Facebook launches Horizon Workrooms, a VR app for remote collaboration Facebook has announced Horizon Workrooms, a new app that lets users hold virtual meetings in VR using the Oculus Quest 2 headset. The app allows users to create a virtual office space, where they can see and interact with their colleagues as avatars, share files and whiteboards, and access their computer and keyboard in VR.
Tesla to open its charging network to other EVs later this year Tesla CEO Elon Musk has confirmed that the company will open its Supercharger network to other electric vehicles later this year. The move will allow drivers of non-Tesla EVs to use the company’s fast-charging stations, which are currently exclusive to Tesla owners. Musk did not specify which countries or regions will be the first to get access to the Supercharger network, but he said that it will be done gradually over time.
Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will feature a custom chip called Tensor Google has unveiled the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, its next-generation flagship smartphones that will launch this fall. The devices will feature a custom chip called Tensor, which Google says will enable new AI and machine learning capabilities, such as speech recognition, translation, and photography. The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will also sport a new design, with a horizontal camera bar on the back and a punch-hole selfie camera on the front.
Apple to scan US iPhones for images of child abuse Apple has announced that it will scan US iPhones for images of child abuse, as part of its efforts to combat online exploitation of children. The company will use a technology called neuralHash, which can detect known images of child sexual abuse without decrypting the user’s data. The system will compare the images on the device with a database of hashes provided by child safety organizations, and if a match is found, the user will be reported to the authorities. Apple said that the system will preserve user privacy and will only flag images that are already known to be illegal.
Spotify launches Blend, a feature that lets users create playlists with friends Spotify has launched Blend, a new feature that lets users create playlists with their friends based on their shared musical tastes. The feature, which is available for both free and premium users, allows users to invite a friend to join a Blend via a link, and then generates a playlist with songs that both users like. The playlist also shows how compatible the users are, based on their listening preferences and habits.
Amazon to pay customers up to $1,000 for defective products sold by third-party sellers Amazon has announced that it will pay customers up to $1,000 for defective products sold by third-party sellers on its platform, as part of its new A-to-z Guarantee program. The program, which will start on September 1, will cover claims of personal injury or property damage caused by products purchased on Amazon.com. Amazon said that it will handle the claims directly, without requiring customers to contact the sellers or manufacturers.
Twitter tests a new feature that lets users downvote or upvote replies Twitter is testing a new feature that lets users downvote or upvote replies to tweets, as a way to provide feedback on the quality and relevance of the responses. The feature, which is currently available to some iOS users, shows a thumbs up and a thumbs down icon next to the reply button. Twitter said that the downvotes are not public, and will not affect the ranking of the replies, while the upvotes are shown as likes.
Netflix launches a free mobile plan in Kenya Netflix has launched a free mobile plan in Kenya, as part of its strategy to expand its reach and grow its user base in Africa. The plan, which is available for Android users, allows users to watch Netflix content on one smartphone or tablet at a time, with no ads and no payment required. The plan, however, has some limitations, such as lower video quality, limited content selection, and no offline viewing. Netflix said that the plan is a test, and it may roll out similar plans in other markets in the future.
