Google Stadia to start testing its iOS web app in the coming weeks

Embed from Getty Images 

The only way cloud gaming services will be available on iOS is through web apps. And so, the likes of NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Google will be complying with Apple's rules. After NVIDIA released its beta web app version of GeForce Now, Google Stadia is next. The company announced on the first anniversary of the service that it would be building a progressive web app version of Stadia that will run on Safari, with public testing happening in the coming weeks.

While Microsoft was the first to announce that it would be bringing its xCloud service to iOS via the same means, the platform won't be arriving until next year.

Source: The Verge

Google rolls out Gmail for iOS home screen widget

Source: 9to5Google

Gmail on iOS now supports the platform's home screen widgets. There's a single 4 x 2 widget available with the "Search in mail" bar at the top with your profile avatar and a Compose shortcut beside an unread count below. The widget will not show any confidential information, so you don't have to worry about private emails suddenly showing up on your home screen.

Source: 9to5Google

NVIDIA GeForce Now is now available in beta on iOS

Source: NVIDIA

NVIDIA launches its GeForce Now game streaming service on iOS. But since the service technically doesn't adhere to Apple's App Store guidelines, the company employed the workaround Apple offers, which means it's usable through Safari.

"It'll be brought directly to the browser through a webpage similar to our Chromebook client," according to Phil Eisler, general manager for GeForce Now. And it's launching in beta, so you might experience bugs and glitches.

Click to read more ...

Facebook Messenger, Instagram get animated BTS characters

Source: Big Hit Entertainment

If you're part of the BTS Army (what the boyband's fans call themselves), you're familiar with TinyTAN animated characters inspired by the artists. You'll be happy to hear that Facebook Messenger and Instagram's direct messaging feature will offer a "unique chat experience" featuring BTS's cartoon counterparts. You will be able to apply a TinyTAN chat theme and use immersive 360 AR backgrounds, including a bedroom and cafe where you can find all seven characters. The rooms can be set up while on a video call with someone.

There will also be TinyTAN stickers available, with each member getting two stickers and two group stickers. All of which will be free to download and use. This social media integration comes as the seven-member K-Pop group will debut its album BE on Friday.

Source: Rolling Stone