Snapchat borrows from Instagram this time, tests mention tagging to Stories

This time around, Snapchat is taking cues from Instagram and is letting users tag their friends in their Stories. When someone is tagged on the social network, it works similar to how Instagram implements this. Viewers can tap on the link and a new menu shows up that links to that user’s information and you can be given the option to add said user. The difference though is there is no autofill, so you’ll need to remember your friend’s Snapchat username and they won’t be alerted if they get tagged. Snapchat confirms they are trying out this feature and there is no official word yet about when it’s going to be available for all users.

Source: The Verge

‘Fortnite Battle Royale’ makes its way to mobile

Epic Games has just announced it’s bringing its free-to-play multiplayer game to both iOS and Android devices, with the former having its beta test starting soon. The port will be available for both phones and tablets and you’re promised the “same 100-player game you know from the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and Mac” with all the same gameplay content, weekly updates, and maps the PC and console versions get. Those who are interested to try out can sign up for the iOS beta starting March 12^th and invites will roll out soon afterwards with players getting invitations with several invites that can be sent out to friends.

There will be cross-play and cross-progression between the PS4, PC, Mac, iOS, and later on when the Android version comes out (which is said to be in a few months). This means if you have friends playing on other platforms, you would be able to team up with them. There won’t be any cross-play with Xbox One it seems but as the game’s developer says, they did this in partnership with Sony so that explains the lack of support for Microsoft’s console. Sony has previously turned down cross-platform gameplay with Microsoft’s Xbox One.

Source: The Verge

Former US President Barack Obama is in talks with Netflix to produce content for the service

Joe Pugliese / Netflix

Netflix has had success with getting tons of big names to work for its streaming service. In recent memory we have the likes of Shonda Rhimes, David Letterman, Ryan Murphy, and Mark Millar, to name a few. This time, it looks like they want to add an even bigger personality. According to The New York Times, former US President Barack Obama is in “advanced negotiations” with the streaming service for a “series of high-profile shows.” The details are supposedly being worked out but some of the proposed shows include one where Obama will highlight inspirational people and stories and another has him moderating conversations on various important issues such as health care, immigration, foreign policy, etc. Aside from Obama, the deal supposedly also includes the former first lady Michelle Obama producing content for the service as well. It’s been reported that Apple and Amazon have approached the Obamas about creating content for their services as well.

Netflix to experiment with vertical video teasers for mobile

Netflix is hoping to hook more mobile users to consume media on its platform. The streaming service announced it will be trying to use short Snapchat-like vertical videos on mobile to show users teasers of the shows and movies on its platform. The hope is this will make it easier for users to decide which programs to watch. While within the 30-second video, you can swipe right or left to see other trailers, press play to watch the show or movie, or add the title to your Netflix list. Of course, the show or movie itself will play in standard horizontal format as that is better for extended viewing. Like everything else on the service, the recommendations will be personalized to you. Video previews on Netflix are available on TVs and PCs but now Netflix wants to turn the attention to its mobile and tablet users. The feature is coming first to iOS and will be landing on Android “in the coming months.”

Source: Quartz