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Facebook Launches BARS For Creating Raps To Counter TikTok’s Growing Popularity
Published
4 years agoon
Facebook is leaving no stone unturned to tackle the surging popularity of the Chinese video making app TikTok. As part of its redoubled efforts Facebook is launching a new app named BARS which could be used to create and share raps. The core idea behind the app is rappers could focus on creating content without having to worry about investing heavily in production and equipment.
Facebook said, “Audio production tools can be complicated, expensive and difficult to use. With BARS, you can select one of our professionally-created beats, write lyrics and record yourself dropping bars (sic.)” The company also added, “BARS auto-suggests rhymes as you’re writing to keep your flow going. You can also jump into Challenge mode and freestyle with auto-suggested word cues. Choose from a variety of audio and visual filters to take your creations to the next level (sic.)”
The app is now available in the Apple App Store in the United States of America. The invites for using BARS would be sent out in batches beginning in the USA and then expanded worldwide.
This would be the second app which Facebook is launching to counter TikTok’s growing popularity. Instagram Reels was the latest offering from the photo sharing platform Instagram (owned by Facebook) and was launched as a replacement for the video sharing application TikTok. TikTok was enjoying an unrivalled popularity in India as it became a means to keep boredom at bay during the nationwide lockdown which was imposed in light of the COVID-19 virus. However, the Indian government announced that it would ban 59 Chinese applications in which TikTok was one, along with WeChat, Helo, Cam Scanner and many others. This left a sudden void in video making applications, and Instagram realised the need for urgency to capitalize on this void. Therefore, Instagram immediately pushed their latest feature Instagram Reels which lets its users create 15 second videos with music from Instagram’s database. These videos look very similar to the ones made on TikTok and has gained a lot of popularity in India where Tik Tok continues to be banned.
ALSO READ: 4 Things To Know About Instagram Reels
Google also took advantage of the Indian Government’s ban of the viral application TikTok. Google introduced a new feature on YouTube called YouTube Shorts. The feature for all intents and purposes mimics the same features TikTok used to provide. The new feature mimics many of TikTok’s most popular features, allowing users to make and post 15 second videos with built in creative tools encouraging them to add licensed music and more.
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Latest News
Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal Launches New Health Tech Venture ‘Continue’ for Wellness Tracking!
Published
10 hours agoon
October 22, 2024Deepinder Goyal, co-founder and CEO of Zomato, has entered the health tech space with a new venture called Continue, focusing on wellness tracking and mental health. According to a report by Moneycontrol, the startup, still in stealth mode, aims to become “The Ultimate Health Tracker,” though detailed information is yet to be disclosed.
Background of Continue
Continue was incorporated in April 2023 under the name Upslope Advisors Pvt Ltd. Filings with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs list Goyal as the Director, with two Zomato employees—Akriti Mehta and Simrandeep Singh—serving as Additional Directors. This new venture reflects Goyal’s deepening interest in promoting longevity and human wellness, particularly through mental health solutions.
Vision and Features
While the platform’s exact features remain under wraps, it is expected to offer tools for:
- Nutrition Tracking: Helping users monitor their dietary habits and nutritional intake.
- Sleep Monitoring: Providing insights into sleep patterns and quality.
- Preventive Healthcare: Encouraging proactive health measures to prevent illness.
There are indications that Continue may evolve into a comprehensive wellness platform addressing both mental and physical health needs.
Goyal’s Previous Involvement in Health Tech
Goyal’s interest in health tech is not new. He has previously invested in Ultrahuman, a wearable tech startup that enables users to monitor key health metrics such as sleep and heart rate. His personal fitness journey aligns with his growing involvement in wellness—Goyal has publicly shared that he lost 15 kilograms over the past four years by prioritizing his health alongside professional commitments.
Investment Background
Goyal first invested in Ultrahuman in 2021, increasing his stake over time. He is recognized as one of the most prominent angel investors in the company, holding more than 8% of its shares. Ultrahuman offers products like the Ultrahuman Ring, which tracks various health metrics, reinforcing Goyal’s commitment to integrating technology with personal wellness.
Clarification on Zomato’s Focus
Despite Goyal’s focus on Continue, Zomato clarified that this new venture is his personal project and unrelated to the company’s core operations. Zomato will remain focused on its four key business segments:
- Food Delivery
- Blinkit (grocery delivery)
- Hyperpure (restaurant supplies)
- Events Management
This distinction emphasizes that while Goyal is exploring new opportunities in health tech, Zomato’s primary business activities will not be affected.
Potential Impact of Continue
With Continue, Goyal is poised to make a significant mark in the health tech space, building on his expertise and passion for wellness. The venture could play a crucial role in addressing growing concerns about mental health and overall well-being, especially as more individuals seek holistic solutions for their health needs.
Market Context
The launch of Continue comes at a time when there is increasing consumer interest in health tracking technologies. According to recent reports, India’s digital healthcare industry is expected to grow tenfold from $2.7 billion in 2022 to $37 billion by 2030. This growth indicates a robust market opportunity for ventures like Continue that aim to integrate wellness into everyday life.
Conclusion
Deepinder Goyal’s launch of Continue signifies an exciting development in the intersection of technology and health. As he leverages his experience from Zomato and his personal journey toward better health, Continue has the potential to become a vital player in the wellness sector.
By focusing on innovative solutions for nutrition, sleep, and preventive care, Goyal aims to contribute significantly to improving individual well-being while fostering a culture of health consciousness among users. As details about Continue emerge, it will be interesting to see how this venture shapes the future of health tech in India.
Latest News
Eutelsat Launches First Satellites with SpaceX Following Merger with OneWeb!
