Zoom plans to offer end-to-end encryption to premium users

Zoom has seen a surge in its usage since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, but with it, the videoconferencing app's vulnerabilities in its software encryption have been exposed. The app has started rolling out security-heavy updates in April, and now, it's hoping to provide end-to-end encryption. However, only its paying users will get access to the feature. According to Zoom security consultant and former chief security officer of Yahoo Alex Stamos, the company might include non-profits and political dissidents, too. End-to-end encryption means no one but the participants can see or hear what's happening within video chats.

Stamos told Reuters that Zoom is improving its security and "significantly upgrading their trust and safety... The current plan is paid customers plus enterprise accounts where the company knows who they are."

Powerbeats Pro now comes in four new colours

If you're looking for more colour options for Powerbeats Pro, you'll love this piece of news from Apple. The company officially launched the four new variants with the colour names "Spring Yellow," "Cloud Pink," "Lava Red," and "Glacier Blue." Regardless of what colour you choose, the charging cases will only come in black. The new options will go on sale on June 9, carrying the same $329 price tag as the existing Powerbeats Pro.

Aside from the new colours, everything else about these wireless earbuds remains the same. It still has up to nine hours of listening time with the charging case extending the listening time to 24 hours. Its case charges solely through a Lightning port. It doesn't support wireless charging, so you'll need to use the included Lightning to USB-A cable.

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YouTube Music now lets users pre-save albums

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YouTube Music is closing the feature disparity a bit more with a new feature that will allow you to view and pre-save unreleased albums. It's a function you can use on other services like Spotify and Apple Music. But it hasn't been available on YouTube Music before this. The app will show unreleased albums and their tracklisting, and, of course, only the tracks that were already released as singles are playable until the album launches. You will get the option to pre-save albums to your library and download the available songs for offline listening. When the album is released, the rest of the tracks will be automatically added.

Engadget points out that not all upcoming albums seem to be available yet. But with news about its availability, perhaps more albums you're looking forward to will start showing up on the service.

'Life is Strange' developer to open a studio in Montreal

French game developer Dontnod, who's known for Life is Strange, will be opening a new studio in Montreal. The company released a statement on Friday saying it's coming to this side of the world to be closer to its core North American audience. The Montreal studio will be working on a new project. According to Dontnod, it felt like Montreal's local talent pool will help diversify its culture and do the same for its creations. Two upcoming games from the studio include multi-platform game Twin Mirrors and the Xbox One-exclusive Tell Me Why.

By opening a studio in Quebec, Dontnod is also taking advantage of lucrative tax incentives for game developers who open shop in the province. Game publishers like Square Enix, Warner Bros, and Ubisoft all have Montreal-based studios.

Source: VGC