TikTok Stories, Telegram updates, NeuralHash technology, OnlyFans flip flops
Telegram is creating ‘elastic’ video calls, Messenger is celebrating its anniversary, TikTok is testing Stories, Twitter is redesigning and OnlyFans is banning porn, but then bringing it back. More mobile industry and ASO news in our August news digest.
NeuralHash technology, iOS 15 and Apple’s new tool
Apple is developing the new NeuralHash technology that will allow to detect child sexual abuse material and report it to law enforcement. This technology has caused controversy over the protection of user data in general.
iOS 15 news. Some iOS15 features will be disabled in the release. SharePlay is one of them. On the flip side, you will be able to set up in-app events. You can share what’s new with your app directly on the App Store. It was already announced at WWDC21. Sometimes, the App Store editors can manage in-app events. Plus, Apple has released a new tool that allows you to test how the apps behave when the device is connected to 5G instead of Wi-Fi.
Android 12, Twitter’s redesign, OnlyFans leaving
Google released Android 12 beta 4 and (finally!) it has achieved stability! Developers can test apps ahead of official release without worrying about big changes in the future. Google Maps rolled out some awesome updates for iOS, the ability to share your real-time location from iMessage is especially great. And check the dark mode out!
Twitter has redesigned. Among the changes that also apply to iOS and Android users is the introduction of a new font — “Chirp”. Rumor has it that there will be new color palettes coming soon. OnlyFans announced a ban on sexually explicit content from October 1 and then suspended it. OnlyFans previously noted it had to make the policy change to comply with the requests of its “banking partners and payout providers. As a result, the first decision was received negatively by sex workers, and future inconsistent policy may trigger a wave of migration from the platform.
TikTok Stories, an auction on Instagram and a quest from Facebook
TikTok tests Stories. They will appear on the slide-over sidebar and will allow you not only to post stories for 24 hours, but also to comment on them. Also there will be a tab where you can see how many people have viewed your story, and whether you are following them.
Instagram is testing Ads in Instagram Shop that will allow brands to post images or image carousels. It’s an auction-based model (as in the usual targeted ads), ads will only appear on mobile.
Facebook has redesigned the privacy settings again, now finding them is a real quest. This time, settings are grouped into six categories. Here you can see a barely intelligible explanation of why everything was changed again.
Messenger is 10 years old, new WhatsApp and Telegram features
Messenger celebrates its 10th anniversary! To celebrate it, Messenger rolled out some new features: poll games, word effects, contact sharing and birthday gifts via Facebook Pay.
WhatsApp added a new feature that allows you to send disappearing photos and videos. Just keep in mind that WhatsApp will not notify you if someone takes a screenshot. So be careful.
Telegram expands the possibilities of group video calls — you can now enjoy a quiet, cozy company of 1000 viewers. And the quality of video messages will be higher!
Updated YouTube search, the moderate Spotify subscription
Twitch surpassed YouTube in consumer spending per user in April 2021, but YouTube is not worried at all — it introduced new features for searching while watching. You can switch chapters and generally not deny yourself anything. Spotify is testing a new subscription tier at $0.99 a month.
Everyone should have access to music.
New iPhones, Samsung foldable phone and a phone by Google
The future iPhones will have new surprises for the visual lovers: you can take ‘video portraits’ and record higher quality video — ProRes.
Samsung hosted the Unpacked event where it introduced a new collection of foldable devices including the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 (yeah, it’s a clamshell design!) They also showed smartwatches based on WearOS from Google, Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Buds 2 wireless earbuds. Google has announced Pixel 5a with 5G (it is available from August 27). It has some goodies: IP67 water resistance, durable adaptive battery, Pixel dual camera system.
ASO news: Feature Graphic in web version, GNL Field disappeared
Google Play started showing Feature Graphic in the web version without any plugins. It’s a-must to have a video on the page, of course. Basically, it became like the mobile version. Google removed the GNL text validation field from its page. Now you need registration and payment info.
ASO Localization, monetization and ASO guides
- App localization: how to enter the international market?
- How does mobile game monetization work?
- How to handle reviews and app ratings?
- What is ASO? How to get started and track the data
Checkaso news
In August, we hired another recruit to enhance our fluffiness. We adapt the new kid very carefully, because he has little paws. For now, the employee works in his home office and part-time. More HR news and useful ASO content you can check on our Instagram.
