Tech Bird

Meta Quest software update causing widespread device failures The parent company Meta confirms they are working to resolve the software update issue. Image: Meta Many Meta Quest users, including Quest 2, 3, and 3S owners, experienced a recent software update nightmare that left their headsets unresponsive. But fear not, VR adventurers! Meta has acknowledged the issue and is actively working on a resolution. What Happened? A faulty software update caused some Meta Quest headsets to become unresponsive and unable to boot up properly. This left many users frustrated, especially those who received the update message upon pulling out their headsets for a long-awaited VR session. The Good News Meta has stepped up and confirmed they're working on a fix for all users. In most cases, your Meta Quest should now function normally. If you're one of the unlucky few still facing issues, fret not! Here's how to get your VR world back on track: Check the Meta Quest Suppo...

Critical Windows 11 Bug Blocks Security Updates: Is Your PC at Risk? The current solution is to reinstall Windows 11 using installation media created with the December update. Windows Update is showing on the laptop. Image: Clint Patterson / Unsplash A critical bug has emerged in Windows 11, preventing some users from receiving vital security updates. This issue, acknowledged by Microsoft, specifically affects installations performed using custom-created media (USB drives or DVDs) that include the October or November 2024 security updates.   The Problem: Security Updates Blocked on New Installations If you created a Windows 11 installation USB or DVD in October or November 2024 and used it to install the operating system on a new PC, that system might be unable to receive subsequent security patches. Importantly, this issue does not affect PCs updated through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog. It is exclusively linked to installations from manually created media. ...

Is the Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 Set to Steal the Show at Unpacked 2025? The Galaxy Ring 2 may be available in two additional sizes for a better fit. The buzz surrounding the Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 is starting to feel less like speculation and more like an impending reality. Whispers from reliable sources suggest a potential debut at the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event in January 2025 – and if these whispers are true, it could be a game-changer. Let's rewind a bit. Samsung first tantalized us with the original Galaxy Ring at the Galaxy S24 Unpacked in January, followed by a showcase at MWC in February , and finally, a full launch in July. This staggered unveiling built significant anticipation, and it seems Samsung is poised to capitalize on that momentum. The latest intel points towards a much earlier release for the Galaxy Ring 2 in 2025, potentially alongside the Galaxy S25 family on January 22nd at Unpacked . Adding even more fuel to the fire, rumors also suggest the unveiling ...

Never Miss a Story Again: Instagram's New Highlight Feature You must view all current Stories in your Instagram Stories tray before unseen Story Highlights will appear. Meta , Instagram's parent company, is currently testing a compelling new feature designed to combat a common frustration: missing out on content from friends. This isn't just another update; it's a potential game-changer for how we connect on the platform.   In today's fast-paced digital world, our Instagram feeds are often flooded with a mix of Reels, sponsored content, and posts from a wide array of accounts. Amidst this constant stream of information, it's easy to overlook updates from the people we care about most. Instagram recognizes this challenge and is taking proactive steps to address it. The new feature, currently in testing with a select group of users, focuses on resurfacing unseen Story Highlights. These aren't the fleeting Stories that vanish after 24 hours; these are the c...

Instagram Unveils AI-Powered Video Editing for Reels and Stories Meta's Movie Gen AI-powered video editing feature is scheduled for release on Instagram next year. Screenshots : Adam Mosseri Instagram, the beloved platform for visual storytelling, is about to get a whole lot more powerful. Meta, its parent company, recently teased an upcoming feature that promises to revolutionize video creation for Reels and Stories. Imagine being able to alter nearly any aspect of your video with just a few words—that's the promise of generative AI, and Instagram is bringing it to the masses.   A recent announcement, featuring Instagram head Adam Mosseri , offered a sneak peek into this exciting new development. The demo showcased the capabilities of Meta's MovieGen AI model , and the results are truly impressive. We saw Mosseri's appearance transformed in real-time—his outfit changing, backgrounds morphing, and even his entire persona taking on a new form, at one point becoming a f...

Scan, Send, Simplify: WhatsApp for iOS Gets In-App Document Scanning You can easily scan documents within WhatsApp using the new in-app scanning feature Illustration: Tech Bird WhatsApp's latest addition for iOS – in-app document scanning – is a genuinely useful enhancement that streamlines everyday tasks. This isn't just another bell and whistle; it's a productivity booster that fits perfectly into our increasingly mobile lives. The WhatsApp for iOS 24.25.89 update, now available on the App Store, officially brings this highly anticipated feature to a wider audience. While whispers of this functionality have circulated since the 24.25.80 update, this latest release confirms its broader rollout, bringing document scanning directly into your chats. No More Separate Scanning Apps Imagine this: You're out and about, need to quickly share an important document, but don't have access to a scanner. Previously, you might have fumbled with a separate scanning app, sav...

