Mouad News

Blog

  • Threads introduces tools for creators to showcase their podcasts

    Threads introduces tools for creators to showcase their podcasts

    Threads is Adding Features for Creators to Promote Their Podcasts

    Threads is evolving as a text-based social network by introducing new features tailored for creators looking to promote their podcasts. As of today, creators can integrate podcast links into their bio pages. With this enhancement, posts containing these links will display audio previews, providing an engaging way for followers to discover new shows. Additionally, users who don’t host podcasts will also benefit, as they will see previews when sharing their favorite shows.

    Currently, the rollout is exclusive to Spotify podcasts, but Connor Hayes, the head of Threads, confirmed that support for Apple Podcasts will be added in the near future. This new feature is expected to become available for all users over the upcoming weeks. By allowing creators to showcase their podcasts, Threads aims to foster a more immersive audio experience and attract new listeners.

    Despite the potential benefits, there’s skepticism regarding Threads’ effectiveness in driving user engagement. Historically, the platform has struggled with users clicking on shared links. It remains to be seen whether the addition of audio previews will entice a larger audience to explore podcast pages. As Threads integrates these features, the hope is that both creators and listeners will find new value within the platform.

    In conclusion, if you’re a creator eager to enhance your podcast reach or a listener curious about discovering new audio content, explore the new features on Threads and share your thoughts. Will these updates enhance your experience? Let us know in the comments!

  • Google Targets Android Apps That Drain Battery Excessively

    Google Targets Android Apps That Drain Battery Excessively

    Google is Clamping Down on Android Apps that Cause Excessive Battery Drain

    Google has announced a significant update for Android users, aiming to tackle the issue of excessive battery drain caused by certain apps. According to a recent post on the Android Developers Blog, the tech giant is introducing a new metric that monitors app battery usage more effectively.

    With this launch, app developers will be held accountable for apps that continuously violate Google’s guidelines regarding battery consumption. If an app is identified as a battery hog, users will receive warnings in the Play Store, indicating that “this app may use more battery than expected due to high background activity.”

    A focal point of this initiative is the tracking of so-called wake locks—when apps prevent smartphones from entering sleep mode, leading to increased battery consumption. Google has set a threshold, stating that a user session is considered excessive if it has more than two cumulative hours of non-exempt wake locks within a 24-hour period. Exemptions are provided for background processes that offer clear user benefits, such as audio playback and data transfers.

    Should developers fail to rectify this issue, their apps may also face restrictions, including ineligibility for certain sections within the Play Store. This new policy, effective March 1, aims to ensure a better user experience for Android users, preventing rapid battery depletion and promoting responsible app development.

    As these changes unfold, it will be interesting to see how they impact user behavior and developer practices. Share your thoughts on how this will affect your Android experience!

  • Google Messages’ Remix: Expanded AI Photo Editing for More Phones

    Google Messages’ Remix: Expanded AI Photo Editing for More Phones

    Remix in Google Messages Brings AI Photo Editing to Even More Phones

    In November 2025, Google has released its latest Pixel Drop, introducing exciting features that extend beyond the usual Pixel phones, including the new Remix feature in Google Messages. This innovative tool brings AI photo editing capabilities powered by Gemini directly into your messaging app. Available in countries like the US, UK, Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, and New Zealand, Remix allows users to edit photos in real-time during chats, ensuring that those in the conversation can see the edited images even if they are using a different operating system.

    The integration of Gemini’s advanced image model means that users can make quick adjustments within the chat interface, eliminating the need for external editing apps. These enhanced photo editing functionalities also carry over to Google Photos, where personalized editing is taken to a new level. Eligible Android users can reference named people in their photographs, using previous images for smarter adjustments such as adding smiles or making eye corrections.

    Expanding its focus on user safety, Google’s Scam Detection feature has also improved in this Pixel Drop. Initially designed for identifying fraudulent calls, Scam Detection now warns users about potential scam messages on Pixel 6 devices and higher. This feature has been rolled out in multiple regions, including the UK and Canada, enhancing the messaging experience while keeping users informed.

    Additionally, the release includes a new Power Saving Mode for Google Maps, which promises to extend battery life by four hours by minimizing screen activity. With all these advancements, Google continues to innovate and expand functionalities that enhance usability across its devices.

    With features like Remix in Google Messages making editing and communication more efficient, are you looking forward to trying them out? Share your thoughts in the comments!

  • Google Photos Introduces Six New AI-Driven Features

    Google Photos Introduces Six New AI-Driven Features

    Google Photos Now Has Six More AI-Powered Features

    Google Photos has just unveiled six exciting new AI-powered features to enhance users’ photo experiences. Leading the pack is the personalized photo editing option called “Help me edit.” This innovative tool allows users to make real-time adjustments to portraits and group photos, such as removing sunglasses or restoring closed eyes. Utilizing AI, the feature harnesses other images from a user’s library to ensure precise edits. The “Help me edit” tool is currently rolling out for iOS users in the US.

