WhatsApp launches New Group Chats Features - Better Polls, @all and More

<p>Group chats are best on <b>WhatsApp </b>– from staying close to your inner circle to coordinating with your fantasy league. Today, WhatsApp is making them even better with <b>new polls updates for faster decision-making</b>, <b>@all mentions to get everyone’s attention</b>, and a <b>simpler way to create new group chats from existing groups</b>.</p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.shaanhaider.com/2026/08/new-whatsapp-group-chat-features.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WhatsApp launches New Group Chats Features - Better Polls, @all and More" border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Wd19n_jiMgfURqBzjGFpVXa70Tb9Hi2WCB2lHligtA41RpT4CYhqeiTUpvzjOJzJWxctOBb9OUuYq3ymcra9PR7SC6hVviGNRW1KZBdVI4oa0Lmt7nr0BtDJjwYfCknumHVVFBMuQC73LKdxTKXlk4z0NgmwMpRzie7WCZ-VJdUBiBD8_f3QAubtuvc/s1600/new-whatsapp-group-chat-features.jpg" title="WhatsApp launches New Group Chats Features - Better Polls, @all and More" /></a></b></div><b><br />Better Polls:</b> WhatsApp is making polls even more useful for group decisions with three new improvements. You can now set an end time to lock voting when time is up, hide voter names so the whole group is more comfortable sharing their preferences, and edit your poll questions within 15 minutes if you spot a typo or need to clarify. Whether you're finalizing when or where to meet, it's now easier to quickly go from question to decision.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><b>@all: </b>Alert everyone in your group chat about important, time-sensitive messages. No more tagging people one by one or hoping your message gets noticed in a busy group chat. Use @all to notify everyone about urgent messages, like school or office closures, event deadlines, or last-minute changes to your plans. For larger groups with more than 32 people, @all is available for admins only.</p><p>While the @all feature will alert you to important messages even in muted group chats, you remain in control of how you receive notifications and can mute @all at any time in notification settings.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Create Group Chats from Existing Groups: </b>Instantly start a new group chat with people from an existing one in just a tap – no need to add people one by one. It's perfect for splitting off into a side conversation to plan a surprise party, coordinate event logistics, or dive deeper into a topic without cluttering the main chat. </p><p>Earlier this year, WhatsApp upgraded group chats with the launch of group message history, member tags and event reminders. WhatsApp is continuing that momentum with smarter polls, @all mentions, and faster group chat creation. </p>

WhatsApp launches New Group Chats Features - Better Polls, @all and More

Group chats are best on WhatsApp – from staying close to your inner circle to coordinating with your fantasy league. Today, WhatsApp is maki...

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Instagram rolling out the Replace Audio feature for Published Posts

<p>Today, <b>Instagram </b>is globally rolling out <b>Replace Audio</b>, allowing users to change the music on published feed posts and carousels without deleting and re-uploading them - all the while, preserving all of their existing likes, comments, and reach.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shaanhaider.com/2026/07/instagram-replace-audio.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Instagram rolling out the Replace Audio feature for Published Posts" border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBuL4zTQqeTrXsICr1ieUflDm51SDzRDWPeyeT-pKiI6g6fRIW7dOaaThosvCGhsiTO5AiNzAQ9amqxnJTCkVBndufRhQbg4rbWdTVsP1ivheihD1q82j_pmPoGuRDIHKX4gc-n0_rVYSV-8BTIMC50-2vSHYZBvz6NtFEa7tOG3pD7A9ATYB2tr5474/s1600/instagram-replace-audio.jpg" title="Instagram rolling out the Replace Audio feature for Published Posts" /></a></div><br />Until now, updating the music on an existing post meant deleting it and starting over. Replace Audio makes it easy for creators to keep their content current without sacrificing the engagement they’ve already earned - whether that means updating a post with a newly trending song, supporting an artist’s latest release, or just refreshing seasonal content.<p></p><p>The feature is another step in Instagram’s continued effort to build tools that give creators more creative freedom and flexibility to evolve their content, even long after it's been published. </p>

Instagram rolling out the Replace Audio feature for Published Posts

Today, Instagram is globally rolling out Replace Audio , allowing users to change the music on published feed posts and carousels without de...

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Snapchat announces platform makeover, New AR Lens Studio and more at the Snap Partner Summit 2024

<p>This week, the highly anticipated sixth edition of the <b>Snap Partner Summit (SPS)</b> took place, revealing a series of updates to the platform, as well as new creative opportunities for Snapchatters, creators and businesses alike. The cutting edge features include a new profile design created to elevate the user experience; more tools to make content and build communities; and an enhanced AR Lens Studio to amplify creativity. With users in the GCC opening the platform on average 45 times per day, these enhancements are set to elevate the region's digital communication platform of choice.</p><p>Evan Spiegel, Snap’s CEO, took to the SPS stage to announce the game-changing updates, while other executives and external speakers shared demos and keynotes, explaining the transformative impact to both personal and business users. One of the most significant updates unveiled was the Snapchat platform makeover offering a simplified Snapchat. Currently being tested with groups around the world, the enhanced design organizes the app to be centered around what we use our phones for most: communication, taking pictures, and finding entertainment.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shaanhaider.com/2024/09/snap-partner-summit-2024.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Snap Partner Summit 2024" border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zV2gyiPnxsiymlhsCoHPci3kWLeoNJZBIJIX7EM2w0MTtfoVIHp6-Mw8CEqke08lEe-wY9neQV0DRBpVcOXKm_Q4R1Zf76H0dSoMQ9mC7trCpqprwtej1L7EH5yZwSx2cjc3c7CpE3mwNjsHbOWd4wBeQz64cZgIcP6rGjTYUxoITnMQpf5hx28adSA/s16000/snap-partner-summit-2024.jpg" title="Snap Partner Summit 2024" /></a></div><br />As pioneers in Augmented Reality (AR) technology, Snap’s rebuild of the Lens Studio will allow AR developers to build more robust, advanced AR experiences together. Snap is also making AR creation more approachable with Easy Lens, powered by AI the feature allows users to build Lenses in a matter of minutes, just by typing in what they want to create. With 80% of consumers desiring to use AR everyday in the MENA region, these updates will be pivotal for local brands looking to generate real relationships with their audiences. What’s more, a roll out of new GenAI Suite features in the Lens Studio will include tools such as Animation Blending, Body Morph, and Icon Generation, making it faster and easier to bring creativity to life.<p></p><p>Aligned with Snap’s regional direction to continue supporting the growth of creators, SPS also saw imperative updates to the platforms offering in this space. The new Profile Design allows both established and aspiring creators 16 and older to easily toggle between their personal and public accounts. Snapchatters can also pin their favourite Snaps to the top of their public profiles, and use replies to turn messages into a photo and video response, creating deeper engagement with fans.</p><p>SPS also saw the introduction of the fifth generation of Spectacles, the see-through, standalone AR glasses that allow users to experience immersive Lenses together, use MyAI, and extend Snapchat experience into three dimensions.</p>

Snapchat announces platform makeover, New AR Lens Studio and more at the Snap Partner Summit 2024

This week, the highly anticipated sixth edition of the Snap Partner Summit (SPS) took place, revealing a series of updates to the platform,...

