Instagram tests out ‘like-less’ feed in Canada

We say “like-less” but technically that isn’t what that means. We’ve reported this earlier, but Instagram has started rolling this test out here in Canada recently. The social network is taking away the ability of your users to see how many likes your posts get. What they’ll see instead is they’ll see one username and then the words “and others.” They won’t be able to see the actual number. Instagram says they’re trying this out because they want “your followers to focus on what you share, not how many likes your posts get.” However, you will be able to see how many likes your posts get. Some users online claim this defeats the purpose or essence of Instagram. But what do you think? Would you rather your followers see your “numbers” or just keep that figure to yourself?

Source: Daily Hive

Qualcomm estimates it’ll get US$4.5 billion from its settlement with Apple

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While Qualcomm is making it clear it won’t dramatically improve its fortunes, the amount of money the company is getting from its settlement with Apple isn’t something to scoff at. Qualcomm estimates it’ll pull in revenue that’s between US$4.5 billion and $4.7 billion from the settlement in the third quarter of this year. This will include both the one-time payment from Apple as well as elimination of obligations. On top of that, Qualcomm estimates it would make $4.7 billion to $5.7 billion in revenue in the next quarter. Patent licenses, which include Apple’s, will produce around $1.23 billion worth of revenue for the company. It isn’t clear how much it’ll cost Apple to pay ongoing fees but that should be more evident once Apple starts using Qualcomm chips again.

Source: Engadget

Tinder adds new Festival Mode feature for those looking to match up at music festivals

Looking to meet new people at music festivals? Tinder is launching a new Festival Mode feature that will be available for 12 festivals in both the US and the UK. This will let you add a badge to their profile to let them know what festivals they’ll be going to and you can select users from the Festival Mode card. It covers festivals like Governors Ball, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, EDC Las Vegas, and Lovebox. This festival option will go live three weeks before the event, so those potential matches can talk and decide if they want to meet up. It’ll be available for users all over the world who plan to attend, so it doesn’t matter if you aren’t near the area where the festival is happening.

According to Tinder, they noticed that Tinder downloads increased during festivals. They cited Bonnaroo last year which had an app activity increase of up to 300 times the norm, so they want to bank on this. For certain festivals, you can expect to see Tinder there as well with a booth for photo ops and even chance to win VIP upgrades and merch.

Source: The Verge

Niantic tests out ‘Harry Potter: Wizards Unite’ in Australia and NZ

The Harry Potter universe is getting its take of an AR location-based game ala Pokémon Go. But for now it’s being beta tested in Australia and New Zealand. The Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in both countries. But it must be noted that since this is a beta version, the available features, languages, design, and perhaps even the game’s overall look could change depending on what the beta players say. And as expected, there could be bugs and glitches within the game.

Harry Potter: Wizards Unite finds players as new recruits of the Statute of Secrecy Task Force. Your job will be to capture and subdue rogue magical creatures and objects that escaped the wizarding world after an event called the “Calamity.” Since it’s similar to Pokémon Go, you’ll need to walk around to find encounters. If you’re interested in playing the game once it hits your area, you can sign up through the Wizards Unite website.

Source: Engadget