Instagram's Quiet Mode lets you pause notifications

Source: Instagram

Instagram has taken out of testing a feature that lets you temporarily silence push notifications on the app. Quiet Mode is one way to prevent people from getting in touch with you there when you want to take a break. It will send automatic replies to users who try to message you on the platform. It will also show an "in quiet mode" status on your profile to let others know you're not looking at interactions on the app. 

You can schedule specific times when the feature is automatically activated. It'll also give you a summary of notifications you might have missed when you return.

Click to read more ...

Samsung Galaxy S23 series will reportedly get a modified Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset

Source: Qualcomm

With the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event happening on February 1, more rumours about the Samsung Galaxy S23 series continue to surface. The new Samsung flagship will reportedly run on a modified Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. Some people claim they've seen documentation refer to the processor as "Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy." The chip will supposedly come with a prime core clocked a bit higher than the standard variant (at 3.36GHz instead of the standard 3.19GHz).

Source

Apple introduces a new larger HomePod

There's a new larger HomePod in town. And if you feel like you're having deja vu, it's because it has the same design as the discontinued 2021 model. But it gets upgraded audio, an S7 chip, improved smart home capabilities, and a lower $399 price. This HomePod gets a custom-made woofer, diaphragm motor, bass EQ mic, and a group of five tweeters. According to Apple, you can expect "rich, deep bass and stunning high frequencies."

With the help of its S7 chip and its software, the HomePod makes the most of its audio setup. It has room sensing tech so it can read sound reflections to determine its position in a room and adjust audio in real-time. This HomePod supports Spatial Audio via Apple Music. And it has a new smart home feature called Sound Recognition, which can monitor for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and send an alert to your iPhone if it hears it. This feature isn't launching with the speaker but is coming via a software update "later this spring." Apple also warns again only relying on the HomePod for emergencies.

Click to read more ...

Fitbit removes support for Deezer, Pandora

If you picked up an older Fitbit for music playback, unfortunately, you're losing that option. The Google-owned brand will no longer support Deezer and Pandora on the Sense, Versa 2, and Versa 3. You won't be able to download Pandora stations or add Deezer playlists to your smartwatches. That means after March 31, Fitbit smartwatches lose the support for onboard music. 

Controlling media from your phone is still possible. But this move does further cripple Fitbit's offerings. As The Verge pointed out, it looks like Google wants users to turn to the Pixel Watch as their smartwatch of choice.