As Google reengineers its cost base, The Information reports that the gold “Play Button” plaque handed out for reaching one million subscribers is now around 30 percent smaller, weighing just one pound compared to the previous four pounds. YouTube says the lighter and smaller awards resulted in a “more sustainable design.”
The new “Series” category should make it easier to filter narrative-driven shows (which are like audiobooks, but broken down into episodes) from other styles of podcasts.
Apple Podcasts is also launching a “Top Series” chart to track the most popular offerings, and a “Series Essentials” spotlight to showcase a series every month that defines the category — starting with Tristan Redman’s Ghost Story.
[Apple Newsroom]
The new features for video calls include ten filters that adjust color or add things like “Fisheye” lens and “Vintage TV” grain effects, and ten virtual backgrounds that blur your environment, or replace it entirely with a beach, cafe, office, and more.
WhatsApp says the video effects are rolling out starting today, and will be available to all users “in the coming weeks.”
Would your driving experience be improved if a former Orc Warchief handled the navigation? Probably not, but World of Warcraft developer Blizzard has teamed up with Waze to make that happen anyway.
The “Thrall” voice option can be activated in the latest version of Waze, alongside some nerdy extras — like new Horde and Alliance moods, and turning your mount (erm, vehicle) avatar into a Red Drake.
The official Pixel Buds web app is now available for Windows (version 11) and macOS (running Sonoma 14 or newer) allowing more desktop users to manage firmware updates, battery levels, and specific controls like ANC and multipoint connectivity.
Prior to this update, Pixel Buds users needed a Chromebook or Android phone to access advanced features.
[support.google.com]
Amazon Prime has added every episode of The Legend of Vox Machina to YouTube, with all 24 episodes set to be removed again once season three launches on October 3rd.
That could bring some new fans to the series, and is a great way to speedrun the original 440+ hour Critical Role D&D campaign it’s based on.