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TikTok Redefines the Entertainment Landscape through Gaming

<p>The world of gaming has been supercharged in the past few years. The way digital platform users engage, create and connect through gaming has evolved remarkably. Leading the charge is TikTok, which has witnessed an extraordinary surge over the past year in gaming enthusiasts, connecting through their shared passion.</p><p>From discovering new games to sharing epic wins and major fails, TikTok has become the ultimate platform for gamers to connect, create and set cultural trends. With a staggering 3 trillion views worldwide for gaming content in 2022, TikTok has transformed into a global hub where diverse audiences connect through their shared passion and foster a larger-than-life community. And it’s not just diehard gamers joining in the fun - 82% of TikTok users are playing games at least once a week, according to the Marketing Science, Global Entertainment Study (Gaming Vertical) 2021, conducted for the platform by Material.</p><p>In the MENA region, #GamingOnTikTok - which has an astounding 55.5 billion views globally - has exploded, racking up millions of views across the UAE (81 million views), Saudi Arabia (238 million views) and Egypt (81 million views). With sub-hashtags like #MobileGamerNation (3.6 billion global views, 25 million video views for UAE, 227 million video views for KSA and 287 million Egypt) and #WhatToPlay (1.3 global views, 665,000 for UAE, 1.2 million KSA, 662,000 Egypt) TikTok has become a haven for gamers seeking gameplay insights, recommendations, and tips.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shaanhaider.com/2023/08/gaming-on-tiktok.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TikTok Redefine the Entertainment Landscape through Gaming" border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ctH1h_GpsvkKOfWH5jy0JsgrGpZxhhElZT8DaYXCtFrJ0z7YzLMCZOYvkYcSMTKmRxQypbS-B_qprhHBerGrwgnCsC2p_-_04wGgWtabg9bSvwy-3pDvQ1gu5ZSCjRkmOK_aW5zFNe50SyPCv5So1LCfZcZry_PO4DEtQeRQTUegRuQuuDUzviGFgDI/s16000/gaming-on-tiktok.jpg" title="TikTok Redefine the Entertainment Landscape through Gaming" /></a></div><br />Remember when you used to rely on friends' recommendations for the next exciting game to play? TikTok has taken that up a notch, letting you join in the fun with content endorsed by trusted creators. Mohamed Harb, TikTok's Head of Sports & Gaming MENA, said: "The MENA Gaming community on TikTok is a vibrant community where passionate gamers collaborate and interact, exchanging recommendations, reviews, gameplay experiences, reactions, and noteworthy moments from various video games, including FPS, E-Sports, open-world, and mobile games."<p></p><p>The power of TikTok's influence on gaming discovery and engagement is undeniable. According to Marketing Science, Global Entertainment Study (Gaming Vertical) 2021, Conducted by Material, 41% of users downloaded a featured game after seeing gaming content on TikTok, and 36% made purchases to play. Not only that, the What's Next: Gaming Trend Report 2023 shows that a staggering 70% of TikTok audiences also agree that they feel a deeper connection with people they interact with on TikTok than on other sites and apps that they use. </p><p>As a gamer, finding your tribe has never been easier. All it takes is a simple click on the relevant hashtags to connect with others who share your passion or want to join in the fun. This ease of discovery is redefining entertainment, placing gaming at the heart of it all.</p><p>But it’s not limited to discovery alone – TikTok, through its very nature – has propelled gaming into mainstream entertainment. Gaming content on the platform is not just about showcasing gameplay; it's a gateway to discovering new games, trying new formats, and bridging the gap between creators and gamers. Taking its commitment to gamers and the gaming community a step further, TikTok MENA hosted its first-ever eSports tournament.</p><p>The TikTok Invitational eSports Tournament brought together the top 16 eSports teams from across the MENA region for an exciting two-day event. On June 23 and 24, these teams showcased their skills in the popular battle-royale game PUBG, battling it out for a significant prize. The intense competition was streamed live exclusively on TikTok, allowing fans to tune in and witness the action-packed gameplay firsthand. Enhanced by professional commentators who provided real-time analysis and commentary, making for a truly immersive viewing experience, the event generated 132 million views on #GamingOnTikTok over just two days.</p><p>TikTok thus plays the role of a creative powerhouse, seamlessly blending gaming, entertainment, and culture. The community empowers creators to experiment with gaming content, from filmmakers on TikTok transforming favorite games into films, to chefs showcasing imaginative takes on game characters through food art. The platform’s unique ability to inspire and create a level playing field for users from diverse backgrounds through shared interests has given rise to a vibrant gaming community.</p><p>Not quite an unlikely alliance, but gaming and TikTok sure make a powerful one, revolutionizing entertainment and creating a new era of gaming-centric experiences. As brands and creators come together to build authentic communities and novel experiences, TikTok's role as a cultural launchpad for games continues to redefine the landscape of entertainment.</p>

TikTok Redefines the Entertainment Landscape through Gaming

The world of gaming has been supercharged in the past few years. The way digital platform users engage, create and connect through gaming ha...

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TikTok shares What’s Next: Gaming Trend Report 2023

