewarding experience.
Donation Rewards
Donating items to the Museum isn't just about fulfilling Gunther's request; it also yields valuable rewards as you hit specific milestones. Some rewards may seem like mere bonuses, but a few stand out as particularly beneficial. Upon donating a total of 60 items, players unlock access to the sewers, enhancing exploration opportunities. By reaching the 95-item benchmark, you are rewarded with a Stardrop, which permanently increases your maximum energy level. Additionally, for those who are driven to collect all four Dwarvish Scrolls, donating each one grants a special Dwarvish Translation Guide, allowing for communication with the mysterious Dwarves scattered throughout Stardew Valley.
Categories of Donations: Artifacts and Minerals
The Mineral Collection
The Museum houses a total of 95 items, composed of 53 minerals and 42 artifacts. Minerals are generally easier to obtain, as they can be mined or discovered through various means. Players can locate gems within their specific nodes or through the generic gem node, yielding treasures like Emeralds or other single gems. The foraged minerals—Quartz, Earth Crystal, Frozen Tear, and Fire Quartz—can often be found while spelunking in the mines or the Skull Cavern.
The most prolific source of minerals comes from breaking open geodes, which players can find during their adventures. Geodes can be categorized into basic Geodes, Frozen Geodes, Lava Geodes, and... -
Aug 13, 2024 Benjamin Carter Goldfish Triumphs in Elden Ring's Final Boss Battle: A Gamer's Unconventional Strategy The gaming community recently witnessed an extraordinary event that captured the attention of many. When the Elden Ring expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, was released, it not only introduced a plethora of exciting new content but also included some of the game’s most challenging bosses. Among these formidable foes was the final confrontation featuring General Radhan and Miquella, notorious for their swift and overwhelming assault patterns. Despite many players facing defeat against this duo, one gamer decided to tackle the challenge in a truly unconventional way.
Twitch streamer Pointcrow aimed to demonstrate that overcoming this boss was achievable, opting to have his goldfish, Tortellini, engage in the battle. Rather than relying solely on traditional control methods, Pointcrow allowed the random movements of his fish to dictate the actions within the game. To the surprise of many, this unusual strategy led to the golden fish ultimately defeating the final boss of the expansion after a series of unpredictable swimming maneuvers.
If you find yourself feeling inadequate in light of this achievement, there's no need for concern. It’s worth noting that Tortellini had the advantage of controlling a remarkably powerful character, who was at level 713. Additionally, Pointcrow equipped his avatar with top-tier gear and items to ensure an equitable fighting chance for his aquatic ally. For those curious to witness this unique gaming milestone, the entire performance is available for viewing on Twitch. -
Aug 13, 2024 Alison Harvard Turkey Restores Instagram Access After Agreement on Regulations and Compliance Issues On Saturday, Turkey announced that it had reestablished access to Instagram, following the platform's agreement to work with the government to resolve ongoing issues. The social media service had been blocked on August 2 due to non-compliance with local regulations and sensitivities.
A senior Turkish official claimed that Instagram had obstructed the posting of condolence messages for the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, leader of the militant group Hamas. Turkey condemned the attacks by Israel on Gaza, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and criticizing the West's unwavering support for Israel.
The nine-day suspension led to demonstrations from users and small businesses that rely on the platform for customer engagement. Turkey is ranked fifth globally for Instagram usage, boasting over 57 million users, trailing only India, the United States, Brazil, and Indonesia, as per Statista data.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu shared on X that discussions with Instagram officials resulted in lifting the restriction, citing their commitment to address the concerns related to catalog crimes and user censorship.
In Turkish law, catalog crimes encompass serious offenses such as murder, sexual assault, drug trafficking, alongside abuse and torture. Uraloglu expressed confidence that substantial advancements had been made in enhancing digital security, ensuring legal adherence, safeguarding user rights, and establishing a fair oversight system in Turkey.
Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has agreed to align with Turkish legal requirements and ensure the swift removal of posts associated with certain crimes and "terrorism propaganda," added Uraloglu. When reached for comment, Instagram did not provide an immediate response to Reuters.
According to internet monitoring group NetBlocks, live metrics indicated that Instagram services were reinstated across Turkey's main internet providers following the nine-day national restriction, marking it as the longest halt of a major social media platform in recent times. -
Aug 12, 2024 Benjamin Carter Unlocking Exotic Armor in Destiny 2: A Guide to Rahool’s New Reputation System Destiny 2 has undergone a remarkable transformation with the arrival of its latest expansion, The Final Shape. One of the most significant changes pertains to the acquisition of Exotic armor, a critical aspect for players seeking to enhance their Guardian’s capabilities. As the game evolves, so do the mechanics behind unlocking these coveted armor pieces. In this article, we will delve into the new ways to obtain Exotic armor in Destiny 2, focusing on the fresh reputation system introduced by Rahool, the Tower Cryptarch. This guide will outline the methods to rank up, the new tier of focusing available, and tips to streamline your grind for Exotic gear.
Chapter 1: A Shift in Armor Acquisition
As Destiny 2 continues to expand its rich universe, The Final Shape introduces two additional Exotic armor pieces for each Guardian class. Unlike before, where players would grind through daily rotating Lost Sectors to chase specific armor types, the approach has shifted dramatically. While engaging with these Lost Sectors is still possible, the days of directly obtaining a specific type of Exotic armor via this method have come to an end.
The previous strategy involved identifying the daily Lost Sector offering the desired armor piece, such as a helmet or chest armor. Guardians would meticulously plan their gameplay around these rotations, often leading to frustrating playthroughs when the desired drop didn’t occur. Players can still participate in Legend and Master Lost Sectors to accumulate high-end materials and Exotic engrams, but the direct link to specific Exotic armor pieces has been severed.
Chapter 2: Rahool, Your New Exotic Armor Source
With the elimination of the old method, Rahool steps into the limelight as the primary vendor for Exotic armor pieces. As the one who decrypts your Engrams in the Tower, he is instrumental in the new process. Now, a reputation system shapes your experience with him. Engaging with him frequently allows you to earn reputation points, unlocking exclusive rewards along the way.
Rahool previously offered a focusing service for a limited selection of Exotic armor based on player needs. This service has evolved into a more intricate system with the introduction of Tier 3 Focusing. This new system enables players to acquire novel Exotic armor pieces for their collections—allowing for a more curated experience. However, this comes at a cost that includes both an Exotic Engram and an Exotic Cipher, which can be obtained through ranking up with Rahool or completing special quests from Xur, a merchant known for his presence on weekends.
Chapter 3: Mastering the Art of Focusing
The road to obtaining new Exotic armor revolves around understanding and mastering the focusing system. Each tier of focusing has its own requirements and rewards. Previously, players had options for decryption based on their...