Category: Apps

Key Highlights

• Disney+Hotstar introduces limits account sharing.
• Aim to prevent password sharing.
• Policy applies to both premium and cheaper plans.

Streaming services in India, such as Disney+Hotstar, Netflix, Amazon, and JioCinema, have been very successful. But there’s a problem with people sharing passwords. So, Disney+Hotstar is getting ready to make a new rule to deal with this issue.

This plan focuses on people who have premium accounts. They will only be able to log in from four devices.This way, they hope to stop people from sharing accounts with friends who don’t live with them. Netflix did something similar in other countries too.

Also Read: No Disney+ Hotstar Access With Reliance Jio Affordable Plans: Here’s Why

Disney+Hotstar: Current and Planned Policy

At present, a premium account on Disney+Hotstar allows logins on up to 10 devices, despite the website stating that the limit is four. However, Disney has internally tested the enforcement of the four-device login policy and plans to implement it later this year for such accounts. This move is intended to limit logins to only four devices per premium account. The company hopes that this restriction will encourage some users to purchase their own subscriptions instead of sharing passwords.

Also Read: Want To Cancel Your Disney+ Hotstar Subscription? Here’s How

Reason , Market And Growth

At first, Disney allowed password sharing to attract more users. They hoped these users would eventually start paying for their own accounts. But now, as more people share passwords and the streaming market grows in India, Disney realizes they need to set a limit.

Disney+Hotstar is the most popular service in India, with 38% of viewership, while Netflix and Prime Video have only 5%. The streaming market in India is expected to be worth $7 billion by 2027. It’s a big and profitable industry.

Also Read: Top OTT Releases For July 2023

Password Sharing: Implementation and Impact

The new rule won’t just affect premium accounts, but also cheaper ones. Now, people with cheaper plans can only use it on two devices. Disney wants to find a balance between making it easy for users and stopping account sharing. Right now, about 5% of premium users use more than four devices. Disney hopes most people will understand and follow the new rule.

Also Read: Netflix Begins Password Sharing Crackdown In India: Should You Be Worried?

Key Highlights

• No live TV channels anymore.
• Major change to SonyLIV.
• Effective from August 30.

SonyLIV has recently announced a big change to its streaming services. Starting from August 30th, 2023, the platform will no longer offer live TV channels within its app. This change could affect how users watch their favourite shows and channels.

Until now, SonyLIV allowed its users to watch Sony TV channels and other channels like BBC Earth, SAB TV, Sony Marathi, and Sony Max through its Live TV section. However, with the upcoming change, this feature will be discontinued. Despite this change, the platform assures its users that individual programs and select movies that were broadcasted on these channels will still be made available.

Also Read: How To Get Sony LIV Subscription Free: Here Are All Steps

Reason Behind The Decision

While the exact reason for this decision is not disclosed, it is speculated that the rising popularity of OTT platforms has led to a decline in traditional DTH customers across the country. As more people switch to internet-based streaming services, the demand for live TV channels on OTT platforms may have decreased.

Also Read: SonyLIV Premium Free: Confirmed Tricks To Get SonyLIV Subscription Free Of Cost

Alternatives For Live TV

Users who still prefer to watch live TV through the internet will have alternative options. Other platforms like Airtel Xstream, Tata Sky Mobile, VOOT, Zee5, and Vi Play will continue to offer live TV channels, ensuring users can still access shows and programs.

Also Read: Top OTT Releases For July 2023

Subscription Plans On SonyLIV

SonyLIV currently offers a range of subscription plans to cater to its diverse audience. The plans include a mobile-only plan priced at Rs 599 per year, granting access to all content. There’s also a monthly plan at Rs 299, a six-month plan at Rs 699, and a yearly plan at Rs 999. The last two plans enable users to watch content on two devices simultaneously. All the plans offer premium content in FHD resolution with stereo 2.1 audio support.

Also Read: Netflix Introduces ‘My Netflix’ Tab For iOS Users To Help Access Movies, TV Shows Easily

Key Highlights

• Simplifies movie discovery.
• Organizes favorite TV shows.
• Exclusive feature for iOS users.

