Month: July 2022

Meta brings Waveforms to WhatsApp Beta for Windows

WhatsApp is finally adding waveforms to voice notes for WhatsApp Beta for Windows. While waveforms may not be news to you if you have the mobile version of the popular chat app, this is a feature that WhatsApp for Windows previously did not have. Of course, waveforms weren’t necessary until recently because WhatsApp for Windows didn’t have support for voice notes. Now, however, it does. 

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As seen in the image below, waveforms now show up when you send and receive a voice note in the recently updated Beta version of WhatsApp for Windows. Unfortunately, because this feature is still technically in beta testing, waveforms will not apply to older voice notes sent or received before the WhatsApp for Windows Beta version update.

Meta brings Waveforms to WhatsApp Beta for Windows

In such a case, you’ll see blank waveforms instead of those that fluctuate with the presence and volume of your voice. This isn’t a bug. Instead, it’s simply a feature of voice notes recorded in either an older version of WhatsApp or a version that is not compatible with the new intuitive waveform feature. 

The latest version of WhatsApp for Windows also includes a fix for notifications not popping up when the app is closed. This is an integral feature because not everyone keeps WhatsApp open while waiting for messages. The WhatsApp arm of Meta plans to introduce a number of new features to both the mobile version for Android and iOS, and the version for Windows and Web.

Even though the team is hard at work on new features and innovations, they have also assured users that they are issuing fixes and ironing out bugs in both the beta versions and existing stable software. New fixes and features will ship with the next WhatsApp for Windows Beta update. 

One of these new features that the WhatsApp team is working on is a native version of the viral Memojis. You’ll be able to express your virtual self in a more fluid, dynamic way soon!

WhatsApp is building its own version of Memojis READ MORE

The MultiVersus open beta is now available for players on Steam

Every now and again, a game would come along that had us really excited. MultiVersus is one such game, and we’re not alone. So far, MultiVersus has been very well received by players during the closed beta testing. The open beta is now available on Steam for anyone wishing to try the game.

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The closed beta was so popular that it quickly had the highest concurrent player count of any other fighter game on Steam. This crossover fighter game was developed by Player First Games and released by Warner Bros. In the game, you can play with or against your friends using famous characters from many different movies and series.

In the game, you can choose to be Shaggy from Scooby-Doo and battle it out against Batman. All the characters have unique skills, making pitting them against each other exciting and entertaining. Have you ever wondered who would win in a fight between Steven Universe and the Iron Giant? Now you can find out.

MultiVersus will be free-to-play once it’s released later this year. Players who paid for early access will be able to continue using the characters they have now. New players will only have the free-to-play characters at the start and can earn points by playing online. They can then use these points to unlock other characters.

MultiVersus will launch with 17 characters, including Rick and Morty and LeBron James, among others. There are also a whole other host of popular characters that will be added to the game in the future, potentially including ones from Lord of the Rings, amongst other franchises.

LOTR content might be coming to MultiVersus READ MORE

Google rolls out new integrated view to Gmail users

Exciting developments are taking effect at Google HQ. The company has recently started rolling out a brand-new integrated view for its Gmail client. The new view is available for all users who have the Chat feature turned on. 

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Google is working on making Gmail a more seamless social experience. To this end, the new integrated Gmail view adds a new bar to the left-hand side of your Gmail interface, where you’ll be able to access other Google features like Chat, Meet, and Spaces. All you need to do to access the new interface is head into your Gmail settings and scroll to the Chat and Meet tab. From here, you’ll be able to select Google Chat as the default Chat option and save your changes. 

Once you’ve done this, you’ll need to hit the Settings cog on the left-hand sidebar and press Try out the new Gmail view. It’s that easy. Now, you should be greeted by the new Gmail interface. The first obvious change you’ll notice is the striking but far cleaner Material 3 interface. This is a similar skin to what the Google Pixel devices have and makes the entire Google experience look even more streamlined.