<p>Over the past year, we have watched users come to <b>TikTok</b> in order to engage, create, and connect through their passion for gaming. With over 3 trillion views on gaming content in 2022 globally, TikTok has become a place where diverse audiences are able to tell new stories, discover new games, and influence new cultural trends as part of a bigger community. </p><p>Today, TikTok is unveiling our first-ever <b>What’s Next: Gaming Trend Report</b>, an extension of our annual What’s Next Trend Report. This new report, which features data and insights exclusive to the METAP region, takes a deep dive into new consumer behaviors and shifts in the regional gaming culture on TikTok, with the goal of helping brands understand how they can engage with our vibrant gaming community and create successful gaming content on our platform. The report breaks down key community insights into actionable takeaways and trend analysis, supported by data, to equip businesses with the tools they need to grow on TikTok. </p><p>You can view the full <a href="https://ads.tiktok.com/business/creativecenter/trend_article/online/whats_next_gaming_trend_report/pad/en" target="_blank">‘What’s Next: Gaming Trend Report’ (Global) here</a>. </p><p>In line with the wider What’s Next Report, the findings of the Gaming Trend Report are broken down into three key Trend Forces that underpin culture and content on TikTok, accompanied by the relevant signals for each of these forces that show emerging behaviors and interests. The three key Trend Forces include: </p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.shaanhaider.com/2023/07/tiktok-whats-next-gaming-trend-report-2023.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TikYTok What’s Next: Gaming Trend Report" border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UB8AqOeQ78FSokJBlykvsYxrbg-cHOjMuEueGj-owulKHBkCyrWPh4qjmNOesR0gwxpiZO0jLD4NHlwlaGb8j6ZizHE0QgiYUY2MuTF1XWqJYc1LZLwV6qRFZ5C58L0dca7VIzJIkj9L3hH_bMDQ1DFv8pPWb83CgpkNEKa4neMdwpIl4EuK5TjpKis/s16000/What%E2%80%99s%20Next%20Gaming%20Trend%20Report%202023_2.jpg" title="TikYTok What’s Next: Gaming Trend Report" /></a></b></div><b><br />Actionable Entertainment </b><p></p><p>Gaming audiences on TikTok don’t just want to passively consume content. From fan edits and animations to cosplay, gamers inspire one another to bring gaming to life in their own unique ways, eventually moving in their journey towards genre-related product discovery. Here are the three key signals that reflect this trend: </p><p>1. Home of the #GameEdit: Gamers on TikTok are leveraging their own creative skills to share engaging fan edits that drum up hype and awareness for the characters and titles that they love. </p><p>2. Bringing the Game to Life: New technologies on TikTok like voice filters and AR effects make it easier for users to blur the lines between in-game universes and real-life scenarios.</p><p>Our research also shows that the community embraces brands who are willing to experiment and create a more fun and engaging experience on TikTok. </p><p>• 80% of METAP TikTok users agree that it’s ok for brands to try different ways to create content (2)</p><p>• 80% of METAP TikTok users agree that the best brands on TikTok are those that help users make creating and sharing videos fun (2)</p><p>• 1 in 3 METAP TikTok users say they’ve searched for more information about a product/brand after watching content that a TikTok shared about it (1)</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Making Space for Joy</b> </p><p>When it comes to gaming, our community is won over with humor and content that highlights the relatable joys of being a gamer, including discovering new products and recommendations. Here are the three key signals that reflect this trend: </p><p>1. Playful Ideation: On TikTok, gamers and developers are on a level playing field, making connecting and sharing ideas a fast new norm to unlock creative opportunities.</p><p>2. From Winning to Welcoming: By showing that there's no right or wrong way to be a "gamer," TikTok inspires meaningful joy and a sense of belonging and community among diverse audiences.</p><p>For brands, these signals provide critical insight into how to authentically and effectively show up on the platform. </p><p>• With METAP TikTok users being 1.7x more likely to credit the humor in a creator's sponsored video as a motivation for purchasing intent (3), brands can also find success by leaning into playful, humorous content that shows they don't take themselves too seriously.</p><p>• 76% of METAP TikTok users agree that they feel like part of a network of people with shared interests on TikTok (2), which means working with creators and supporting their creativity can help brands reach diverse audiences on TikTok.</p><p>• 36% of TikTok users in METAP are motivated to buy for joy - to lift their spirits or as a treat/reward. </p><p> </p><p><b>Community-Built Ideals </b></p><p>The magic of TikTok is found in and across passionate subcultures. And gaming culture doesn't exist in a silo - it's an open space where different passions collide and gamers actively exchange ideas to get more out of their favorite titles and also connect with each other through their shared interest. Here are three key signals that reflect this trend:</p><p>1. Endless Replay Value: When the storyline ends, gamers turn to TikTok for limitless inspiration to keep the fun going in the form of community challenges and creative modes.</p><p>2. Gaming as a Lifestyle: Gaming has become a broader dedicated lifestyle or aesthetic, unlocking new opportunities for crossovers with diverse interests such as fashion, home decor, food, etc.</p><p>Based on insights from our METAP community, brands are encouraged to lean in and play a part in the larger community, ultimately helping users see new sides of their brand. </p><p>• 80% of METAP TikTok users say they like it when brands come up with new challenges, trends, or memes for others to join in with (2).</p><p>• 74% of METAP TikTok users agree that posts on TikTok offer a view into people’s real, everyday lives </p><p>• 75% of METAP TikTok users say they feel a closer connection to the people they interact with on TikTok than on other sites and apps that they use </p>

TikTok shares What’s Next: Gaming Trend Report 2023

Over the past year, we have watched users come to TikTok in order to engage, create, and connect through their passion for gaming. With ove...

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Snapchat Celebrates 100 Years of Storytelling from Disney

<p><b> Snapchat </b>and <b>Disney</b> are coming together in a groundbreaking collaboration that illustrates how Augmented Reality can enhance storytelling and bring to life the legendary characters and tales in celebration of Disney100. </p><p>● From one generation to the next, Disney’s stories have lived on, and with the power of Snapchat’s industry-leading Augmented Reality (AR) technology, guests can engage with these stories in this immersive exhibit that captures the wonder and magic of Disney. </p><p>● Blast off through space with the Guardians of the Galaxy, meet the characters of Pixar’s latest movie Elemental, travel to the majestic oceans of Pandora inspired by Avatar: The Way of Water, exit Hyperspace on a desert planet from The Mandalorian, and discover how wishes are granted in Disney’s upcoming film Wish.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shaanhaider.com/2023/06/snapchat-celebrates-100-years-of-storytelling-from-disney.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Snapchat Celebrates 100 Years of Storytelling from Disney" border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="553" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNBBQEbzHGu8q0iVPLlMWt1GyGcUd8Ws3lk3Fel-ZWonthxqz65kbJFk09HptW7-CW-gMPEF90hxRN_LTBr19biD_75m0b9LsnhtMXbOPUebVoVE5NGJbB3d43wWZC1QCw30gn3jdWPcjalLkSqAF6emXjSwN0karsowXYEumqiAQX72ST-b_QkTf4f8/s16000/Fantastia-Hat-Disney-Snap.jpg" title="Snapchat Celebrates 100 Years of Storytelling from Disney" /></a></div><br />● With Snap AR, characters will come to life alongside you, responding to each & every move; costumes are realistic and tailored to you; and cinematic environments will take over the real-world surfaces in all directions.<p></p><p><b>Rob Wilk, President of the Americas, Snap Inc.,</b> said; We are so excited to bring the magic of Disney to life in a unique, immersive way for those on the ground at Cannes and everyone at home. Through our best-in-class AR technology, Disney stories will come to life like never before, showing that with a little bit of fairy dust, anything is possible.</p><p><b>Jessica Intihar, SVP, Digital Marketing, Walt Disney Studios</b>, said; As Disney celebrates 100 years, we’re very excited to partner with Snap to bring this immersive and innovative experience to life at Cannes Lions. Snapchat’s cutting-edge technology continues to open up new ways to experience and engage with our stories</p>

Snapchat Celebrates 100 Years of Storytelling from Disney

 Snapchat and Disney are coming together in a groundbreaking collaboration that illustrates how Augmented Reality can enhance storytelling ...

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Snapchat launches Director Mode to all Snapchatters Globally

<p>Content creators play a critical role on <b>Snapchat</b>, sharing their perspectives and entertaining the global community. Snapchat have tools and support for all kinds of content creators to grow their audience and build their business - whether they’re just getting started or are professional creators. </p><p>That’s why – to make it even easier to create videos that stand out – Snapchat has announce that <b>Director Mode</b> is now available for Snapchatters globally on iOS and Android. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shaanhaider.com/2022/11/snapchat-directors-mode.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Snapchat Director Mode" border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="597" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHxf_RC8Aon6dWOdOZPVvrsS32Nx7P-eTFhLV8-rUD3BCqysylQ_EgJbM5aBlI5g8icLN3ARXma0Bu4-CCxdwknfy--NgNIeLzHRUxcef0agzLFkKl4TokevNGeSOC7m7RD9gs00la06dSxI0Hw4bRV3ulb731ZImyVAVtUyZK6-R0vBDDW8PK5uX/s16000/snapchat-directors-mode.jpg" title="Snapchat Director Mode" /></a></div><br />Director Mode is a new set of camera and editing tools within Snapchat that make it easy to create polished content, or enhance everyday moments with our camera that grab the viewer's attention.<p></p><p>Within Director Mode, creators can use our recently launched <b>Dual Camera</b> capability that lets you use the front-facing and back-facing camera at the same time. We're also making it easier to seamlessly transform the background of your videos on Snapchat with <b>Green Screen mode</b>, our <b>Quick Edit feature</b> lets you take and edit together multiple Snaps with ease, and you can control the tempo of any moment with <b>Camera Speed</b>.</p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MOGcd0jctFg" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><p>To find Director Mode, just look for the Director Mode icon in the camera toolbar or tap the “Create” button in Spotlight to get started.</p><p>This comes on the heels of Dual Camera, which is now available to Snapchatters globally on iOS, with limited Android availability to follow in the coming weeks.</p>

Snapchat launches Director Mode to all Snapchatters Globally

Content creators play a critical role on Snapchat , sharing their perspectives and entertaining the global community. Snapchat have tools an...

