Skype for iOS now offers background blur

Microsoft updates Skype for iOS to add background blur support. It's similar to what iPad and iOS users can do on the Microsoft Teams app. Background blur is also available on Skype's desktop app since last year. With the help of artificial intelligence, the app can blur everything in a room so that the focus is on you. It detects hair, arm, and hands to avoid obscuring essential body language while you're on a video call. It won't wholly blur your surroundings, but it helps keep the focus on you. We don't know yet if or when Microsoft plans to bring the feature to Android.

Source: The Verge

Facebook Messenger brings screen sharing to mobile

As video conferencing tools become necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic, companies work to add more and more features to their offerings. For its part, Facebook is introducing screen sharing to its iOS and Android apps, allowing you to share whatever it is you want to on your phone. It's available for up eight people on the main app or up to 16 people using Messenger Rooms. Facebook is working to bring screen sharing for up to 50 participants—which is the maximum number of people on a Messenger Rooms call—and allow Room creators to decide if screen share can just be limited to them or be available to all participants. Screen sharing is also available on Messenger Rooms on the web and desktop.

Screen sharing is rolling out globally with the latest versions of Messenger's Android and iOS apps, desktop app, and web version.

Google Meet on Nest Hub Max now supports 100 participants

Canadian Nest Hub Max users can now host or participate in Google Meet video conferences with up to 100 people. Other Google Assistant-supported smart displays will get the feature, too. But, as usual, Google is bringing its updates first to its hardware. Nest Hub Max won't be able to show you all 100 people at once, but if it's similar to Google Duo, it shows eight people at the same time.

You can start a meeting just by saying, "Hey Google, start a meeting." Or join a video conference by saying, "Hey Google, join a meeting." When you ask to join a call, your Nest Hub Max will ask you to input the meeting code. This Google Meet support page has more answers about using the Nest Hub Max for meetings.

Source: Pocket-Lint

Microsoft halts production of Xbox One X, Xbox One S digital edition

Microsoft Xbox One X

As Microsoft ramps up its production of the Xbox Series X, the company announced that it'll stop production of the Xbox One X and the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition consoles. The only Xbox One console that will continue to be sold will be the Xbox One S. Of course, the remaining stocks for some retailers will still be around. A Microsoft spokesperson told The Verge that people should check with their local retailers if they still have the consoles. Reports of shortages have surfaced as more people buy game consoles while they're stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Xbox Series X will be launched later this year. Microsoft plans to continue its Xbox All Access subscriptions with this next-gen console. And rumours are going around that a cheaper, less powerful Xbox Series console will be unveiled next month. Codenamed "Lockhart," this rumoured Series X console is considered a big part of Microsoft's pricing strategy for the new gaming machines. This second console may be called the Xbox Series S, and it's expected to focus on 1080p/1440p gaming.