Instagram adds templates and tools to make it easier to create Reels

Meta has introduced new tools to expand the ways you can collaborate with others using Reels, as part of its strategy to be able to better compete with TikTok. To start with, you can now remix not just videos, but also photos on Instagram, giving you more material to use. The company has added more Remix layouts to include a green screen, a split screen or a picture-in-picture reaction view, as well, to make it easier to add your own spin or take to an existing Reel. Plus, you can choose to attach your remix to the end of the original Reel instead of having them play side-by-side. That format works better if you have a hot take or a rebuttal you want to publish.

In addition, Meta is rolling out templates to make it easy to create Reels with preloaded audio and video effects — you simply need to add your photo or video to one. You can see the company’s template collection by tapping on the camera icon in the Reels tab. Another new feature that makes the feature a more veritable rival to TikTok is the ability to record with the phone’s front and rear cameras at the same time using the Instagram camera. 

Finally, Meta has confirmed a previous feature leak that it will be turning all videos posted on Instagram as Reels, as long as they’re shorter than 15 minutes. Videos under 90 seconds long may be recommended on the app and, hence, may have a wider reach. But you don’t have to worry about becoming famous if you don’t want to be: Instagram won’t be using your Reels as a recommendation if your profile is set to private, and it will not retroactively convert old uploads. This feature is rolling out in the coming weeks and will also consolidate all your videos and Reels under one tab in the app.

Just a few days ago, Instagram also introduced a feature that would allow influencers to earn from their Reels. Creators can now share subscriber-only feeds that lock their content behind a paywall. Meta promised creators that it won’t be taking a cut from their earnings until 2024, but putting Reels behind a paywall is one way of monetizing them.The company’s executives previously said that they intend to focus on monetizing Reels as quickly as possible in the second half of 2022, so we’ll likely see more features intended to make money off the short videos in the near future.

Zoom brings end-to-end encryption to its cloud phone service

Zoom is bolstering its privacy and security protections by expanding end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to more of its services. First up is Zoom Phone, its cloud phone system. Users of that service will be able to switch on E2EE during one-on-one calls. When it’s on, E2EE will ensure calls are secure with cryptographic keys that only the calling and receiving devices can access. You’ll be able to verify the E2EE status by sharing a security code with the other person.

At the moment, it’s only possible to enable E2EE on Zoom Phone for calls between users on the same company Zoom account. They’ll need to be on the Zoom Phone desktop or mobile app and switch off automatic call recording. Account owners or admins will need to enable E2EE via a web portal before their users can activate it on calls.

In addition, E2EE will soon be available in breakout rooms — smaller discussions that break off from group meetings. Each breakout room can have its own encryption key. Again, account owners or admins will need to enable E2EE for their users.

Zoom started rolling out E2EE for meetings in October 2020, a few months after the company took off amid the COVID-19 pandemic and a trend of uninvited guests “zoombombing” calls emerged. Zoom initially planned to limit E2EE to paid accounts, but it relented after a backlash and offered it to everyone.

Google Pixel 6a review: The tiny Pixel phone I’ve been hoping for

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Android is ready to automatically switch device audio on Pixel Buds Pro

Android audio switching is finally a practical reality — provided you have the right earbuds. Google has started rolling out the automatic toggle to Android devices paired with the Pixel Buds Pro. If your phone or tablet supports Bluetooth multipoint connections, Android will intelligently switch sound from one product to the other using a priority system. You’ll switch from your tablet’s audio to your phone for an incoming call, for instance, but you won’t have to worry about incoming notifications. You can always switch back through a notification if the OS made a mistake.

The feature will expand to JBL and Sony headphones sometime in the “coming weeks,” Google said. The functionality will also reach non-Android platforms in the future, although the company didn’t provide an exact timeframe. You can enable switching by using Fast Pair to connect your headphones and link them to your Google account.

The concept isn’t unique. Apple devices paired with AirPods have offered audio switching since 2020, and Sony has offered a similar approach. It’s a welcome addition if you want to use one set of Bluetooth earbuds for all of your Android gear, though, and Google’s technology won’t restrict you to any one headphone manufacturer.

Some Skullcandy earbuds will run two voice assistants simultaneously

Some of Skullcandy’s earbuds will be able to support two voice assistants at the same time. Last year, the brand debuted its own assistant, Skull-IQ, on Grind Series and Push Active earbuds. Skull-IQ is primarily about controlling audio, including managing your media player, adjusting device settings and answering or dismissing calls. It can launch Spotify via voice command as well. For just about anything else, though, you’ll need another assistant. That’s where Alexa comes into play.

The dual voice assistant feature was announced during an Alexa developer event. It’s not clear when it will be available on Skullcandy’s earbuds. Other voice-powered platforms offer multi-assistant experiences with Alexa too, such as Sonos Voice Control and Pioneer’s NP1.

Amazon is expanding Alexa in other ways. It just announced developer tools that will enable app and device makers to create Alexa routines and suggest them to users. Amazon sees the move as a step toward realizing its vision of an ambient, more autonomous smart home.

Amazon Fire 7 (2022) review: You don’t get much for $60

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Framework’s first major laptop upgrade lets you swap your system’s brain

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