Google is working on Nest Audio and Chromecast integration

Source: Google

One significant feature missing from the Nest Audio is its inability to serve as a speaker for TVs that use Chromecast. Its competitors—Apple and Amazon—allow their new smart speakers to work with their set-top boxes/media players to turn them into home theatre speakers. But now, Google confirms it is working on Nest Audio and Chromecast integration. The feature was already hinted at by the company in unused marketing material. 

Google hasn't revealed anything beyond that. And there are some unknowns regarding the feature. We don't know yet if you can use it with more than one Nest Audio at the same time. Or whether it'll support older Google speakers and older versions of Chromecast. We also don't know when it might arrive. The marketing material was supposed to be for the September 30th Launch Night In event, but it was pulled at the last minute, suggesting the feature wasn't and isn't ready yet.

Source: 9to5Google

Instagram adds Reels, Shop tabs on homescreen

Source: Instagram

Instagram's first major redesign in years shows us what the social network's priorities are. The Reels and Shop features are getting tabs on the home screen, while the Likes tab and Create tab are relegated to the top right-hand corner of the app next to the direct messages inbox.

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Apple releases Mac OS Big Sur, a total revamp of its desktop operating system

Despite a long gestation period and a botched launch day yesterday, Apple's biggest revamp to its mac OS "Big Sur" is now available for download. Weighing in at over 12 GB, this is a hefty visual and functional upgrade to compatible mac desktops and laptops. A lot of the look and feel is reminiscent of iOS 14, and this is no surprise since Big Sur has been optimized for Apple Silicon which Apple is transitioning to by way of new hardware. 

Notable updates are the return of the startup chime, additoonal controls and the return of widgets that help push information forward without needing to open apps. The Safari browser is also faster, safer, and more privacy-oriented and now feels faster than Google Chrome, which is a resource hog on Macs. The spit and polish extends to Apple's native apps like Mail, Maps, Messages, and Notes offer new features and better integration. The big benefit of Big Sur on Apple Silicon macs is that they will be able to run iOS apps, while this sounds great in theory, mac OS still does not offer multi-touch control, so while having access to these apps is a cool feature, they will not be running in an optimized environment. 

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Marvel's 'WandaVision' to premiere on Disney+ on Jan. 15

It's finally happening. The first Marvel Cinematic Universe series will be coming to Disney+ at the start of the year. WandaVision's first episode will stream on the service on January 15, 2021. The six-episode show will focus on the relationship between Scarlett Witch (played by Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) following the events of Avengers: Endgame. 

You can expect to see some familiar faces from MCU, including Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings) from Thor and Thor: The Dark World and Agent Jimmy Woo (Randall Park) from Ant-Man and The Wasp. They will also be joined by Kathryn Hahn and Teyonah Parris, who will play the adult version of Monica Rambeau (featured in Captain Marvel).

Source: Engadget