Published
11 hours agoon
October 22, 2024Satellite operator Eutelsat successfully launched 20 satellites for its communications network on Sunday, October 20, marking the company’s first deployment since its merger with Britain’s OneWeb in September 2023. The launch utilized a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, which lifted off from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base at 5:13 GMT.
Background of the Merger
As the world’s third-largest satellite operator by revenue, Paris-based Eutelsat now oversees more than 600 low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, supporting a wide range of broadcasters, telecom providers, and radio stations. The merger with OneWeb was completed after gaining approval from Eutelsat’s shareholders in September 2023, creating a powerful entity capable of offering integrated geostationary (GEO) and LEO satellite services.
Statements from Leadership
“This is the first OneWeb satellite launch since our merger, and we plan to launch more over the next few years,” said Eva Berneke, CEO of Eutelsat. “We aim to integrate further into the telecom ecosystem. While satellites represent a smaller niche, they play a vital role in the broader connectivity landscape where telcos dominate.”
Strategic Market Expansion and India Focus
With a $4 billion order backlog, Eutelsat is positioning itself to capitalize on emerging markets like India and Saudi Arabia. India’s satellite services market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 36%, reaching $1.9 billion by 2030. However, regulatory delays have hindered international players, including Eutelsat and Elon Musk’s Starlink, from entering the Indian market.
“We have orders awaiting clearance in India,” Berneke noted. “Once the market opens, we’ll begin construction immediately.”
Potential Challenges
The regulatory landscape in India poses challenges for foreign companies looking to establish a foothold. The Indian government has strict guidelines regarding satellite operations, which can delay entry for companies like Eutelsat.
In-Flight Connectivity Plans
Eutelsat is also exploring new partnerships with aviation companies to offer in-flight connectivity, including onboard internet services. The company anticipates that these initiatives, along with market expansions, will contribute to revenue growth starting next year.
Importance of In-Flight Connectivity
The demand for reliable in-flight internet services has surged as airlines and passengers increasingly expect connectivity during flights. By tapping into this market, Eutelsat aims to diversify its revenue streams and enhance its service offerings.
Conclusion
This successful satellite launch represents a significant milestone for Eutelsat as it strengthens its position in the rapidly evolving global satellite communications market. The merger with OneWeb not only enhances Eutelsat’s capabilities but also positions it strategically to meet growing demands for connectivity across various sectors.
As Eutelsat navigates regulatory challenges and expands its service offerings, it will be crucial for the company to leverage its combined resources effectively. The focus on emerging markets and new technologies could pave the way for substantial growth in the coming years, making Eutelsat a key player in the future of satellite communications.
Latest News
Elon Musk’s X Redefines Account Blocking: What It Means for Users!
Published
1 day agoon
October 21, 2024Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, is set to redefine the meaning of blocking accounts, sparking discussions among its billions of users. In a notable shift, blocked accounts will now have the ability to view the posts of the users who blocked them, although they will still be unable to interact with those posts.
Changes to the Blocking Feature
This change is currently being communicated to users through a message appearing on their feeds, stating:
“If your posts are set to public, accounts you have blocked will be able to view them, but they will not be able to engage.”
The transformation stems from Musk’s earlier comments expressing his desire to eliminate the traditional blocking mechanism in favor of a more nuanced approach, akin to muting accounts. Historically, blocking someone on Twitter (now X) meant that users could not see each other’s profiles or posts. However, the new policy allows blocked accounts to access the content of the users who have barred them, fundamentally altering the function of the blocking feature.
Rationale Behind the Change
Musk has long criticized the concept of blocking as a hindrance to open dialogue and information flow on the platform. He believes that allowing blocked users to view public content promotes transparency and accountability. The engineering team at X has stated that this move aims to create an environment where users can be aware of discussions happening around them, even from those who have blocked them.
User Reactions and Backlash
This development has not been well-received by many users, who are frustrated with the idea of blocked accounts being able to view their public posts. Critics question the rationale behind this change and express concerns about the implications for privacy and user experience.
Public reaction has been overwhelmingly negative. Many users have taken to the platform to criticize the engineering team and Musk for the decision. Some comments include:
- “That’s not blocking. It’s supporting stalking,” one comment with over thirty thousand likes stated.
- “So now the Block feature is essentially useless. X keeps bringing its best ideas. I hope this violates the terms of service for the App Store,” another user remarked.
Safety Concerns
Critics also express concerns about potential misuse of the new policy. Users worry that it may embolden stalkers and harassers, allowing them to continue monitoring their targets even after being blocked. Intelligence and defense experts have voiced apprehensions about how this policy could compromise personal safety and create new risks for vulnerable users.
Broader Context of Changes on X
Since Musk’s acquisition of the platform, X has undergone significant transformations, with a clear emphasis on monetization through features like post editing and paid verification badges. These shifts, coupled with changes like the new blocking policy, have led to a decrease in advertising interest, raising concerns about the long-term viability of businesses on the platform as user dissatisfaction continues to grow.
Competitive Landscape
As user dissatisfaction mounts, some individuals are exploring alternative platforms like Bluesky, which has seen a surge in sign-ups amid criticism of X’s policies. The ongoing changes reflect a broader trend in social media where user experience and safety are increasingly scrutinized.
Conclusion
The redefinition of account blocking on Elon Musk’s X marks a significant shift in how users interact with one another on social media. While Musk’s vision aims at promoting transparency and open dialogue, it raises critical questions about privacy and safety for users.
As this new policy rolls out, it remains crucial for X to address user concerns effectively while balancing its goals for innovation and engagement. The outcome will likely shape not only user experience on X but also influence broader discussions about accountability and safety in social media platforms moving forward.
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