Spotify adds a new karaoke feature

Spotify already has a lyrics feature, so it's not surprising that it's introducing a new related feature. The app adds a Spotify Karaoke feature, which now seems to have a limited release. It is expected to come to users globally in the coming months. It will evaluate you singing your favourite tracks, judging you lyric-by-lyric. It could make for a great party game or just something to do on your own.

It doesn't look like the feature would be limited to Premium users. You can check if you have it by heading into the Lyrics section on your mobile device. There should be a microphone button with the word Sing in the top right corner. Once you open that, you'll see the lyrics and an audio analyzer. It will use your device's microphone to hear/analyze your singing.

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Airbnb permanently bans house parties and events

Source: Airbnb

Airbnb will no longer allow its users to hold house parties and events. It started as a temporary ban in 2020 as a way to better follow social distancing restrictions, but now it says it has "developed into a bedrock community policy to support our Hosts and their neighbours. The ban prohibits "all disruptive parties and events," with a focus on open-invite gatherings (those shared on social media) and "party house properties." These disruptive parties are basically the kinds of parties that attract complaints from neighbours. 

Aside from this ban, the company plans to lift the 16-person occupancy limit set in 2020, with the change expected to take effect "in the coming months."

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'Overwatch 2' will replace the original game

Source: Blizzard

So, it looks like those who don't upgrade to Overwatch 2 won't be able to play with those who decide to play the new game. In fact, the original title will be replaced by Overwatch 2, rendering it unplayable. This update comes from a Reddit AMA with Overwatch 2's development team held on June 22. One of the questions asked was whether the new game would "replace" Overwatch's PvP or shut the game down entirely.

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Waze becomes Tour de France's Official Traffic Manager

Source: Waze

Waze and Tour de France (and Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift) have announced a three-year sponsorship of the prestigious cycling race. The Tour is the latest event to join over 300 event producers as a Waze Global Partner. This will make the community-based navigation app the Tour's Official Traffic Manager. Waze calls it a "first-of-its-kind" collaboration with the company providing tools, data, and insights to drivers, athletes, and fans. Ahead of the start line, Waze's community of volunteer map editors will update the maps with 4,000km of road closures, start and finish points, temporary car parks, and live traffic speeds. These updates will help ensure that drivers can navigate event traffic. 

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