Author: Dawn Solano

Music streaming platform Spotify is introducing a new feature that gives select listeners early access to concert tickets based on how much they engage with an artist on the platform. Called “Reserved,” the feature was unveiled during Spotify’s 2026 Investor Day presentation.The feature will begin rolling out in the United States between June and August this year for eligible Premium subscribers aged 18 and above. The company said expansion to more countries is planned later on. The system works by identifying what Spotify describes as an artist’s “top fans” using listening behavior and engagement signals. This includes streams, saves, playlist…

Samsung launched a new lineup of Vision AI TVs and sound devices in the Philippines, featuring AI-powered viewing, gaming and smart home features. The South Korean tech giant introduced several new display models, including the Micro RGB Vision AI TV, Neo QLED Vision AI TV, OLED Vision AI TV and Mini LED Vision AI TV. Among the highlights is the Micro RGB Vision AI TV, which uses microscopic RGB backlights to improve color accuracy, brightness and contrast while reducing color bleeding. The TV also supports glare reduction and up to 165Hz variable refresh rate gaming. Samsung also introduced AI-powered features…

Google’s redesigned Workspace icons were launched alongside a wider set of Gemini-powered productivity updates announced during the company’s latest AI push. The refreshed icons for Gmail, Google Drive, Google Meet, Google Docs, and other Workspace apps feature softer gradients, rounded edges, and a more unified color palette. Compared to the previous icons, the new ones have more emphasis on blue tones while still incorporating the signature red, yellow, and green colors. Google also introduced several new Gemini features to turn Workspace into a more AI-driven productivity platform. One of the biggest additions is “Gmail Live” and “Docs Live,” which allow…

Music streaming platform Spotify is restoring its original app logo after a temporary disco ball redesign triggered criticism and mockery across social media. Earlier this week, users noticed Spotify had replaced its familiar green icon with a glittery disco ball version featuring the platform’s signature soundwave symbol. The redesign was later revealed to be part of Spotify’s “Spotify 20” anniversary campaign celebrating the company’s 20th year. The campaign, titled “Spotify 20: Your Party of the Year(s),” allows users to revisit their listening history, including their first streamed song, top artists and most-played tracks over the years. The disco ball branding…

Amazon is turning its Alexa voice assistant into an AI-powered audio generator with the launch of “Alexa Podcasts,” a feature that creates customized podcast-style episodes based on topics requested by users. The feature is part of Alexa+, Amazon’s upgraded generative AI assistant currently available in the United States.Users can ask Alexa to create podcast episodes about nearly any subject, from history and sports to hobbies and current events. The system then generates an audio discussion narrated by AI-generated hosts. According to Amazon, users can also adjust the direction and length of the episode before it is generated. Finished episodes are…

Spotify is expanding its supervised account feature beyond paying subscribers, allowing parents in select countries to create kid-safe accounts for children under 13 even without a Premium subscription. The music streaming platform announced that managed accounts are now rolling out to users on Spotify’s free, ad-supported tier in Argentina, Colombia, Denmark, Italy, New Zealand, and Sweden. Previously, the feature was only available through Premium Family plans in select markets. No Asian market has been included in the initial rollout. Managed accounts provide a music-only Spotify experience designed for younger listeners while giving parents tighter controls over what children can access…

Netflix will launch its ad-supported subscription tier in the Philippines in 2027 as the streaming giant expands its advertising business to more markets. The announcement was made during Netflix’s Upfront 2026 presentation, where the company unveiled new advertising tools and plans for its lower-priced subscription offerings. The Philippines is among 15 additional countries set to receive the ad-supported tier next year. Netflix has yet to announce local pricing, but said the plan is meant to provide a more affordable way to access the platform while opening new opportunities for advertisers. The company said its ad-supported tier now reaches more than…

Meta Platforms has launched Instants, a new standalone photo-sharing app linked to Instagram that allows users to send temporary photos to friends and mutual followers. The app focuses on quick and casual sharing, with photos disappearing after they are viewed or after 24 hours. Instants was previously available as a feature inside Instagram’s direct messages before Meta expanded it into a separate app. How to use Instants The launch places Meta in closer competition with apps such as Locket and BeReal, which became popular for more spontaneous and less curated photo sharing. Locket allows users to send live photos directly…

Google is adding a wave of creator-focused features to Android 17, with the company leaning heavily into AI-assisted content creation both in mobile editing and social media tools. The update, announced ahead of Google I/O 2026, includes upgrades that will be most useful for  creators who shoot, edit, and post directly from their phones, an area long dominated by Apple devices.Here are some of the biggest additions coming to Android 17: 1. Instagram on Android is finally getting more attention Google says Instagram on Android will gain better support for advanced camera features that were previously inconsistent across devices. That…

Microsoft’s Xbox division and Discord have introduced a new bundled subscription offering that gives Discord Nitro members access to a new “Game Pass Starter Edition,” a lower-tier version of Xbox Game Pass aimed at casual and social gamers. The Starter Edition includes a rotating catalog of more than 50 downloadable PC and console games, along with 10 hours of Xbox Cloud Gaming per month. Titles currently included in the lineup include Fallout 4, Stardew Valley, DayZ, Deep Rock Galactic, Overcooked 2 and Grounded. Microsoft said more games will be added over time. Unlike higher Game Pass tiers, the Starter Edition…