Stay up-to-date on the top tech news and trends each week with our Weekly Top 10 Tech. See something we missed? Tag @swebdevelopment on Facebook and Twitter! Here’s our top 10 for this week:
1. New Google Update Lets People Vote for Favorite Reality Show Contestants Through Search
The update being rolled out across web and mobile in Asia allows users to search for their favorite reality TV show and vote for contestants directly within search, much like texting votes in. If the feature proves successful in Asia, it is likely to expand to other areas in the future as well.
2. WhatsApp Now Encrypts All Messages
WhatsApp’s increased security now prevents any outside sources from uncovering messages within the app, allowing for truly private conversations.
3. HP Launches the World’s Thinnest Laptop
At just 10.4 mm, HP’s new Spectre beats both the Macbook and the Macbook Air for thinnest laptop, and it boasts a full HD 1080p 13.3-inch screen with hinges that retract inside the body to eliminate bulk.
4. Twitter has Won the Rights to Stream NFL Thursday Night Games
Starting this fall, Twitter will be the first ever social media platform to stream full shows across web and mobile. Facebook and Amazon were said to have bids on the deal, but the NFL said “Twitter is where live events unfold and is the right partner for the NFL…”
5. Facebook Makes Big Changes to Live Mobile Video
Facebook rolled out its Live video to everyone last December and is upping the ante with new features that enable users to add filters, draw, and view live reactions much like Periscope. And watching Live video will be even more prominent with viral invites, the ability to browse Live videos across the world, audience metrics, and will be accessible directly within the Messenger app.
6. Facebook Messenger Launches Scannable Profile Codes
Similar to Snapchat’s snapcodes, Facebook is launching its own version that includes a series of dots and dashes in a circle around your profile photo. Although we mostly message with friends we’re already following on Facebook, the change comes in anticipation of Messenger becoming the go-to place for communication with companies and customer service bots, and even receiving digital items like flight boarding passes.
7. Reddit Launches Official iOS App with Free Gold for Early Adopters
Although historically not mobile-friendly, Reddit has finally launched an official app which lets users browse, update, and view the website through customized day and night modes for easy reading.
8. Google Calendar’s Reminders Feature is Now Available on the Web
Previously limited to the mobile app, Google has expanded its reminders feature to pop up on your desktop, ensuring you remember to do your to do list.
9. Etsy Launches Pattern, an Online Store Builder to Take on Squarespace and Shopify
In an effort to personalize the Etsy seller’s experience, the handmade marketplace is now offering a standalone paid e-commerce store service much like Squarespace and Shopify. Sellers can still use Etsy as their main storefront along with an updated homepage design.
10. Messaging App Kik Just Launched a Bot Store
Kik has offered in app bots in the past, but it has just launched an entire bot store with 16 bots made with partners like Funny or Die, The Weather Channel, and Vine to give users a quick and easy way to pull information, gifs, instructional tips and even play games. Facebook is rumored to be announcing its own bot store within the Messenger app next week.
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