Don’t expect any big design changes for the 2019 iPad

At least that’s what the rumours suggest. Supply chain blog Macotakara reports the 7^th-generation iPad will stick to the same design as the previous generation iPad and it’ll retain both the headphone jack and Touch ID. It isn’t surprising that the 2019 iPad might retain its design, especially since the 9.7-inch iPad is meant as a cheaper/low-cost iPad. Reports are conflicting when it comes to the screen size, though. Some claim it’ll become 10 inches because of a slight reduction in bezel size, but others claim it’ll retain the same screen size.

Macotakara didn’t specify when we could expect the iPad to come out. But it said suppliers are “preparing” for the launch of the tablet. Back in January, Apple registered some iPad models in a Eurasian database, which 9to5Mac points out that this generally means we’re close to a release date. Apple is rumoured to be hosting a press event later this month for its streaming TV and premium News services. While they aren’t expected to announce hardware there, they could announce the models via a press release around the same time.

Microsoft eases burden of editing embedded files on OneNote for Windows 10

Mike Tholfsen, product manager on the Microsoft EDU team, announces the new feature

Microsoft is about to make the lives of OneNote for Windows 10 users a lot easier. An update that’s coming first to Office Insiders will let users edit an embedded file right in OneNote and save said changes directly back into the document. This means, you no longer have to re-attach an edited file. It takes that extra step out, which we always welcome. As mentioned, it’s currently available to Office Insiders “and beyond” but it should roll out to more users soon.

Source: MSPowerUser

Airbnb acquires HotelTonight

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Airbnb makes its biggest acquisition yet as it moves to increase hotel listings on its site. The company has agreed to buy HotelTonight, a provider of last-minute, boutique options for a night’s stay. It does so ahead of an eventual initial public offering. Airbnb hasn’t disclosed the financial terms of the deal, but according to a person “familiar with the matter” said its price is close to HotelTonight’s last private valuation, which is at US$463 million. Airbnb’s last big purchase was Luxury Retreats, which it bought for $300 million.

The move has Airbnb encroaching further into the hotel industry and puts them into the position of being what Bloomberg calls the Amazon for travel or a “one-stop-shop for holiday-goers.” HotelTonight’s app and site will continue to operate independently of Airbnb. But the company might integrate its listings on its site in the future. And once the acquisition is complete, HotelTonight’s founder will report to Airbnb’s President of Homes, Greg Greeley.

Instagram’s reportedly testing video co-watching feature

Instagram might be adopting a Facebook feature soon, further demonstrating how the company’s plans to standardize features across its apps. What’s coming to Instagram looks like Watch Party feature that lets groups watch videos together. Tipster and reverse-engineering specialist Jane Manchun Wong found a co-watch code for Instagram. Wong previously spotted the Messenger Watch Together code. The code she discovered this time mentions you can “cowatch content” that comes from a “Playlist” similar to the video queue Facebook Watch Party admins can line up. The users can also check out “Suggested” videos from Instagram. But it isn’t clear yet what exactly you could watch simultaneously. This feature could give IGTV the boost it needs. It also isn’t clear whether there will be a picture-in-picture feature so friends can see your reactions as you watch the same thing together. Instagram has refused to comment on this discovery.

Source: TechCrunch