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Snapchat launches the New Snap Age AR Lens for Ramadan

<p>As people seek to connect and create a sense of togetherness this Ramadan, <b>Snapchat</b> has released a new<b> augmented reality (AR) age lens</b> that lets individuals share their favorite Ramadan memories as if they were right back in that special moment.  Available for a limited time during the month of Ramadan, the lens can be enjoyed simply by opening the <b>Snap Camera</b> on your mobile phone and locating it on the lens carousel. </p><p>Popular Snap Stars in the Middle East are already using the lens to highlight some of their favorite Ramadan moments, adjusting their appearance through the AR lens to mimic different periods of their lives. Communities across the region can join the fun by sharing their memories with close friends via their personal Story profile, or by choosing to share memories via Spotlight--Snapchat’s in-app entertainment platform for user-generated content--with the hashtag #RamadanwithSnap.  </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shaanhaider.com/2022/04/snapchat-ramadan-age-lens.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="snapchat-ramadan-age-lens" border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="585" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5YW9hMPIDLf2SQJ5yDaK_0b0SvF9JtVxdbWlnYw88WQJcL7wUPJekPqpoU5SKwJFzjkCO7eDrZmn_fB_LgH-FniF7--VsRp2ajt9u2SrlDlYLfRv6GbiZhETIecy7SzrMvJQhwEQ7ZBBN4eycTmtaGiMZ7zp7uAgv5uBn_HQvpma6jmtA4pzhMns/s16000/snapchat-ramadan-age-lens.jpg" title="snapchat-ramadan-age-lens" /></a></div><br />Ramadan is traditionally a period when people spend more time creating and consuming media content in the form of shows, playing games with friends, or sharing user-generated content. Snapchat’s evolution of AR has enhanced the way people can live and communicate through visual self-expression, which has long resonated with communities in the MENA region. Snapchat’s AR lenses are also being widely used by creators and public figures, known as Snap Stars on the platform, as a way to meaningfully grow their audience, build their business and entertain their community.<p></p><p>A recent study by Deloitte Digital found that by 2025, almost all of the Gen Z and Millennial population in Saudi Arabia and almost all UAE users of social and communication apps are anticipated to be frequent AR users. </p><p>The new Ramadan age lens can be activated by scanning the below Snapcode from the in-app camera. Snapchatters can also follow these quick, easy instructions to use the lens. </p><p>1. Scan the code</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shaanhaider.com/2022/04/snapchat-ramadan-age-lens.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdRbYyX_qM9FL693TeR1cSVE35bbm3OoQBB4geLt8ViFuiTG0LlWmf_fqtNi9PzeqoODDg9ZCoQMKbjm1I8A8XkzifQijkrK6y8l98gTvLPkqqs0iS3QmDNt9adVvkC6DFJdtwU-BSokghBjFJ-5Ybf_svAuDPu6gX7V2ZdC_m3HVB_KmpGWokPST/s1600/snapchat-ramadan-age-lens-code.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />2. Snapchatters have three effects they can set up through the on-screen triggers: starting with the choice of filter on the left hand side, through the buttons.<p></p><p>3. They can then select their favorite background by tapping on-screen, picking through four different options.</p><p>4. Lastly, the ‘time-machine’ slider at the bottom will allow Snapchatters to cycle between the ages!</p><p>5. Record and start sharing!</p><p><b>Tony Ghazal, Talent Partnerships Manager – MENA at Snap Inc</b>. said, <blockquote>By designing technology that’s connected to the real world, you bring with it really important parts of humanity, which you see in a period like Ramadan. We want to celebrate with our Snapchat community and Snap Stars by offering new ways to have fun, create new traditions, and connect.</blockquote></p>

Snapchat launches the New Snap Age AR Lens for Ramadan

As people seek to connect and create a sense of togetherness this Ramadan, Snapchat has released a new augmented reality (AR) age lens th...

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TikTok launches New Tools to Combat Bullying

<div><b>TikTok</b> launched a new way for creators to more easily manage interactions with their content. People put their hearts and souls into creating and entertaining users on TikTok, and the platform recognizes how discouraging it can feel to receive unkind comments on videos. This is why TikTok is introducing the ability to delete multiple comments at once or report them for potentially violating the Community Guidelines. Accounts that post bullying or other negative comments can now be blocked in bulk, too. This update helps creators feel more empowered over their experience on TikTok.</div><div><br /></div><div>To manage interactions on a video, people can long-press on a comment or tap the pencil icon in the upper left corner to open a window of options. From there, people can now select up to 100 comments or accounts rather than having to go one by one, making it more seamless to delete or report multiple comments or block users in bulk.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shaanhaider.com/2021/05/tiktok-multiple-delete-block-comments.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TikTok launches New Tools to Combat Bullying" border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9t5o6hZgjlzZDuKyv-zYza2Y1c-Ne-U4wkNiidcpi7zmuHZiwasAk6WsWSneR3cbcaAPuCjmQbyB9BuL4XIwhd05tL5RLLf0V3HFrJ0CuIhwnKvacgmqfxzF8uzF-WIql_8EWiNLh0Ac/s16000/tiktok-multiple-delete-block-comments.jpg" title="TikTok launches New Tools to Combat Bullying" /></a></div><br />This feature is rolling out globally over the coming weeks and builds upon ongoing efforts to promote a kind and welcoming community. For instance, TikTok recently introduced a way to filter all comments so that only those a creator chooses will appear on their content. People are also prompted to reconsider posting a potentially unkind comment on a video. And, users aged between 13-17 have additional safeguards on their accounts designed to promote an age-appropriate experience, including restrictions on Duet, Stitch, DMs, and comments.</div><div>  </div><div>As TikTok develops tools to combat bullying, they also work to educate teens and families about bullying prevention. Earlier this month the platform launched a new bullying prevention guide on their Safety Center to help families learn how to identify bullying as well as tools to counter bullying and provide help to bullying victims or bystanders. The more users can stamp out bullying behavior, the more welcoming and fun TikTok will be for everyone. </div>

TikTok launches New Tools to Combat Bullying

TikTok launched a new way for creators to more easily manage interactions with their content. People put their hearts and souls into creati...

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Snapchat launches the Spotlight in the MENA Region

