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. Snapchat Added a Number of Updates That Will Change How You Chat With Friends
The new version of Snapchat has video and audio chatting, stickers, and the ability to send photos directly from your camera roll.
2. You Can Now Post 60-Second Videos on Instagram
Previously limited to 15 seconds, select users can now share movies up to a minute long, moving Instagram closer to YouTube territory. The new feature is expected to come available to all users over the next few months.
3. Twitter is Now More Accessible for the Visually Impaired
The new update available for iOS and Android allows users to enable image descriptions within the app. The update doesn’t appear automatically, but can be turned on under Twitter’s accessibility settings.
4. Pinterest Makes DIY Easier with New How-to Pins
Pinterest’s new how-to pins featuring step-by-step directions is similar to its existing rich pins that allow lengthier content to appear directly in the in the pin. This new feature is only available to partnered brands and not to the everyday pinner, although it is anticipated to become an available paid option in the future.
5. Watching Netflix with Long-Distance Friends and Loved Ones Just Became Much Easier
Want to watch your favorite Netflix movies together in real time with long distance friends? There’s a Chrome extension for that. Although not an official Netflix offering, users can install the plugin on their computers; it even has a chat box to share your reactions as you watch.
6. Facebook Reactions: New Data Shows Most Users Still Just ‘Like’ Posts
Despite all the noise about Facebook’s new Reactions emojis, most people still only ‘like’ posts. Adweek shares some great insight into what those few Reactions mean for brands though.
7. Microsoft is Bringing Bots to Skype — and Everywhere Else
Microsoft is joining the bot revolution by adding its virtual assistant Cortana directly within Skype, taking over simple tasks like scheduling and even hotel booking without having to go through outside apps and websites. Microsoft is also developing a directory of apps, and has even launched a Skype Bot SDK, enabling developers to create their own bots for Skype.
8. Apple Launches Safari Technology Preview for Web Developers
Apple has launched a new version of Safari specifically for developers which gives them a sneak peek at web technologies in OS X and iOS enabling them to experiment with the new changes before they go mainstream. Safari Technology Preview is hosted on Apple’s developer website, but you don’t have to be a registered developer to use it.
9. Nintendo’s Miitomo Mobile App is Now Available Worldwide
Nintendo has long stood on the sidelines of the mobile app world, but has recently entered the arena with its new Miitomo app. They debuted the app exclusively in Japan in early March, and it is now available worldwide. Miitomo is a quirky social media app which allows you to create your own avatar, interact with friends, and even play games. More ventures into mobile gaming are on the horizon for Nintendo.
10. Google Rolls Out Carousel Ads in Search Results
Limited to car shopping for now, Google has introduced a Facebook-like scrolling ad called Model Automative Ads which lets customers swipe through multiple images of a vehicle for an online showroom experience. Currently only available for US based businesses, the new format is expected to expand into other types of search results as well.
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