Welcome to our final digital digest of 2016! This week, we’ll be covering stories from Apple, Shazam, Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook.
Shazam teams up with Snapchat
Snapchat and Shazam have (link: http://www.theverge.com/2016/12/13/13936586/shazam-now-inside-snapchat-update text: announced a partnership) where Snapchatters will be able to identify songs through the Snapchat app. By pressing and holding down the screen, you’ll be able to determine what song you are listening to whilst taking a picture.
Instagram cracks down on users who want to go viral
Instagram have (link: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2016/12/16/instagram-stops-users-pretending-singapore-go-viral/ text: announced their new update release) which stops users from tagging themselves in Singapore when they are not there in order to go viral. The hack means that people can be able to appear on the Explore page which boosts followers and likes on a post.
Apple AirPods released in the UK
Apple have(link: http://www.apple.com/newsroom/2016/12/apple-airpods-are-now-available.html text: announced that their new AirPod earphones) are now on sale in stores and online within the UK. In Apple’s words, the wireless headphones use technology to reinvent the way users listen to music and make phone calls as well as playing games and watching tv shows and movies.
Elon Musk to start “boring company”
CEO Elon Musk is rumoured to be so frustrated with sitting in traffic that he says he will be(link: https://techcrunch.com/2016/12/17/elon-musk-might-start-a-literal-boring-company-to-tunnel-under-traffic/ text: starting another company) which will be boring tunnels underground to help alleviate the levels of traffic. No news on whether it is just the frustration talking or if he is being serious. Only time will tell.
Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg channels Ironman with new AI
Earlier this week, Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook founder, has developed a (link: https://www.facebook.com/notes/mark-zuckerberg/building-jarvis/10154361492931634?hc_location=ufi text: personal AI) to help run his home. The AI, called Jarvis is an ode to Tony Stark’s intelligence in the Marvel movies, Ironman. Mark Zuckerberg’s Jarvis has the ability to talk to his phone and computer and controls aspects in his home including the lights, temperature, music and security. In true celebrity fashion, it has been confirmed that the AI itself is (link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-38390798 text: voiced by Morgan Freeman).
Amazon makes first delivery via drone
Amazon have rolled out their first “Amazon Prime Air” (link: http://www.nasdaq.com/article/amazoncom-has-officially-begun-drone-delivery-cm724247 text: drone delivery service). The first commercial drone delivery included popcorn and a Firestick to a house in the English countryside. Amazon are quick to point out that this is purely just beta testing with a few select customers and will begin rolling out to more customers who live within a few miles of the UK and then hundreds more customers who live further out.
That’s it for this week and year. From all of us here at Superdream, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!