<div><a href="http://www.shaanhaider.com/2018/11/snapchat-middle-east.html" target="_blank"><b>Snap Inc</b>.</a> has launched its new entertainment platform <b>Spotlight</b> in Saudi Arabia and markets across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), enabling its audience of approximately 76 million users in the region to now shine a light on the most entertaining Snaps created by the Snapchat community. With around 5 billion Snaps created each day on average, Spotlight empowers the Snapchat community to express themselves and reach a large audience in a new way.</div><div><br /></div><div>Spotlight surfaces the most entertaining Snaps from the Snapchat community all in one place, and will become tailored to each Snapchatter over time based on their preferences and favorites. The new entertainment platform for user-generated content within Snapchat welcomed over 100 million users as of January 2021, just two months after its release.</div><div><br /></div><div>Spotlight was designed to entertain the Snapchat community while living up to Snapchat’s values, with their wellbeing as a top priority. While anyone on the app can share their best Snaps, Spotlight content is moderated and doesn’t allow for public comments. Snaps submitted to Spotlight must also respect the platform’s content guidelines to receive the distribution.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shaanhaider.com/2021/05/snapchat-spotlight-middle-east.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Snapchat Spotlight" border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="595" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghX21AI0Re35STZLWsolr0sIJnIxCaQXM06xQ45qkkU6k45oKp_s3oGixQ5KYpRdBitV3A_OM-D0O8cbLnLqYjHDGvlq1sGzIWUxXIV1L0D6Wb2h3XuZMyyk0if-YApubYIrPyRY79MoTx/s16000/snapchat-spotlight-middle-east.jpg" title="Snapchat Spotlight" /></a></div><br />Snap’s earning program will also be available in MENA, celebrating and rewarding the creativity of local Snapchatters and offering a chance for creators to earn a share of millions of USD every month. Snapchatters don’t have to be a celebrity, influencer, or public figure to earn from their Snaps, making Spotlight fair, fun, and rewarding for everyone. Snapchatters do need to be 16 or older to earn, and where applicable, obtain parental consent.</div><div><br /></div><div>Consumption rates on Snapchat in the MENA region are often higher than the global average, with over 85% of its MENA daily users interacting with Lenses every day. Based on a recent study released by Snap, the “<a href="http://www.shaanhaider.com/2021/03/snapchat-generation-mena-infographic.html" target="_blank">Snapchat Generation</a>” in the Middle East also places tremendous value on their connections with family and friends, with tools such as communication and camera apps helping to keep those relationships strong. The region’s Snapchat Generation is, for example, 1.2x more likely than non-Snapchatters to feel like they are a part of others’ lives via their stories on social, communication, and camera apps.</div><div><br /></div><div>Spotlight is now available across the MENA region in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Palestinian Territory, Libya, and Iraq.</div>

Snapchat launches the Spotlight in the MENA Region

Snap Inc . has launched its new entertainment platform Spotlight in Saudi Arabia and markets across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA...

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Snap Inc. releases the Snapchat Generation study for MENA Users (Infographic)

<p><b>Snap Inc.</b> has released a new study highlighting how Snapchatters in KSA are adopting new behaviors and values that are changing the world today. </p><p><b>Snapchat </b>reaches more people than other major social media platforms in Saudi Arabia, reaching 90% of 13-34 year olds in the Kingdom, with a monthly addressable reach of 18 million and nearly 90% of KSA daily users interact with <b>Lenses </b>every day. The “<b>Snapchat Generation</b>” is also significant considering it has an estimated discretionary spending power of SAR 1.4 trillion in KSA alone, according to the study.</p><p>Appreciating authenticity, the Snapchat Generation doesn’t have the time to be fake, with a higher percentage of Snapchatters believing in the value of being real online compared to non-Snapchatters. The Snapchat Generation is also more likely to delete things they’ve posted online if they no longer reflect their current opinions, keeping their online image reflecting their most up-to-date values.  Moreover, half of those surveyed say that they are less likely to purchase from brands that promote the opposite side of social issues that matter to them.</p><p>When it comes to relationships, the Snapchat Generation places tremendous value on their connections with family and friends, believing that they will ultimately emerge from the current pandemic with a stronger appreciation for family. Tools such as communication and camera apps help keep those relationships strong. The region’s Snapchat Generation is, for example, 1.2x more likely than non-Snapchatters to feel like they are a part of others’ lives via their stories on social, communication, and camera apps.</p><p>The complete study is available below in the form of an infographic below or you can read it in more detail by <a href="https://downloads.ctfassets.net/inb32lme5009/6xO0AhAEh6qrq7q0zMySyd/cc68ae6a358562ba47a32479315ce46a/The_Snapchat_Generation_MENA.pdf" target="_blank">clicking this link</a></p> <h2>The Snapchat Generation in MENA (Infographic)</h2> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shaanhaider.com/2021/03/snapchat-generation-mena-infographic.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Snapchat Generation in MENA (Infographic)" border="0" src="https://i.imgur.com/rbvQO6C.jpg" title="The Snapchat Generation in MENA (Infographic)" /></a></div>

Snap Inc. releases the Snapchat Generation study for MENA Users (Infographic)

Snap Inc. has released a new study highlighting how Snapchatters in KSA are adopting new behaviors and values that are changing the world t...

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Snapchat Spectacles 3 launched in Saudi Arabia

<p><b>Snap Inc</b>. has announced that <b>Spectacles 3</b>, the latest version of Spectacles sunglasses, are now available in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Spectacles 3 deliver innovative design with dual HD cameras to empower creativity in 3D and capture depth and dimension the way our eyes do. This new ability provides a rich 3D canvas for self-expression and a suite of new 3D Effects on Snapchat.</p><p>Spectacles 3 are equipped with two HD cameras to capture Snaps in 3D and transform them with 3D Effects, inspiring creativity like never before. Snaps captured using Spectacles 3 seamlessly transfer in HD to Memories within Snapchat to add new lighting, landscapes, and other magical effects to an entire scene with a swipe. Snaps can also export to Camera Roll as circular, horizontal, square and virtual reality formats for saving, editing, sharing, and reliving, anywhere.</p><p>To use Spectacles 3, users can tap either button for video (up to 60 seconds continuously) or press and hold for a still. Spectacles 3 supplements high-definition videos with high-fidelity audio from a 4-microphone array. LED indicator lights notify people when recording, and users will see a light as well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shaanhaider.com/2020/08/snapchat-spectacles-3-saudi-arabia.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Snapchat Spectacles 3" border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="515" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDgmhunnAxPqdKJEBJ1VWMfR_lhUt4wlcsmjC6i6mleN7PfC0MUQG1am_7HcNRXs2pVG1Vn7ohDejLTQtJdoghsTioww5VePsD6MLFqJjxOQURuk2mxUkjPI_lNDxNvQCtmPx-7eSEqFk/d/snapchat-spectacles-3-saudi-arabia.jpg" title="Snapchat Spectacles 3" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Spectacles 3 charge on-the-go in their included Charging Case, which can store up to four charges. The full-grain leather case folds flat when not in use and comes equipped with a standard certified USB-C charging cable. Also included is a 3D viewer to relive memories and bring Snaps to life.</p><p>Spectacles 3 come in two color options: Carbon and Mineral. Spectacles 3 will be available for pre-orders in KSA on Thursday, 13 August and available for sale starting from 20 August on eXtra.com.</p><p><b>Abdullah Alhammadi, KSA Business Lead, Snap Inc.</b></p> said: <blockquote>Spectacles 3 mark a key innovation milestone in the company’s long-term vision for the future. Our aim is to reach curious, forward-looking, creative individuals who are excited to explore the future of wearable technology, communication, and storytelling alongside us.</blockquote><p></p><div><b>Shroog Alhoutan, Public Relations Manager, eXtra, </b>said: <blockquote>We are thrilled to be the exclusive retail partner of Snap by bringing their most sophisticated product to date to the Saudi market. We always strive to establish unique partnerships that allow us to provide our consumers with innovative and futuristic products such as Spectacles 3. We are confident that this product will be well-received by our customers.</blockquote></div>

Snapchat Spectacles 3 launched in Saudi Arabia

Snap Inc . has announced that Spectacles 3 , the latest version of Spectacles sunglasses, are now available in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ...

