Google wants to improve the video calling performance of Meet and Zoom on Chromebooks

Embed from Getty Images

Schooling in the age of a pandemic requires a lot of video calls. That's why Google wants to improve its Meet app and Zoom to perform better on Chromebooks. The company wants devices to handle video conferences throughout the day while running other apps and software. 

It said they "improved how Meet videos are streamed" on Chrome OS" without causing any performance issues with other apps. The company also will allow users to use more advanced features like grid views while making sure "audio and video data don't require unnecessary processing." 

Click to read more ...

Android TV's Discovery page makes browsing content much easier

Source: Google

Canada is one of a few countries getting the initial rollout of the new Android TV look, which brings better discovery features with its three new tabs. Android TV now has a Home, Discovery, and Apps section. 

The highlight is the Discover page that shows you relevant content from the streaming services you have and compiling them in one place. Plus, it showcases more personalized content suggestions from what you watch and what's trending on Google.

The update is rolling out this week here and in Australia, France, Germany, and the US. More countries are getting the update in the coming weeks. 

Source: Gizmodo

Tesla Model Y comes with heated steering wheels in Canada

Source: Tesla

What was initially a feature exclusive to China is now coming to Canada—and it's one feature that'll help drivers who get cold fingers. Tesla Model Y deliveries in the country have started to arrive with heated steering wheels.

According to Joe Trinidad, who is part of the Model Y Canadian Group on Facebook, he got a Model Y Long Range AWD SUV with a heated steering wheel. Trinidad got his delivery from Tesla's sale center in Vaughan, Ontario. This feature first came out in China for the Model Y and then started coming to the SUV in the US before making its way here.

Source: Tesla North

Instagram mimics TikTok with 'Vertical Stories' prototype

Embed from Getty Images

It looks like Instagram is looking to copy another social network. The company confirms it is in the early stages of prototyping Vertical Stories, which will give the app a more TikTok-like look. 

Instagram isn't testing this feature right now, but the code for the change is in development, as spotted by developer Alessandro Paluzzi.

TechCrunch pointed out that if Instagram decides to pursue this idea, then we might see the social network shift away from static content (such as photos or reshared Feed posts on Stories) to make way for videos. It could prioritize videos over photos, too, to better compete with TikTok. 

Click to read more ...