Google has launched an open beta for its eSignature feature in Google Docs and Google Drive, designed to help small businesses and solopreneurs streamline digital signatures within documents: https://alternativeto.net/news/2023/8/google-workspace-launches-open-beta-for-esignature-feature-in-google-docs-and-drive/
TikTok is encouraging creators to label content produced by AI to enhance transparency. A new toggle allows creators to easily mark such content, helping to avoid removal and assist viewers in identifying AI-generated videos.
Disney is raising the monthly prices of its ad-free Disney+ and Hulu streaming services by $3, starting October 12. The ad-supported plan will remain at $7.99. The company also plans to crack down on password sharing like Netflix did in April.
Google has added an integrated translation feature to its Gmail mobile app, matching the desktop version. The feature, supporting up to 100 languages, translates emails in a language different from the user's display language. Learn more: https://alternativeto.net/news/2023/8/google-has-added-an-integrated-translation-feature-to-the-gmail-mobile-app-offering-support-for-more-than-100-languages/
GoodNotes has launched GoodNotes 6, a significant update to its digital note-taking app. The new version offers advanced features such as AI-powered writing aids, spellcheck in multiple languages, and interactive educational tools. The app now also supports Android, Windows, and web versions: https://alternativeto.net/news/2023/8/goodnotes-6-is-the-app-s-largest-update-yet-featuring-new-ai-powered-handwriting-capabilities-and-official-versions-for-windows-android-and-the-web/
Google has launched Project IDX, an AI-based development environment for creating, managing, and deploying full-stack and multiplatform applications. The platform offers remote workspaces, smart code completion, a chatbot, and other features: https://alternativeto.net/news/2023/8/google-introduces-ai-powered-browser-based-development-environment-project-idx-for-streamlined-app-creation-and-deployment/
Slack is undergoing a redesign to improve usability and manageability. The update includes a new Home section, a unified DMs section, an Activity window, and multi-windowing system upgrade. Check out more: https://alternativeto.net/news/2023/8/slack-undergoes-a-major-redesign-in-years-introducing-a-new-dedicated-dm-tab-and-an-activity-hub/
🔎 Zoom has updated its terms of service following criticism that implied user data could be used for AI training without consent. In June, when Zoom IQ was introduced, some experts already raised concerns about users privacy because of this policy.
WordPress 6.3 Lionel is now available with 400 bug fixes and over 500 new features, including enhanced site editing, Block theme previews and a Command Palette for quick navigation. It also improves performance and accessibility, while discontinuing support for PHP 5.
🩹 Microsoft has released its August Patch Tuesday 2023 for Windows 11 and 10, addressing 87 security flaws, two currently being exploited. The updates fix two zero-day vulnerabilities, one in Office and another in .NET applications and Visual Studio.
Snapchat has been criticized for making its dark mode a paid feature on Android. The feature was initially only available to premium Snapchat+ subscribers. However, reports suggest it is now available to all users: https://alternativeto.net/news/2023/8/snapchat-criticized-for-making-dark-mode-on-android-a-paid-feature-may-now-offer-it-for-free/
WhatsApp has made its screen-sharing feature available on Android, iOS, and Windows, and introduced landscape video calling. The feature was initially tested with Android beta users and is seen as a simpler alternative to services like Microsoft Teams and Zoom: https://alternativeto.net/news/2023/8/whatsapp-rolls-out-screen-sharing-feature-for-video-calls-on-android-ios-and-windows/
Spotify's AI-driven DJ feature, which curates personalized music playlists with synthetic voice commentary, is expanding globally. The feature it's now accessible to Spotify Premium subscribers in around 50 markets, but remains English-only: https://alternativeto.net/news/2023/8/spotify-s-ai-driven-dj-feature-expands-globally-still-in-beta-phase/
Meta has announced that its Facebook Messenger app for Android will stop supporting SMS messages after September 28, 2023. Users will need to select a new default SMS messaging app. This follows a similar move by Signal in October.
Sony Interactive Entertainment has started beta testing for cloud streaming of PS5 games, allowing selected PSN users to stream games directly to their consoles. The service will be part of the PlayStation Plus Premium subscription and will include a 4K streaming option: https://alternativeto.net/news/2023/8/sony-begins-beta-testing-for-ps5-cloud-streaming-service-offers-4k-option-to-playstation-plus-premium-subscribers/
Gaming website IGN is testing an AI tool, the IGN Guides Chatbot, to assist users with game troubleshooting and progression, starting with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom guide. Currently in alpha, it uses natural language to answer questions.
OpenAI has launched GPTBot, a web crawler aimed to enhance AI models' performance and safety. It has data filtering features to exclude paywalled content and PII. Websites can limit GPTBot's access by IP blocking or adjusting Robots.txt files: https://alternativeto.net/news/2023/8/openai-launches-gptbot-a-new-web-crawler-to-enhance-ai-model-performance/
Tinder is testing an AI tool that selects the top five photos that best represent a user on its dating platform. This is part of a wider effort to improve content recommendation, with a third of Tinder users open to using AI for profile creation.
TikTok will allow European users to opt out of personalized recommendations, in line with the August 28th deadline of the Digital Services Act. The DSA also requires more transparency in content moderation and prohibits targeted ads towards children.
YouTube is rolling out its 1080p Premium tier, initially launched on iOS, to desktop users and some Android TV devices. The feature, exclusive to Premium subscribers, enhances video quality by increasing the bitrate rather than its resolution.