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  • WhatsApp Enhances Video Calls with New Augmented Reality Features in Latest Beta Update img 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
  • Instagram Unveils New Profile Song Feature with Sabrina Carpenter img 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