You’ll also see a bunch of new features, similar to the search pills or chips that you likely use on Pinterest. This feature makes it much easier to find a particular email in a sea of recommendations, promotions, and primary inbox items. Your invitation to the next big event certainly won’t get ‘lost in the mail’ now. 

The chips are remarkably easy to use. All you need to do is type a query into the dedicated searhc field, and then you’ll be able to filter emails by recipient, sender, and more by selecting relevant chips above the search results. 

Not everyone is going to love the new Gmail interface as much as some will. In the event that you don’t particularly care for the clean, bold lines of Material 3, Google has given you the option to revert to the previous display configuration. If you do like the new skin, you’ll be happy to know that Gmail is now even more customizable than before. You can hand-pick which items your sidebar should show and disable those you’re not likely to use. 

Even more exciting news from Google HQ, Gmail is getting some machine learning augmentation!

Gmail is getting some machine learning augmentation READ MORE

Google Maps on Android and iOS is getting an exciting free upgrade

The Google Maps app on Android and iOS devices is receiving some exciting new features. Some of these features include better navigation for cyclists, flyover-style aerial views, and the long-awaited immersive view introduced at Google I/O 2022. But what exactly do these features mean for Google Maps users?

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While we won’t be seeing all the features introduced at Google I/O 2022 just yet, the immersive view feature is starting to roll out to Android and iOS users. The technology behind this feature uses 3D mapping and machine learning to generate realistic 3D images from photos.

This immersive view is currently available for about 100 different landmarks worldwide, including London, Barcelona, Tokyo, and New York. It should be noted that this isn’t the full immersive view just yet, as that will be released later this year. However, it’s still an exciting feature reminiscent of Apple’s Flyover Mode.

Google Maps on Android and iOS is getting an exciting free upgrade

Regarding cyclists, Google Maps is introducing a new feature specifically for these two-wheeled drivers. The app will now warn you about steps, hills, the traffic on your route, and whether the road is a major or minor one. These updates should roll out to all users in the next few weeks.

Location sharing is also getting a new helpful feature. Now, users can choose to share their location so that individuals can be notified when you leave or arrive at a particular destination. This is very useful to see if someone (parents, children, family members) arrives safely at their location. This feature is now rolling out to all Android and iOS devices and should be available immediately. 

Following the recent introduction of LGBTQ+ safe spaces on Google Maps, these new features continue to make the app useful. We can’t wait for the full immersive view’s release later this year.

GTA VI: female lead protagonist and modern Miami setting all but confirmed

Hot off the press, we finally have new details about Rockstar’s most ambitious project yet; GTA VI. A recent Bloomberg report released a wealth of information about the game’s setting, lead cast, and even news about the development team themselves. As it turns out, we were right. The next iteration of the Grand Theft Auto Saga will indeed take place in a fictionalized Miami. 

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We don’t, however, know if the new setting is going to be called Vice City as it was in previous games. But this would be a safe bet and welcome nostalgic journey. You’ll have to wait a little while before taking on this trip down memory lane, though. GTA VI is slated to only come out in 2023/24. This is due to numerous workplace concerns that have culminated in the company stopping overtime altogether in favor of healthier working conditions and happier developers. 

These workplace concerns have also led to the creators of the game having to reign in their ambition. As we reported recently, the initial idea for GTA VI was a game that spans more than just numerous cities, as San Andreas did, but numerous continents. This would have resulted in the biggest and most ambitious game in the history of gaming – unless, of course, you count Microsoft’s Flight Simulator, which created a near-perfect replica of the entire Earth. 

GTA VI female lead protagonist 2

We don’t know how big the GTA VI world will be exactly, or how many regions it will span, but Bloomberg’s report confirms that the game will have an ever-evolving world that grows as the game progresses. This is still a first within the GTA franchise. Another first will come in the form of a female lead protagonist. You read that right. The future of GTA is half-female.