Netflix has taken a significant step towards enhancing user experience by launching the ‘My Netflix’ tab. Right now, it’s available for people using iPhones and iPads ( iOS users). The ‘My Netflix’ tab is like having a special helper to make user streaming experience super simple.

Let’s check it out!

Also Read: Netflix Begins Password Sharing Crackdown In India: Should You Be Worried?

What’s Inside the ‘My Netflix’ Tab

The new ‘My Netflix’ tab takes the place of the Downloads tab on the mobile app. It’s like a one-stop hub for users to easily access different things related to what they like to watch.

Here’s what users can find in this tab:

1. Liked TV series and movies: This section displays all the content that users have given a ‘thumbs up,’ making it easier for them to revisit and enjoy their favorite titles.
2. My List watch list: Users can view and manage the shows and films they have added to their personal watch list, ensuring they never miss out on their most anticipated content.
3. Watched trailers: The ‘My Netflix’ tab also keeps track of the trailers users have watched, helping them recall interesting upcoming releases they might be interested in.
4. Upcoming release reminders: Users can set reminders for the release dates of their most awaited titles, ensuring they are notified when new episodes or movies become available.
5. In-progress titles: For users who frequently switch between shows or movies, the tab provides a list of titles they are currently watching, making it easier to pick up where they left off.
6. Recently watched content: This section serves as a quick reference for users to revisit the shows and movies they have recently viewed.

Also Read: Four Best Netflix Shows To Watch This Week (July 2023)

‘My Netflix ‘ Tab: Availability

The ‘My Netflix’ tab is first available for iOS users. Android users will have to wait a bit longer, but they’ll get access to it too in early August.

Also Read: Weekend Watchlist (July 2023): Four Best Netflix Shows To Binge-Watch

Key Highlights

• Elon Musk plans to rebrand Twitter as “X Corp.” and transform it into a versatile “superapp”
• Musk seeks user input for a new logo, and a suggestion from a Tesla investor catches his eye
• The move indicates a departure from the traditional Twitter theme, as “X Corp.” aims to bid farewell to the Twitter brand gradually

Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, who acquired the popular social media platform, Twitter, last year, has now set his sights on giving it a major makeover. As we know it, Twitter may soon become a thing of the past as Musk hints at a complete rebranding and renaming of the platform to “X.” His vision is to transform Twitter into a versatile “superapp,” and he has been actively seeking input from users in this process. Also Read | Planning To Leave Twitter? Here Are The Best Twitter Alternatives To Download

Teasing The Changes: “X” On The Horizon

Elon Musk recently took to Twitter to share his plans for the platform’s transformation. He proposed a new name, “X,” and reached out to users, seeking a suitable logo for the rebranded venture. One of the logos suggested by a Tesla investor caught his eye, impressing him enough to be considered for the rebrand.

Twitter’s New Look: A Bold Departure

Musk didn’t stop with just a new name. He also pondered over changing the default platform color to Black, signaling a bold departure from the traditional Twitter theme. The idea of “X Corp.” as the parent organization for Twitter was registered months earlier in March, a clear indication of Musk’s intent to overhaul the platform.

Also Read | Best Tips And Tricks To Increase Your Followers On Twitter

Saying Goodbye To The Twitter Brand

In a tweet, Elon Musk confirmed the awaiting rebrand and symbolically expressed that “all the birds” would gradually bid adieu to the Twitter brand. This move aligns with his vision of creating a dynamic and all-encompassing “superapp” under the new identity of “X Corp.”

Will The Vision Materialize?

While Musk has shared his ambitious plans and engaged with the Twitter community, the actualization of the rebrand remains to be seen. The timeline for the unveiling of “X Corp.” and its new logo has been hinted to be by tomorrow, but the final outcome awaits.

Elon Musk’s desire to reimagine Twitter and elevate it to a “superapp” status marks a significant milestone in the platform’s history. As the tech mogul continues to drive innovation, users eagerly anticipate the arrival of “X Corp.” and the promising changes it may bring to the world of social media.