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Snapchat and AlUla share Popular Local Tourist Experiences using Portal Lens

The Royal Commission for AlUla recently invited travelers from within Saudi Arabia and from around the world to explore several of its landmark experiences using the power of augmented reality (AR).<br /> <br /> The Commission worked with <b>Snapchat</b> to release a <b>Portal Lens</b> that transported users into a virtual world through their smartphone - where they could visit Qasr Al Farid, tour Elephant Rock, see a remake of the Air Balloon Festival, and look upon the plains of the grand Nabatean Desert.<br /> <br /> The campaign was released nationally in five countries—including Saudi Arabia—and was more broadly targeted at key tourism markets such as the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and others. Nearly 600,000 people used the Portal Lens to visit the AlUla sites in the first 24-hours.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shaanhaider.com/2020/06/alula-snapchat-portal-lens-saudi.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Snapchat and AlUla Portal Lens" border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="565" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3lmsKbsxW7g9-SxBSAT8uBOPyIU2MZ-VJuA3-wXKAjhCsCVa_JdBKIz7vJStvhZ-4acV6zge32aW4uhlZURB0e5QeGU_JyvJXukYGnODRlyDxEpR5xmujoc_fymRlgVpmRbopDENL2nE/s1600/alula-snapchat-portal-lens-saudi.jpg" title="Snapchat and AlUla Portal Lens" /></a></div><br /> In recent years, the use of AR activations in sectors like tourism and travel has become much more mainstream, with the public able to virtually engage with new surroundings and share those experiences easily with others. The Royal Commission for AlUla has recognized the technology’s potential and had previously worked with Snapchat to showcase artistic work using AR during the Desert X AlUla exhibition held this February. <br /> <br /> <b>Melanie DeSouza, Executive Marketing Director at The Royal Commission for AlUla </b>said: <blockquote>As a relatively unknown destination, but one that has 250,000 years of stories to tell, immersive technology provides an introduction to AlUla in a way a still picture can’t. AlUla is a transformative experience that has to be seen first hand, but AR is the second best thing to that.</blockquote><b>Abdulla Alhammadi, MENA Business Lead, Snap Inc.</b>, added: <blockquote>Although many of us have been practicing physical distancing in recent months, this campaign by the Royal Commission of AlUla shows how creative technologies like AR are providing people with a means to keep exploring their world, to express their imagination, and ultimately bring communities together even when they’re apart.</blockquote>

Snapchat and AlUla share Popular Local Tourist Experiences using Portal Lens

The Royal Commission for AlUla recently invited travelers from within Saudi Arabia and from around the world to explore several of its landm...

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Instagram announces new Commerce Eligibility Requirements to bring Instagram Shopping to Creators

<b>Instagram</b> has announced a new <b>Commerce Eligibility Requirements</b> that expands access to <b>Instagram Shopping</b> to more types of businesses, including creators that want to connect with shoppers and sell their merchandise on Instagram. <br /> <br /> Whether you are a musician selling merchandise or a food blogger expanding into your own cookware line, any eligible creator account with at least one eligible product can use Instagram’s shopping tags to drive people to their website to make a purchase. <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shaanhaider.com/2020/06/instagram-shopping-for-creators.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Commerce Eligibility Requirements of Instagram Shopping for Creators" border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkV-CgO-R23tlA0bj2mQWsXGjLnZGY-zYM1XYlJ5xxqqTWsRnTF7uq_Y1htRzZNqd6yT3BNB3E7HBHBapLHB6i0uF1UCgLTZxzrj8UZTymizimB9L9ABLWoayYUsmr9AmeQcsoV0M-P-FC/s1600/instagram-shopping-for-creators.jpg" title="Commerce Eligibility Requirements of Instagram Shopping for Creators" /></a></div><br /> With this new policy, eligible creators and businesses must tag products on Instagram from a single website that they own and sell from, so that people have a consistent and trusted shopping experience.<br /> <br /> Instagram will also update the sign-up flow to give clearer guidance to creators and businesses and offer more transparency into the types of businesses that are best suited to be supported.<br /> <br /> The updated requirements will also be applicable to new and existing businesses and will go into effect on July 9 in Egypt, Algeria, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, as well as all countries where Instagram Shopping is supported. They will provide greater transparency for people and businesses, and a more trusted shopping experience.<br /> <br /> <script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block; text-align:center;" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-client="ca-pub-2914712351119115" data-ad-slot="6092184843"></ins><br /> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> When eligible creators and businesses sign up for Instagram Shopping, they will be notified as soon as they are approved and ready to start tagging products. Upon disapprovals, a clear reason will be offered so they can take the necessary action or appeal.<br /> <br /> The updated Commerce Eligibility Requirements are available on Instagram’s Help Center.<br /> <br />

Instagram announces new Commerce Eligibility Requirements to bring Instagram Shopping to Creators

Instagram has announced a new Commerce Eligibility Requirements that expands access to Instagram Shopping to more types of businesses, in...

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Twitter brings the Voice Tweets on iOS Devices

Twitter is where people go to talk about what’s happening using texts, photos, videos, and gifs.  But sometimes 280 characters aren’t enough and some conversational nuances are lost in translation. So starting today, Twitter is testing a new feature that will add a more human touch to the way people use Twitter – through their voices.<br /> <br /> Tweeting with voice is not too different from Tweeting with text. To start, people can open the Tweet composer and tap the new icon with wavelengths. They’ll see their profile photo with the record button at the bottom – they can then tap this to record their voice. <br /> <br /> Each voice Tweet captures up to 140 seconds of audio. Once the time limit for a Tweet is reached, a new voice Tweet starts automatically to create a thread. Once done, people can tap the ‘Done’ button to end their recording and go back to the composer screen to Tweet.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shaanhaider.com/2020/06/twitter-voice-tweets.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Voice Tweets" border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicl6cVkF2P1n2ix62FLYR4lxsQeAiH0Vi8K-IOQMUN26dFPEA1Nc7sK6bTWKbbkxUqDdLQP7vq2lBRzOnxidkE1OVOKKGcu1ZWF5EPY5xEvrXwba57799WBAzKn9staD05AxbJg9JjfH_u/s1600/twitter-voice-tweets.jpg" title="Voice Tweets" /></a></div><br /> <b>Voice Tweets</b> will appear on timelines alongside other Tweets. To listen, people can tap the image. On iOS only, playback will start in a new window docked at the bottom of the timeline and people can listen as they scroll. People can also keep listening while doing other things on their phone or on the go.<br /> <br /> <b>Creating voice Tweets</b> will be available to a limited group of people on Twitter for iOS, however in the coming weeks everyone on iOS should be able to Tweet with their voice. People will be able to see (hear) them and reply.<br /> <br /> There’s a lot that can be left unsaid or uninterpreted using text, so Twitter hopes that voice Tweeting will create a more human experience for listeners and storytellers alike. Twitter hopes voice Tweeting gives people the ability to share their perspectives quickly and easily with their voice. <br /> <br />

Twitter brings the Voice Tweets on iOS Devices

Twitter is where people go to talk about what’s happening using texts, photos, videos, and gifs.  But sometimes 280 characters aren’t enough...

