YouTube adds new features to make Shorts videos more fun and easy

Image: YouTube

Aside from testing live videos in Shorts, YouTube is rolling out new features to help you make Shorts videos easily and creatively. One of the features, currently in testing, allows you to transform a horizontal YouTube clip into a vertical Short by zooming and cropping the original video.

Another feature, called suggestions, helps you to replicate the audio and effect from a video you like. This is similar to how TikTok and Meta’s Reels let users reuse audio and effects from other videos. But YouTube’s version will also match the audio time stamp to the original clip.

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Microsoft Loop is now available on the Microsoft Store

Image: Microsoft

Microsoft's collaboration app is now out of preview and available on its app store. Microsoft Loop allows you to organize your content from different Microsoft 365 apps into workspaces and pages. Based on the screenshots, it reminds me a bit of Notion.

Microsoft Loop has what it calls components, which are the content you place within a project. You can share these components with other people. It means you don't have to share an entire workspace or project if you don't want. Initially, this app was only available for work accounts. But now, it gained support for personal accounts on Android and iOS.

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YouTube tests live videos in Shorts

Image: YouTube

YouTube is testing a new feature that will show live videos in your Shorts feed—similar to how TikTok live videos appear. You can tap on the live video to watch the stream and then swipe through a feed of other live videos. This feed will also support creator monetization features like paid chats and memberships.

This feature could help creators reach new audiences with Shorts and increase engagement and revenue with live videos. It also follows TikTok’s strategy of using live videos to promote products, target specific audiences, and host exciting virtual events. YouTube plans to roll out full-screen live videos in the coming months gradually.

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'Starfield' gets Xbox Play Anywhere support

Image: Bethesda / Microsoft

Starfield is one of the newest Xbox Series X/S exclusives that supports Xbox Play Anywhere, a feature that lets players play the game on both console and PC with a single digital purchase. This doesn’t work for Steam versions of the game, but it’s a great benefit for gamers who want more options and convenience. 

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