We say half because the Latina female lead will share the role of the protagonist with her male companion. We don’t know what their relationship will be, but Bloomberg and Rockstar make numerous references to Bonnie and Clyde, which promises to be interesting. 

As for the time period during which the new game will take place, all we have are suspicions at this point. Judging from the modernity of the building in the background of the teaser image, as well as the clothing choices, helicopter, drones, and a bike with almost future-forward headlights, we expect the setting to be somewhere between 2022 and 2025. Given that the game is slated for 2023/24 release, the developers may want the experience to be as current as possible when the game releases. 

This news is almost obsolete at this point, but Rockstar is actively hiring new staff for the development of GTA VI, confirming that development is well underway.

GTA 6 is underway READ MORE

How to make it to the finish line in Stumble Guys

Stumble Guys is a free game that has gone viral among fans of straightforward yet addictive multiplayer battle royales. The game is similar to the popular Fall Guys, another knockout release from developers Kitaka Games. However, Stumble Guys differs in a few ways, namely the jumping mechanics, obstacles, and some different gameplay touches.

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In Stumble Guys, you are competing with up to 32 players in a multiplayer setting. You’ll have to run and jump to the finish line in 17 different obstacle courses with three rounds for each level. These obstacle courses involve dodging falling snow, jumping over islands, and avoiding traps. Using your arrow keys or touch screen on mobile, your customizable avatar must beat the other players or start over if you lose. While Stumble Guys takes some practice to perfect, there are a few key tips to emerge as a champion.

  1. Adjust controls and settings on your gameplay and character first

    Adjust the settings

    In order to take advantage of your gameplay, you’ll want to set the controls to your personal preferences. Click through the main menu to “Settings” and change the volume as well as the resolution that you can best see on your screen. Advanced options include keymapping to change your movements, such as using the arrow keys or WASD keys. If you’re on mobile, you can set your clicks to one touch or multiple movements at once.

    With the free Stumble Guys game, you can customize a default character and unlock more skins as you win races and collect gold. Start out by tweaking your character’s appearance through different colors and emotes to stand out on the playing field. When you’re playing with so many other people, you will want to keep an eye out for your individual character so as not to get distracted and lose.

  2. Choose to win with speed or defense

    Dodge obstacles with speed

    If you’re comfortable with controls and can run, dodge, and jump as fast as you can through the quick races, you’ll want to choose traditional gameplay and make it to the end before other players. However, you can also sabotage other runners by “stumbling” into them to fall off platforms or blocking them on the race track. Newcomers to Stumble Guys may be under the impression that the game is a huge race and find out quickly that other players are more defensive in their tactics.

    Mini-games such as “Bombardment” feature your avatar facing a pirate ship and avoiding explosions. You have the option to dodge and slide to keep yourself from falling into the ocean or find a spot to hide from the bombs. When you’re playing defense, pushing hiding players into the ocean is a good tactic as long as you don’t stumble along with them.

  3. Take note of your obstacles as you play along

    Use platforms to jump to safety

    Just like any other game, you’ll face difficulties winning each level, especially in a multi-player format. Players can purchase in-game season passes for advantages over the free gameplay. It’s important to make it to the finish line in the obstacle courses but also vital to learn from each challenge. There will be different levels where you have to avoid falling off platforms, using speed and defense to win against other players, and others to wait out the game, though that’s not recommended as your opponents can make you lose the level.

    By taking mental notes of your levels and the quickest way to avoid obstacles, you will have an advantage in the next round. There are scenes where you need to jump to safety and others where you have to move out of the way and keep running. Don’t slow down and wait for an obstacle to clear as it will allow players to get ahead, make you stumble and lose, and have to start the game over.

  4. Race your way to the win with Fall Guys free edition

    Stumble Guys is a free learning experience as well as an entertaining game for those who enjoy multi-player programs. With practice and dedication, you’re able to learn the best tips and tricks to win against your other players and advance in your stats. This title can be enjoyed over again as you face new challenges and upgrade your skills.