Also Read | Twitter Direct Message Feature Removed For Android, iOS Users: What Will Be The Impact?

Key Highlights

• ChatGPT’s debut on Android next week
• Counterfeit app combat with authentic ChatGPT
• Premium ChatGPT Plus service available
• Pre-registration open on Google Play Store

OpenAI upcoming launch of ChatGPT for Android announcement follows the successful rollout of the iOS version, which quickly became a hit. This AI app garnered over half a million downloads in its first week. Starting next week, Android users can download the official ChatGPT from the Google Play Store.

The Android version of ChatGPT aims to tackle fake GPT apps that have flooded the market, providing a reliable and safe AI chat option. These unofficial apps have caused problems by exploiting the Android ecosystem, with some carrying harmful content.

Also Read: Apple Developing AI Chatbot ‘Apple GPT’ To Compete With OpenAI’s ChatGPT: All Details Here

The Android ChatGPT will follow a similar pattern to its iOS cousin, with an initial launch in the United States and later in other countries. It will offer a premium service, ChatGPT Plus, costing Rs.1,700 ($20) per month. The Android version aims to deliver an experience similar to the iOS one, allowing you to sync your conversations and preferences across devices.

The AI company is also developing a new feature, “customized instructions,” especially for Plus plan users. Currently in its testing phase, this feature will let you give specific instructions to the AI chatbot, making it more personalized. Other recent updates from the iOS version, such as Bing integration and better history search, will also be included.

Pre-registration for the ChatGPT app is now open for Android users on the Google Play Store. Despite a reported decrease in traffic recently, the Android launch is expected to boost ChatGPT’s popularity again. So, Android users, get ready for a new AI chat experience next week!

Key Highlights

• Apple creating AI chatbot ‘Apple GPT’.
• Aiming to rival OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
• Significant AI-related announcement expected next year.

Apple is now venturing into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) with the development of its own chatbot. According to a report by Bloomberg News, Apple is working on creating offerings similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard. This move has led to a surge in Apple’s shares, reaching a record high of 2 percent.

Also Read: Gmail Gets Google Calendar Schedule Feature: What Is It? How To Use?

The Development Of ‘Apple GPT’

To create large language models (LLMs), Apple has built its own framework known as “Ajax.” Within this framework, the company is testing a chatbot internally, known among engineers as “Apple GPT.” This chatbot aims to compete with the existing AI chatbots in the market and potentially revolutionize user interactions with Apple’s products.

Also Read: OpenAI ChatGPT iOS Mobile App Launched: Full Details

Apple’s Approach To AI

While companies like Alphabet (Google) and Microsoft have been very open about using AI and have made big progress in it, Apple has been more cautious. They didn’t talk much about AI at their developer conference in June. Even though they have tried to use advanced AI in some products like Apple Photos, on-device texting, and the Vision Pro headset, experts think Apple is still not as advanced as its competitors in AI. Even Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, hasn’t improved much over the years.

The virtual assistant developed by Apple aims to summarize text and answer questions using data it has been trained with. It is currently used internally for product prototyping. The tool is designed to replicate the functionalities of existing AI chatbots like Bard, ChatGPT, and Bing AI and functions as a web application.

Also Read: AI Chatbots Unmasked: Check Out The Four Best Chatbots Competing With ChatGPT

Way Forward

While Apple does not yet have a definitive plan for the AI tools it is developing, the company has ambitious goals for the future. It is aiming to make a significant AI-related announcement in the coming year, signaling its determination to become a major player in the AI space.

In conclusion, Apple’s foray into AI with the development of ‘Apple GPT’ marks a significant step in the company’s technological journey. As the world eagerly awaits the unveiling of Apple’s AI offerings, it remains to be seen how this innovative chatbot will shape the future of user interactions with Apple’s products.

Also Read: Google Set To Challenge Open AI ChatGPT With Self-Made/ In-House AI ChatGPT Tool