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Twitter MENA launches Hala bil Gamers - the First Arabic esports Show

<b>Twitter</b> and gaming platform <b>Millenium Arabia</b> has announced the launch of the first Arabic esports series,<b> Hala bil Gamers</b> “هلا_بالجيمرز#” on the social platform. The weekly series will engage audiences with gaming topics and trends relevant to the Middle East and North Africa region. The first episode will be streamed on June 18. <br /> <br /> Produced by Millenium Arabia, the series will cover esports topics through multiple segments. Hosted by former FATE Esports team coach Issa Fakhouri (@iClutchGamingTV), interviews in the form of quickfire Q&A’s will take place with prominent figures in the regional esports scene. The format of Hala bil Gamers will alternate between gameplay moments and reports, and tips and tricks for the esports community.<br /> <br /> The live stream will be free and accessible globally to logged-in and logged-out users on Twitter and connected devices. The stream will air every Thursday at 8.30pm KSA, via @Millenium_AR. <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shaanhaider.com/2020/06/hala-bil-gamers-twitter-series.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="597" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMl2U0FuN65z3UXNRt-nGoq77YpNHABMJ5CSLu4JoR3Ge0-8WnApw4DVSb_XGQfPQzqvZgf-DBWGN98j7saLu-Ej7ZWZjdWC1lcNtWjRheEjvO7uYGnSbgd5qnzBEZU9vUthyLrnekFTaA/s1600/hala-bil-gamers-twitter-series.png" /></a></div><br /> In 2019 there were over 1.2 billion Tweets about gaming, up nearly 20% year on year. Based on a recent study by Twitter in Saudi Arabia, gaming ranks as one of the top three activities that people have been doing more of in recent times.<br /> <br /> Gaming also ranked as within the top five topics that people in Saudi Arabia have been most interested in and actively interacted with more on the platform between March and April. Another study by Groupm revealed that 86% of those who game in Saudi Arabia play at home, and on average, most spend between 30 minutes to an hour in a single sitting when playing video games.<br /> <br /> <b>Kinda Ibrahim, Director of Media Partnerships, Twitter MENA,</b> said; <blockquote>We’re excited to introduce the first Arabic esports show to take place on Twitter in partnership with Millenium Arabia. Esports and gaming enthusiasts have been coming to Twitter to keep up to date with new game releases, to find reviews of new games, especially during the recent period. This couldn’t be a better time to create a show that serves these conversations.</blockquote><b>Edouard Griveaud, Head of Gaming & Esports Studio at Webedia Arabia</b>, said; <blockquote>Millenium Arabia is very excited to enter this partnership. Our mission in the region and across the world is to discuss, promote and enable the growth of esports, and to shed light on an ever-growing passion point. We believe that the blend of our local passion and expertise with the reach and prominence of Twitter in the region will create a platform for those unsung heroes of the younger generations.</blockquote>

Twitter MENA launches Hala bil Gamers - the First Arabic esports Show

Twitter and gaming platform Millenium Arabia  has announced the launch of the first Arabic esports series, Hala bil Gamers “هلا_بالجيمرز#...

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Snapchat announces New Camera and Augmented Reality Features at Snapchat Partners Summit

<b>Snap Inc. (NYSE:SNAP)</b> today announced new camera and augmented reality experiences for developers, creators, and Snapchatters.<br /> <br /> On average, more than 170 million Snapchatters engage with AR daily for nearly 30 times per day. Lenses, Snap’s AR product, are made by Snap’s own design team and its global creator community, with top-performing community Lenses reaching billions of views on Snapchat.<br /> <br /> <b>Lens Studio</b> is a powerful, free desktop application designed for developers and artists to build and distribute AR Lenses on Snapchat.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shaanhaider.com/2020/06/snapchat-lens-studio-local-lenses.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Snapchat Local Lenses" border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwGF13O7qhVstLNyFMSJA4vuZ_O22PsOxrFbzsbSlLukFpLnKfUR-sjv7cGJ32gPUF4v_TJtzr7U5VeGFjpJiHk8ICE7PWEqFLwYSsPXf4tT1nKyk3u6HloXoUCFUJHfUGZRI0Gltcbei/s1600/snapchat-local-lenses.jpg" title="Snapchat Local Lenses" /></a></div><br /> Today, Snap is updating Lens Studio with new advanced features to push the boundaries of AR creation. Lens Studio now features <b>SnapML</b>, which lets any developer bring their own machine learning models to power Lenses. Now, anyone can create their own Lenses with neural networks that they’ve trained, expanding the possibilities for Lenses that can transform the world. Snap has partnered with Wannaby, Prisma, CV2020, and several Official Lens Creators on their first SnapML creations. <br /> <br /> In addition, Lens Studio now offers <b>Face Landmarks</b> and <b>Face Expressions</b> for improved facial tracking, new Hand Gesture templates, and an updated user interface to simplify navigation within the tool. Lens Studio is also releasing a foot tracking template powered by an ML model from Wannaby that lets developers easily create Lenses that interact with feet. <br /> <br /> Snap is also previewing <b>Local Lenses</b>, which enable a persistent, shared AR world built right on top of your neighborhood. Soon, Snapchatters and their friends can step into this virtual space together to decorate nearby buildings with colorful paint and experience a new dimension of AR.<br /> <br /> <script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block; text-align:center;" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-client="ca-pub-2914712351119115" data-ad-slot="6092184843"></ins><br /> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> When Snapchatters “press and hold” on the camera screen, relevant, helpful Lenses are unlocked based on what they see in front of them.<br /> <br /> With <b>PlantSnap</b>, Snapchatters can identify 90% of all known plants and trees. In partnership with<b> Dog Scanner</b>, point the Snapchat camera to recognize almost 400 breeds. An integration with Yuka later this year powers <b>Nutrition Scanner</b>, which provides a rating on the quality of ingredients in many packaged foods by scanning an item’s label. Scan can also enable compelling experiences for brands. Soon, Scan the iconic Louis Vuitton monogram to be transported into the inspiration behind their latest collection. <br /> <br /> Additionally, Snap is introducing <b>Voice Scan</b>, which offers Snapchatters Lens results based on voice commands. Powered by a partnership with <b>SoundHound</b>, press and hold on the camera screen to tell Snapchat what kind of Lens to display.

Snapchat announces New Camera and Augmented Reality Features at Snapchat Partners Summit

Snap Inc. (NYSE:SNAP) today announced new camera and augmented reality experiences for developers, creators, and Snapchatters. On average...

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Samsung Knox enhances Security Technology for Business and Remote Learning

The current situation requires employees to work from home. To ensure safe usage and keep users and their data safe, <b>Samsung Group’s Knox security solution</b> provides customers using Samsung devices with high standards of security and privacy in light of the increasing threats and security breaches that target business platforms of all types and sizes.<br /> <br /> With the heightened threats affecting the security of users’ devices, especially their smartphones, Samsung has continuously developed its methods and innovations to face current, future and expected challenges. It takes the highest standards of safety and protection into consideration when designing the phones, and equipped its smart devices with protective security layers starting from the actual chipset of the device and extending to the other parts, so that it remains secured with Samsung Knox service from the moment the user turns it on.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5451B8Kq2GgVLAf0KUzO5eNv4NTePOJ-WgFh_x2ogQHe0evpFGFKTeINrZtjTBXcRQzSgzPp7iaE0fwE3hr4YvTfisAxAWvmkhBaPlFhaeJSSUhOZxc1gRfsGys2lJzfVslr5EKkFg1z/s1600/samsung-knox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Samsung Knox" border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="593" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5451B8Kq2GgVLAf0KUzO5eNv4NTePOJ-WgFh_x2ogQHe0evpFGFKTeINrZtjTBXcRQzSgzPp7iaE0fwE3hr4YvTfisAxAWvmkhBaPlFhaeJSSUhOZxc1gRfsGys2lJzfVslr5EKkFg1z/s1600/samsung-knox.jpg" title="Samsung Knox" /></a></div><br /> The Samsung Knox service performs two main tasks: The first is data encryption service that complies with the highest international encryption standards. The process uses software encryption across applications, as well as the usual encryption of electronic circuits that is done through the components of the device and relies on a special chip, thus elevating the encryption standards to another level, making it impossible to access the device.<br /> <br /> The second task is to create a safe space for work purposes within the smartphone that would be completely separated from the space used for the daily personal information, where all applications and files are found. This space remains safe, encrypted and inaccessible from the normal space. Even if the user is exposed to fraud attacks or malware on his personal space, the attacker will not be able to access or impact that safe space created by Samsung Knox.<br /> <br /> <script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block; text-align:center;" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-client="ca-pub-2914712351119115" data-ad-slot="6092184843"></ins><br /> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> Samsung Knox service is compatible with many Samsung products, including <b>Galaxy S, Galaxy Note, Galaxy A, Galaxy J</b> and other tablet and wearable devices, guaranteeing the privacy and protection of business and personal data in a single device without the need to protect information technology from an external party.<br /> <br /> Furthermore, it automatically changes modes to allow the user to seamlessly switch between work and encrypted personal content without delay or a need to restart the device. This technology works on <b>Android</b> and <b>Tizen</b> operating systems, so that every device is protected as soon as it is turned on. <br /> <br /> Samsung Knox provides users with a safe space that can act as a separate new phone without them needing to own another phone for work. This allows the user to use one Samsung device for complete separation between work and personal applications.