We hope you enjoyed this helpful guide! Looking for similar games to play with your friends? Check out our full collection of battle royale games available for download!

10 Million Android users have already installed a new wave of malware apps

Despite stricter rules, the Google Play Store is still full of malware apps. A new flood of malicious Android apps has just been discovered on the Play Store that is riddled with malware and spyware. Worst of all, Android users have already downloaded these apps 10 million times. Should we be worried about Android 13?

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The apps used to spread malware often pose as image-editing tools, virtual keyboards, wallpaper changers and image filters. Many of these apps might even deliver the bare minimum of what they promise. However, their underlying goal is to push ads, subscribe unknowing users to premium services, steal social media account details and engage in other harmful activities.

The Dr Web antivirus team discovered these apps and highlighted these threats in a report. Google followed up by removing many of these malicious apps from the Play Store. However, a few of them remain. If you installed any of these apps, even if they’re already removed from the Play Store, you’ll have to uninstall them manually and run an AV scan to clear any remaining fragments that can still cause harm.

10 Million Android users have already installed a new wave of malware apps 2

Here is the full list of the most recent malicious apps discovered on the Google Play Store: 

  • Photo Editor: Beauty Filter
  • Photo Editor: Retouch & Cutout
  • Photo Editor: Art Filters
  • Photo Editor – Design Maker
  • Photo Editor & Background Eraser
  • Photo & Exif Editor
  • Photo Editor – Filters Effects
  • Photo Filters & Effects
  • Photo Editor: Blur Image
  • Photo Editor: Cut, Paste
  • Emoji Keyboard: Stickers & GIF
  • Neon Theme Keyboard
  • Neon Theme – Android Keyboard
  • Cashe Cleaner
  • Fancy Charging
  • FastCleaner: Cashe Cleaner
  • Call Skins – Caller Themes
  • Funny Caller
  • CallMe Phone Themes
  • InCall: Contact Background
  • MyCall – Call Personalization
  • Caller Theme
  • Funny Wallpapers – Live Screen
  • 4K Wallpapers Auto Changer
  • NewScrean: 4D Wallpapers
  • Stock Wallpapers & Backgrounds
  • Notes – reminders and lists

Hopefully, the optimizations planned for Android tablets will include stricter app security. For now, it’s important to remain cautious of any apps you install. While Google tries to screen them all, sometimes they still slip through. We recommend reviewing the rating and reviews before installing any app.

World of Warcraft will release Wrath of the Lich King Classic in September

World of Warcraft fans will be able to enjoy an older classic campaign once more before the release of Dragonflight. World of Warcraft has announced that they’ll release a recreation of one of the classic realms in September. 

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This recreation will be of the second expansion, Wrath of the Lich King Classic, and it’s set to be released to all players with an active subscription on September 26th, 2022. It will be provided at no additional cost and available on all World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade Classic realms.

Players will take on an immense journey to confront one of Warcraft’s most iconic bad guys, the Lich King. This expansion includes the wintry forests and snowy peaks of Northrend, the largest landmass created for World of Warcraft. That is until Dragonflight is released.

This expansion will also introduce a new hero class, the Death Knight. This hero will be available to all players and will start at level 55. Death Knights wield dark magic and as well as runic powers against enemies. The expansion will also feature the classic World of Warcraft’s original achievement system.

World of Warcraft will release Wrath of the Lich King Classic in September

Alongside all this, the inscription profession is also included, meaning players can scribe ability-enhancing glyphs. This expansion will also include 13 different dungeons, including Ahn’Kahet: The Old Kingdom and The Culling of Stratholme, as well as nine raids. 

Until the release of this classic expansion, players can enjoy Joyous Journeys, which is a 50% bonus XP event that will run until September 26th. Also, don’t forget to pre-order World of Warcraft: Dragonflight now and be ready to explore the new world. We look forward to the recreation of an old favorite before the release of a new exciting expansion.

