Reddit finally makes it easier to share posts on social media sites

Image: Reddit

Reddit has admitted that they "didn't make it easy" to share posts on other social media platforms. But now, it's changing course. The site gets an updated "shared link" preview for text posts, allowing recipients to see what's in the link before clicking. It shows a visual preview of the content, subreddit name, total upvotes, and comments. 

There's also a new sharing option on Instagram Stories. And a one-tap screenshot-sharing experience so you don't have to save screenshots to your device before sharing them. Reddit also introduces a new embedding toolbox that makes it easier to embed posts on CMS platforms like WordPress, which has long been available on other social media platforms.

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Apple and Google partner to prevent Bluetooth tracker stalking

Photo: Apple

Apple and Google have teamed up to propose a new industry standard to prevent unwanted tracking from Bluetooth trackers. The companies submitted a new draft industry specification to the standards development organization Internet Engineering Task Force that would allow Bluetooth tracking devices to work with a standard unauthorized tracking detection tool on iOS and Android. So, if a malicious person slips an AirTag into an Android user's bag, the target can still get unauthorized tracking alerts. You won't need to download the dedicated Apple app if you're on Android anymore.

The detection tool is expected to work with other Bluetooth trackers and operating systems. Bluetooth tracker manufacturers like Samsung, Tile, and Pebblebee expressed support for Google and Apple's proposal. The new standards were developed with feedback from these companies and from safety and advocacy groups like The National Network to End Domestic Violence and the Center for Democracy and Technology. The Internet Engineering Task Force will accept feedback on Apple and Google's submission for three months. And the proposal is expected to be implemented by the end of the year.

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Zillow gets a ChatGPT plug-in for househunting

Image: Zillow

Zillow has partnered with ChatGPT to launch a new plug-in. You can use this new tool to help with your house search. You just need to tell ChatGPT what kind of property you're looking for, whether you're looking to purchase or rent, and input other criteria like location, bedroom count, and price. The plug-in will then show you options.

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Twitter restores free API access for emergency alerts, government, and public services

Photo: Jorge Urosa/Pexels

When Twitter opted to shut down its free API, this caused issues for public institutions that rely on this feature to disseminate information on the platform. The social network is restoring this free access to the app's programming framework for verified government and publicly-owned services that use the API for "critical purposes," including emergency notifications, transportation updates, and weather alerts.

The social network wanted to earn money from the use of its API. So, Twitter outlined a three-tier pricing strategy for its API in March. The free access was limited to bots and testers that only needed to write posts. It allowed just 1,500 tweets per month and one app ID, limiting the use for creators who need to make frequent updates. Meanwhile, the basic access costs USD 100 per month with fixed caps on tweets. And businesses need to use the multiple enterprise-level tiers, which could cost tens of thousands of dollars per month.

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