New update merges Instagram, Facebook Messenger chats

We've known for a while that Facebook plans to allow cross-messaging among Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp. And now, it looks like the integration between Instagram and Messenger is live, at least for some users. The Verge reports that a notification has shown up on iOS and Android devices for some of their editors, letting them know that "There's a New Way to Message on Instagram." It listed a few features, including a "new colourful look for your chats," swipe-to-reply, emoji reactions, and "chat with friends who use Facebook."

If you activate the feature, the regular DM icon changes to the Facebook Messenger logo. Chats appear more colourful, with the sender's messages shifting between blue and purple as you scroll. At the moment, it doesn't seem possible to message Facebook users from Instagram. But with the feature now available, we expect that to arrive soon.

Google Duo might merge with Google Meet

Google has a habit of developing overlapping apps and services, especially when it comes to messaging and calls. There was a time we had Google Allo, Meet, and Duo, to name a few. Allo is already gone. But now, it seems Duo might meet the same fate. Reports claim the company might merge the two video chat apps as their features overlap more and more. And with video conferencing tools on the rise, because COVID-19 has kept a lot of us home, Google Meet is emerging as the video chat app of choice.

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Google Lookout app is now available in Canada 

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Apple reportedly plans to offer subscription bundles for its services 

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'The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special' to debut on Disney+ on Nov. 17

Lucasfilm

We're getting a parody/update of the campy 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special in Lego form. The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special will debut on Disney as a 45-minute special on November 17. It will feature characters from the recent trilogy, including Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron. Some of the film actors will be reprising their roles. The characters in the special will be gathering to celebrate "Life Day."

According to executive producer Josh Rimes, The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special is inspired not just by the '70s special, but also by films like Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, It's a Wonderful Life, and Christmas Vacation.

Source: USA Today