    Additionally, Google is integrating its advanced Nano Banana image editor into Google Photos. This feature allows for open-ended styling requests. Users can ask the AI to transform their images into various artistic styles, from Renaissance paintings to vibrant mosaics. With the new “Create with AI” section launching soon in the Create tab for Android users in the US and India, the editing process will be even more intuitive with personalized templates based on user preferences.

    Moreover, the Ask Photos tool, aimed at enhancing AI searches in the Google photo library, is set to expand. After a brief pause and subsequent restart in June, this feature will now be available in over 100 new markets and support 17 additional languages, making photo searching easier than ever.

    Finally, a new Ask button in Google Photos will allow users to interact more deeply with their images. By tapping the button, users can inquire about photo content, discover similar images, or request specific edits. While this feature is currently exclusive to the US, it’s available on both Android and iOS platforms.

    With these latest enhancements, Google Photos reaffirms its commitment to making photo management seamless and creative. Have you tried any of these new features? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Samsung integrates Siri voice commands with SmartThings routines.

    Samsung integrates Siri voice commands with SmartThings routines.

    Samsung Makes SmartThings Routines Compatible with Siri Voice Commands

    Samsung has rolled out an exciting update for its SmartThings app on iPhone, allowing users to activate routines using Siri voice commands. This new functionality integrates SmartThings with Siri Shortcuts, enhancing automation capabilities for iOS users. Now, you can automate multi-step tasks effortlessly by dragging and dropping actions from supported apps within the Shortcuts app, including those created in SmartThings.

    According to 9to5Mac, Samsung has positioned this update as a means to bridge the gap between Galaxy and Apple devices, facilitating seamless connectivity for everyone in the home. For example, a shared “Good Morning” automation allows users to simply say the routine name to Siri, triggering actions like switching on the lights, brewing coffee, and raising the blinds simultaneously. Additionally, a “Good Night” routine can dim the lights and turn off appliances with a single command.

    The update also expands the SmartThings experience to the Apple Watch, enabling users to view and control their SmartThings devices and device groups directly from their wrists. Furthermore, Samsung will feature the five most recently used devices on iOS Live Activities, making it easy to check and control appliances like air conditioners, air purifiers, and washing machines.

    This innovation not only enhances user convenience but also fosters a more integrated smart home ecosystem for both Samsung and Apple users. With the evolving landscape of smart technology, how do you feel about the compatibility between different ecosystems? Share your thoughts in the comments!

  • Gemini for TV Launches on Google TV Streamer

    Gemini for TV Launches on Google TV Streamer

    Gemini for TV is Rolling Out to the Google TV Streamer

    Google is taking significant strides in integrating its Gemini AI assistant across its product lineup. As part of this effort, Gemini for TV is now beginning its rollout on the Google TV Streamer, starting today and continuing over the next few weeks. Previously, the Google TV Streamer featured only basic AI capabilities, but this latest update enhances its functionality with voice-controlled AI, allowing Gemini to deliver personalized viewing suggestions and additional context for current content.

    In the spring during The Android Show, Google hinted at expanding Gemini’s presence into various platforms, including televisions. As we enter the final quarter of 2025, these plans are materializing with various product updates. Last month, for example, Google unveiled early access for Gemini for Home, an AI assistant tailored for Google Home smart speakers.

    The enhancements brought by Gemini for TV are expected to elevate user experiences, making it easier for viewers to discover new content that aligns with their preferences. With the growing importance of AI in enhancing user interaction, Google continues to prioritize this technology across its ecosystem.

    Whether you’re a fan of movies, TV shows, or documentaries, Gemini’s personalized recommendations will surely add value to your viewing experience. Keep an eye out for these updates as they roll out!

    What are your thoughts on integrating AI into streaming services? We’d love to hear your opinions—feel free to share your comments below!

  • Meta is phasing out the external Facebook Like button.

    Meta is phasing out the external Facebook Like button.

    Meta is Killing Off the External Facebook Like Button

    Next year, Meta will bid farewell to its external social plugins, particularly the Facebook Like and Share buttons for third-party websites. These features will officially cease operations on February 10, 2026. In a recent blog post, Meta clarified that website administrators won’t need to undertake any specific actions due to this change, though they have the option to remove the plugins prior to the discontinuation date. Any lingering plugins will simply turn into an invisible element—essentially a 0x0 pixel.

    The elimination of these features signals the end of an era for Meta and Facebook. The external Like and Share buttons were introduced back in 2013, aimed at helping websites boost traffic through social media, a crucial means of sharing content at the time. Meta states that the plugins “reflect an earlier era of web development,” acknowledging their decline as the digital landscape has evolved.

    Over the years, Facebook’s importance within the broader Meta ecosystem has diminished, with many sites now favoring multi-network integration. As a result, these once-essential tools are now considered outdated, signaling a shift in how content is shared across the web.