Samsung Knox enhances Security Technology for Business and Remote Learning

The current situation requires employees to work from home. To ensure safe usage and keep users and their data safe, Samsung Group’s Knox se...

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Snapchat launches AR Lens for Donation to United Nations Foundation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund

Coinciding with World Health Day, <b>Snap Inc. </b>launched new augmented reality lenses in partnership with the <b>United Nations Foundation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund </b>in support of the World Health Organization (WHO).<br /> <br /> The campaign leverages the creative power of <b>augmented reality </b>to create new, engaging ways for people to support COVID-19 response efforts. The new lenses are available immediately in select markets around the world including the UAE and Saudi Arabia. <br /> <br /> The new lenses allow Snapchatters to scan real-life objects to unlock a special AR experience. When a person views an AED10/SAR10 note, for example, and taps on it in the Snapchat camera, an AR experience will trigger to show how a potential donation could support the WHO’s immediate response efforts. Snapchatters will be able to access these lenses in several ways, including in the lens carousel, via Snapcode, or by using the camera’s Scan function. <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shaanhaider.com/2020/04/snapchat-covid-19-donation-lens.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Snapchat COVID-19 Donation AR Lens" border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBC9gmZewt8HUJdWGUFHsiQ7epzrAZxlukJrYIO-lBdA2IjAGOER_uPPhyphenhyphenW8Md6PMGc8LN7cvJvViyzYNnn_ARh607YJYEYAyn18s-tZbZlNtxP_gt05PmefOS4o45L4r-Ru89xanXhsr/s1600/snapchat-covid-19-donation-lens.jpg" title="Snapchat COVID-19 Donation AR Lens" /></a></div><br /> These lenses then direct users to the international donation page for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. The donations being made--all of which are made on the official WHO portal--will go into a fund to support tracking and understanding the spread of COVID-19; ensuring patients get the care they need, and frontline workers get essential supplies and information; and accelerating efforts to develop vaccines, tests, and treatments.<br /> <br /> As more Snapchatters stay inside due to COVID-19 restrictions, they’ve also been spending more time on their phones. Snaps sent between friends have recently reached an all-time high globally, surpassing the platform’s typical peaks. The large increases are disproportionately driven by those sending Snaps to their top contacts (i.e. their best friends), according to recent data released in a company blog. <br /> <br /> <b>Hussein Freijeh, General Manager of Snap Inc., Middle East, </b>said: “The new lenses build on our efforts to support Snapchatters and our partners as we navigate this unprecedented challenge together. This campaign also comes as we are getting ready to welcome the holy month of Ramadan and celebrate the spirit of giving. We believe that everyone can play a meaningful role in stopping the spread of COVID-19, and that it is our responsibility to support initiatives that can make that happen.”

Snapchat launches AR Lens for Donation to United Nations Foundation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund

Coinciding with World Health Day, Snap Inc. launched new augmented reality lenses in partnership with the United Nations Foundation’s COVID-...

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Snap launches new Lenses and Creative Tools related to COVID-19

To keep people informed and to create awareness as the world works to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic,<b> Snap</b> has rolled out new creative tools – including, amongst others, <b>Lenses</b> that will help Snapchatters stay positive by engaging in a bit of fun while working or studying from home, and a new Snap augmented reality (AR) game that will help to myth-bust common inaccuracies by separating coronavirus facts from fiction.<br /> <br /> Additionally, Snap has launched new creative tools and features that make it easy for users to share reliable information about COVID-19, while still having fun connecting with their friends and co-workers, even when they’re far apart. <br /> <br /> For anyone taking part in web conferences while working or studying from home or using their webcams to keep in touch with family and friends in a unique, fun and engaging way, <b>Snap Camera </b>brings the fun of <b>Snapchat Lenses</b>, such as the Time Machine, Stars Crown, Dog, and so much more, to video chats for both PC and Mac, no matter what video service you use. New lenses include a full suit and tie amongst a variety of other outfits and accompanying hairstyles, so that your boss or teacher doesn’t have to know you’ve just rolled out of bed, and an array of exotic backdrops to transport you beyond your home in the eyes of everyone else on the conference call.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shaanhaider.com/2020/03/snapchat-coronavirus-covid-19-lens-ar-game.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Snapchat-COVID19 AR Game and Lenses" border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm71AcQ9jMQ7nnqkPRo4whYTn_IGPtxWZdLQs76zVmdAN8vLG67qRaY6zOE9U5qwzeoLHtOkvUk8H1uzVNk7q02oNU_Au2HGN8I5gKuPlzWNtCEKPfUmtPUVCkcL7-v0wFNYYmxw16-5l2/s1600/snapchat-coronavirus-covid-19-lens-ar-game.jpg" title="Snapchat-COVID19 AR Game and Lenses" /></a></div><br /> Snap Camera syncs with any camera connected to your computer and works with apps including Google Hangouts, Zoom, Skype, Twitch, Discord and more. <br /> <br /> New tools introduced by Snap include a lens which allows users to show that they are staying at home. Another new tool is a <b>Snappable AR game</b> that lets Snapchatters and their friends myth-bust some of the most common inaccuracies about coronavirus and COVID-19, and learn more about the facts.<br /> <br /> New Bitmoji stickers have been added to bring a little levity to the situation many of us are facing. Available in English and Arabic, the new stickers feature light-hearted and personalizable messages such as ‘Keep Your Distance’, ‘Wash Your Hands!’, and ‘Stay Healthy, Helpful, and Calm’. More will be rolled out soon!<br /> <br /> <b>Hussein Freijeh, General Manager of Snap Inc., Middle East,</b> said; <blockquote>We introduced new experiences that give Snapchatters more easily-digestible information on how to stay safe during this challenging time, by using augmented reality and other creative tools. n times like these we can see the world coming together in new and creative ways, even though we are all practicing social distancing. The Snap team across the world is working hard to come up with new ways to help people stay connected, be creative, have fun, and stay mentally and physically healthy. We want to make sure that Snapchatters have the right information and the tools to spread awareness during this time. No matter how long we’re all asked to stay home, Snapchat will continue to innovate to help people keep in touch with their loved ones around the world, and to have fun doing it – because finding joy and humor is especially important during this time.</blockquote>

Snap launches new Lenses and Creative Tools related to COVID-19

To keep people informed and to create awareness as the world works to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, Snap has rolled out new creative too...

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