Insta-upgrade your life with Instagram’s new standalone shopping app
Instagram is reportedly developing a new standalone app dedicated to shopping. Users will be able to browse collections from merchants that they follow on Instagram, and purchase goods. The app, which could be called IG Shopping, would be a huge expansion into e-commerce for the platform.
Superzoom gets even more intense as Instagram adds new effects
Those with a penchant for le dramatique will be pleased to hear that Instagram is rolling out six new effects for its Superzoom feature for Stories. Included in the new effects are paparazzi camera flashes, a fog-filled heart with music, black leaves against a melancholy soundtrack, fire with rock music, a big red X and a surprise effect with an evil audio. The features will be rolling out gradually to users, so get ready to create some Super theatrical content.
Snapchat introduces slick new frames for Spectacles V2
As Spectacles V2 are getting used 40% more than V1, Snapchat has launched two new styles – the Wayfarer-like Nico, and the more glamorous, large-framed Veronica. The styles are another push for Snapchat to make Spectacles more suited for general use, as the new frames look much more like normal sunglasses than previous styles – especially the V1 frames – alongside the decision to allow V2 to export in non-circular formats so that users can share beyond Snapchat.
Twitter redesigns its website, and it’s really, really white Twitter is redesigning its desktop website, bringing bookmarks, an explore tab, and a “data-saver” mode in a brand-new minimalist look. The new clean, white interface is currently being tested with a small number of users, and although it won’t roll out to everyone for a while yet, we can expect to look forward to bidding farewell to the “Moments” tab in favour of “Explore” (as on the mobile app) as well as a vastly improved Direct Messenger format with a full-page experience for messages.
Livestream without fear as Twitter introduces audio-only feature
If you’re more ‘podcast’ than ‘IGTV’ when it comes to social media sharing – good news. You can now livestream on Twitter without video streaming. The platform has introduced an option to disable the video feed when livestreaming, so you can broadcast without having to brush your hair.
Twitter reveals three livestreamed shows for the 2018 NFL season
Social media sports-programming just keeps on coming as Twitter brings out three livestreamed shows from NFL Media and ESPN. The Checkdown will feature guest hosts, examining trending conversations around NFL-related culture, All Around – the NFL’s podcast crew – will host a weekly livestreamed show, and ESPN’s Fantasy Focus Live will be broadcast on weekdays. The platform has also announced hashtag-triggered emojis for all 32 teams, as Twitter sets out to be the home of NFL social conversations.
YouTube TV members can now pause their subscriptions
Break-ups are hard. Sometimes you just need a little space, which is why YouTube TV’s new option for members to pause their subscription rather than cancelling outright might come as a relief for those who are still undecided. Users can choose to pause memberships from four weeks up to six months, and, while your S.O. might not appreciate a relationship hiatus, YouTube TV will always take you back as normal billing resumes after the chosen period has ended.