    As we approach the final days of the Like and Share buttons, the question remains: How will this impact your online engagement? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Snap Revives 2D Bitmoji for Snapchat+ Users

    Snap Revives 2D Bitmoji for Snapchat+ Users

    Snap is Bringing Back 2D Bitmoji for Snapchat+ Subscribers

    Snap Inc. is set to delight its Snapchat+ subscribers by reintroducing the beloved 2D Bitmoji avatars through a new feature named Comic Bitmoji. This refreshing update, rolling out in the coming days, aims to revive the nostalgic charm of classic avatars while maintaining the benefits of modern 3D designs.

    In a move that will enhance user experience, Snapchat+ subscribers will be able to activate Comic Bitmoji, ensuring all Bitmoji avatars in the app display in 2D. This means users can look forward to sending and receiving stickers in this retro style, adding a fun twist to their chats.

    Back in 2023, Snap transitioned from 2D to 3D avatars, allowing for greater customization options such as diverse body types and hairstyles. However, user feedback indicated a strong desire for the return of the 2D look. A Change.org petition garnered nearly 100,000 signatures, and even CEO Evan Spiegel joined in support, signaling that Snap is listening to its community.

    Comic Bitmoji effectively applies a unique filter to the existing 3D avatars, requiring meticulous adjustments in proportions and shading for smooth animations. With over 320 million daily Bitmoji users, getting this feature right was essential.

    While some may find it disappointing that the Comic Bitmoji feature is restricted to paid subscribers, it’s a strategy aimed at potentially increasing Snapchat+ sign-ups.

    With this innovative update, Snap continues to prioritize user engagement. What do you think about the return of 2D Bitmoji? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Patreon introduces discovery feed for creators to bypass social media

    Patreon introduces discovery feed for creators to bypass social media

    Patreon is Adding a Discovery Feed to Help Creators Avoid Social Media Platforms

    In a significant move, Patreon is enhancing its platform by adding a discovery feed designed to support creators in moving away from mainstream social media platforms. For years, Patreon has positioned itself as a healthier alternative to algorithm-driven social networks, focusing on fostering direct relationships between creators and their supporters.

    The upcoming updates feature a new post format called “Quips,” where creators can share non-paywalled updates that include text, photos, or videos. Users will be able to explore these Quips in a redesigned home feed that also showcases recommended posts. While these features might resemble elements of social media, Patreon CEO Jack Conte insists they provide a unique opportunity for creators to grow their audiences organically. He emphasized that the platform offers what mainstream applications like Instagram could have achieved but haven’t.

    Conte acknowledges the delicate balance Patreon must maintain between providing valuable social features and maintaining its commitment to creator relations. The membership-only tab will ensure that users see updates from creators they already follow, rather than being overwhelmed by an algorithm.

    Early feedback shows promise, with creators testing the beta version of Quips reporting a notable increase in free memberships. However, growth in paid subscriptions remains modest, currently showing a rise of about 5 to 10 percent among those utilizing Quips.

    Patreon plans to roll out these features gradually, inviting creators to join a waitlist for early access. As the platform pivots toward enhanced interaction capabilities, creators are encouraged to utilize these tools to avoid reliance on traditional social media, empowering them to cultivate meaningful connections with their audiences. What are your thoughts on Patreon’s new features? Share your comments below!

  • iFit Workouts Now Available on Samsung Health: Free & Paid Plans

    iFit Workouts Now Available on Samsung Health: Free & Paid Plans

    iFit Workouts Are Coming to Samsung Health, With Free and Paid Options

    Samsung is set to enhance its fitness offerings by partnering with iFit to introduce guided workouts in the Samsung Health app. This exciting integration allows Samsung Health users to access a range of iFit workouts, significantly enhancing their fitness journey with easy access to high-quality content. For those keen to dive into fitness, the Samsung Health app now offers limited free access to iFit workouts. Users can enjoy one video from each of the seven workout categories per month, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT), Pilates, yoga, strength training, recovery, barre, and mindfulness sessions.

    For fitness enthusiasts looking for an expanded library, Samsung Health users can opt for an iFit subscription at a discounted rate. Instead of the regular $15 per month, users can subscribe for just $10 monthly or $100 annually, making it an affordable choice for those dedicated to maintaining a consistent workout routine.

    In addition to these offerings, Samsung has included perks for new device buyers. Customers purchasing a Galaxy phone can enjoy 30 days of free iFit access, while those who buy Galaxy Buds 3 Pro can benefit from three months of free workouts. Alternatively, users who pick up any of the latest Galaxy Watch models will receive six months of iFit access, making it an enticing deal for health-focused consumers.

    This collaboration, which began in July, also recently introduced compatibility with NordicTrack and ProForm machines, enhancing the workout experience by displaying live metrics, like heart rate, on compatible Galaxy devices.

    With this new integration, Samsung Health users have a unique opportunity to elevate their fitness experience and stay motivated. Are you excited about these new offerings? Share your thoughts in the comments below!