Meta introduces new revenue-sharing feature for licensed music

Meta, the parent company behind Facebook, recently unveiled a brand new way for content creators to monetize videos containing licensed music. This new feature, called Music Revenue Sharing, aims to share the revenue of licensed music between content creators and music artists. 

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Meta is hailing the new feature as ‘the first of its kind within the music industry’ and states that it strives to help the site’s content creators ‘access more popular music, deepening relationships with their fans.’ The new service is powered by Meta’s Rights Manager, a tool specifically designed to comb Facebook and Instagram posts for original, copyrighted content. This service will now be an integral part of letting creators earn money from using their favorite tracks in videos. 

As with anything, there’s a caveat, though; In order to use licensed music and still monetize their videos, creators must first be eligible for Facebook’s in-stream ads, and meet various standards. These include Facebook’s monetization standards, music guidelines, and community standards. 

To be eligible for these services, videos must be:

  • Have a runtime of 60 seconds or longer
  • Be posted to Facebook
  • Contain some kind of visual component (to deter creators from posting blank screens with licensed music)
  • Feature samples of music covered by the Music Revenue Sharing service

Facebook now has a dedicated Licensed Music Library where users can explore the musthat the new service covers. The social media platform has also assured users that it will continue collaborating with music rights holders in an effort to expand the current list of covered tracks. Its hope is that this new service will ‘bring creators and the music industry closer together, leading to more authentic connections with fans.’ 

Meta introduces new revenue-sharing feature for licensed music

Should content creators’ videos meet Facebook and Meta’s numerous standards, they can expect a 20% share of the revenue generated by the use of licensed music tracks. This is a fairly low percentage and it stands to reason that many content creators may opt to instead stick to royalty-free music and retain the full 100% of revenue generated. 

While the Music Revenue Sharing service is already live globally, only videos delivered to US audiences are eligible for monetization at this stage. The company intends to expand the full scope of the service worldwide within the coming months. 

In other Facebook news, the social media platform has vowed to give you more control over your feed. This is likely due to backlash over curated feed content and numerous accusations of Facebook retaining too much control over the content you see on the platform.

Instagram guns for Tiktok with more videos

Instagram has recently come under fire for allegedly favoring video content over the still image sharing module upon which the platform was founded. The argument has already been made that this could be due to how the average user has shifted focus to sharing videos. However, the CEO of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, recently stated that he believes the platform will rely even more heavily on videos in the future. 

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‘I need to be honest, I do believe that more and more of Instagram is going to become video over time.’

This statement was a direct response to the Instagram community’s growing concerns that the platform is actively favoring videos over photos. Mosseri has, however, stated that even if the company makes no deliberate changes to the service it provides, videos are bound to naturally increase in popularity as people continue to shift toward making videos instead of uploading images to the platform. 

Simultaneously, Mosseri assured the community that Instagram would remain a home for the photo-sharing upon which the platform was founded. ‘I want to be clear, we’re going to continue to support photos, it’s a part of our heritage. You know I love photos and I know a lot of you out there love photos, too.’

This is all in the wake of Instagram’s announcement that the service will now automatically turn any video less than 15 minutes in length into a Reel, letting the content that users share be seen by more than just their followers.

We’ve seen a remarkable increase in Tiktok-esque features across Meta’s other IP. Since the rise of the Chinese short video sharing platform, Facebook has introduced its own short video sharing feature, and Instagram has introduced Reels. Even WhatsApp now has a similar feature.

Instagram boss says to expect even more video content 2

Mosseri took the opportunity to highlight other features coming to Instagram soon, including a full-screen display. ‘ It’s a test to a few percentage of people out there. The idea is that a more full-screen experience, not only for videos but also for photos, might be a more fun and engaging experience.

But I also want to be clear, it’s not yet good, and we’re going to have to get it to a good place if we’re going to ship it to the rest of the Instagram community.’

In other Instagram news, Mark Zuckerberg recently announced a feature that could see Instagram gunning for Google Maps.

Did Instagram just become Google Maps? READ MORE