Facebook increases Reels max length to 90 seconds

Image: Meta

Meta is increasing the maximum length of Facebook's Reels up to 90 seconds. This is a 30-second increase from its existing time limit. Instagram Reels already extended its limit to 90 seconds last July. But both still fall far short of TikTok's maximum length of 10 minutes. Facebook users will also soon get the option to automatically sync their clips to a song's beat. Meta calls this upcoming feature Grooves, which will use "visual beat technology" to automatically align motion to the beat of a song.

Facebook Reels users will also get an easy way to generate Reels from memories alongside using trending templates for your videos. Meta says Reels is its fastest-growing format, with Reels plays on both Facebook and Instagram more than doubling over the past year and Reels getting double the reshares in the last six months as well.

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OPPO Zero-Power Tag prototype won't need AirTag-style batteries

Photo: OPPO

OPPO's AirTag-like device won't need batteries like Apple's tracker. The OPPO Zero-Power Tag is the first gadget from OPPO's Zero-power Communication Technology, which it detailed in a white paper earlier this year. The tech uses RF signal harvesting and backscattering to power itself with a computer that needs minimal energy. And so, it won't need a battery to function. It can get that RF energy from things like TV and radio towers.

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TikTok sets a default 60-minute daily screen time limit for teens

Photo: Obi - @pixel7propix/Unsplash

TikTok will enable a daily screen time limit for users under 18 years. (You must be at least 13 years old to use TikTok.) When young users hit the 60-minute limit, TikTok will ask them to enter a passcode to continue using the service for the day. This feature will be turned on by default, but there will be an opt-out option. It will be coming to users "in the coming weeks."

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Rogers and Microsoft partner for Azure Programmable Connectivity 5G developer platform

Photo: Microsoft

Rogers and Microsoft have joined forces to announce an exclusive Canadian partnership for the private preview of Azure Programmable Connectivity. This new solution is for developers to build 5G network-aware applications.

Through this platform and partnership, select developers specializing in business and enterprise applications will gain secure access to location-based API on Rogers' national 5G network. Rogers and Microsoft want to create apps that can offer business solutions for purposes like improving the supply chain in the manufacturing and retail sectors. 

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