Telegram reportedly tests 'Premium' subscription, spotted in beta builds

As with any other company, Telegram is looking for ways to bring in more revenue. And one of its newer ventures is to try out a Premium subscription option. At least, that is what's been spotted in the Test Flight and Server builds of the app. It brings an expanded set of stickers and emoji reactions to the messaging app. But from what it looks like, these new features will only be visible to other Telegram Premium users. So, if you want to see the emoji sent to you, then you'll have to sign up. There is no word yet how much it'll cost or whether it will actually be launched. But we'll keep an eye out for it.

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Square Enix sells off 3 major Western studios to Embracer

Shadow of the Tomb Raider

Square Enix plans to sell three of its major Western game studios and associated video game properties to the Embracer Group. The sale is estimated to be around US$300 million. Following regulatory approvals, it's expected to be finalized between July and September this year.

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Airbnb to stop offering refunds to hosts or guests that contract COVID-19

Source: Airbnb

Airbnb bookings made on or after May 31 will no longer be eligible for refunds related to COVID-19 issues. Instead, the standard cancellation policy will apply to cases where a host or guest gets COVID-19. According to that policy, nearly two-thirds of active offer policies allow guests to cancel up to five days (under the moderate policy) or up to 24 hours before check-in (under the flexible policy). Those who reserve before that date may still be eligible for the COVID-19-linked refund if they meet Airbnb's terms.

The only exceptions for domestic reservations are in South Korea and mainland China. The company said it will still offer refunds for some COVID-19-related circumstances for the foreseeable future. The pandemic isn't over, but it's unsurprising for Airbnb to make this move. The company and others in the travel industry have been heavily impacted by the pandemic. Airbnb laid off 25% of its workforce, and it looks like it wants to get back to business as usual.

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Microsoft Edge to get a free built-in VPN

Source: Microsoft

If you want a way to encrypt your internet connection, Microsoft plans to add a free built-in VPN service called Edge Secure Network. As with most VPNs, you can use it to mask your location, allowing you to protect your data and access services that might be blocked in your area. 

This free offering won't replace paid VPNs since it is limited to 1GB of data per month. And you'll need a Microsoft account to use the service. The company hasn't started testing the feature yet. But when it's live, you can enable it through Edge's three-dots icon. There will be a new "Secure Network" to enable the feature. When you're done browsing, it'll automatically turn off. 

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