Gemini AI Gains On-Device PDF Recognition: Implications for Users Gemini Advanced users are the only ones who can access the PDF recognition feature on the Files by Google app. illustration: Tech Bird Google's Gemini , their cutting-edge AI model, just got a whole lot smarter. This isn't just another incremental update; it's a leap forward in how we interact with digital documents on our mobile devices. Specifically, Gemini is now capable of understanding the content of PDFs directly from your Files by Google app. This means no more tedious scrolling or manual searching for specific information within lengthy documents. Imagine this: You're reviewing a complex contract, a dense research paper, or even just a lengthy recipe in PDF format on your phone. Previously, you'd have to painstakingly search for the information you needed. Now, with Gemini's on-device PDF recognition, you can simply ask Gemini a question about the document, and it will intelligently extr...

YouTube's Clickbait Crackdown: What it Means for Creators As part of its initial rollout, YouTube will remove clickbait content without issuing strikes. Image: YouTube Clickbait has been a persistent issue in the online video world, often creating a frustrating experience for viewers. Thankfully, YouTube has finally taken a decisive step to clean things up. The platform is rolling out a significant update to its algorithm, targeting misleading titles and thumbnails that have plagued the platform for far too long. This isn't just a minor tweak; it's a clear signal that YouTube is prioritizing genuine content and viewer satisfaction. This crackdown, initially launching in India before expanding globally, focuses on videos that promise something they simply don't deliver. Think of those thumbnails screaming "BREAKING NEWS: " only to find a video with no real news content whatsoever. Or titles like "You WON'T BELIEVE What Happened!" leading to a ...

Samsung Galaxy S25 launch date leak: January 22 Unpacked & a possible 'Slim' model? A leaked teaser suggests a fourth model, possibly the Galaxy S25 Slim, will be launched at Galaxy Unpacked 2025. Image: evLeaks The rumor mill is churning with exciting news surrounding Samsung's highly anticipated Galaxy S25 series. A recent leak from reliable tech tipster Evan Blass on its official X (formerly known as Twitter) handle suggests a potential January 22, 2025, launch date and, even more interestingly, the unveiling of four distinct Galaxy S25 models. Could one of these be the long-rumored "Galaxy Slim"? Let's explore what this could mean for the future of Samsung's flagship lineup. Evleaks Drops a Bombshell Evan Blass, a name synonymous with accurate pre-release information, has once again delivered. A leaked marketing image, purportedly originating from Italian sources and shared by Blass, points towards January 22, 2025, as the date for the next G...

Is Apple joining the Fold? Foldable iPhone and iPad rumors heat up While rumors point to a late 2026 launch for Apple's foldable iPhone and iPad, a later release is also possible. Image: Ming-Chi Kuo For years, the tech world has been abuzz with whispers of foldable devices from Apple. It wasn't just wishful thinking; there were patents, supply chain hints, and the constant anticipation of what the innovation-driven giant might unveil next. Now, these whispers have turned into a real buzz, with credible reports suggesting Apple is seriously considering entering the foldable market. This isn't just another product launch; it could be a game-changer for how we use our devices.   Recent reports, especially those from the Wall Street Journal , paint a compelling picture of Apple's strategy: a two-pronged approach aimed at both mobile and desktop users. This isn't a tentative test; it feels like a confident statement of intent. A Foldable That Could Replace Your Desk...

Snapchat's new revenue stream: How influencers will now make money? To meet eligibility, creators need 50,000 followers and one of these: 10M Snap views, 1M Spotlight views, or 12,000 watch hours. In a significant update from Snapchat Inc. that's poised to reshape how creators monetize their content: a unified revenue program set to launch on February 1st, 2025. This isn't just a minor tweak; it's a strategic move that consolidates earning opportunities across Stories and Spotlight, Snapchat's answer to the short-form video craze. For years, Snapchat's monetization system has been fragmented. Earnings from Stories lived in one silo, while Spotlight operated under a separate program. This created complexities for creators looking to maximize their revenue streams. Now, Snapchat is simplifying the process, bringing both platforms under one umbrella. This unified approach means influencers will earn revenue from ads placed within their eligible Stories and Spotli...