TikTok to Launch New Photo-Sharing App to Compete with Instagram — plus other product news

Emmanuel Oyedeji -
  • Google Adds Color Customization Feature to Fight Apple's iMessage Bubble
  • Spotify Rolls Out Music Video Feature for Premium Subscribers
  • TikTok Set to Launch New Photo-Sharing App to Compete with Instagram
  • Google Pixel 8 Series to Introduce Display Output to Desktop
  • EU iPhone Users Can Ditch Apple Maps for Preferred Navigation Apps in 2025

Google Adds Color Customization Feature to Fight Apple's iMessage Bubble

For a long time, Apple iMessage has employed a controversial design of distinguishing messages sent from non-iPhone users as green bubbles. A segmentation has then evolved into discrimination against Android users.

To combat this bias and add a touch of personalization to its RCS messaging service, Google is rolling out a new customization feature for its Messages app. Users can now personalize chat bubbles and background colours with up to eight options, allowing them to turn their iPhone-using friends' chat bubbles green (or blue) on their end. However, sent messages will still appear as green bubbles on iMessage.

While not yet visible to all users, those with the beta version of Messages can check for the feature by navigating to the three-dot menu within a chat and searching for the customization option. Alternatively, users can access it by tapping the three-dot menu and selecting "details" in a chat.

Spotify Rolls Out Music Video Feature for Premium Subscribers

Streaming giant, Spotify, is rolling out the ability to watch music videos on its mobile and desktop apps app in a limited beta launch to its 239 million premium subscribers.

This expansion follows the introduction of "clips" last year, short vertical videos uploaded directly by artists and the incorporation of podcasts and audiobooks, positioning Spotify to compete with industry heavyweights like Apple Music and YouTube.

Starting today, premium users in select countries, including the UK, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Brazil, Colombia, Philippines, Indonesia, and Kenya will now have access to full-length music videos, featuring both global sensations and local favourites

TikTok Set to Launch New Photo-Sharing App to Compete with Instagram

TikTok, popular short-form video platform, is reportedly working on a new app called "TikTok Photos" that would allow users to share photos, similar to Instagram's platform.

Code discovered within the TikTok app hints at this upcoming feature, suggesting a potential expansion of TikTok's offerings beyond its video-centric focus. Notably, the findings suggest “TikTok Photos” as a dedicated app but with seamless integration between the main TikTok app, enabling users to effortlessly share content.

While details about "TikTok Photos" remain limited, it could represent TikTok's efforts to attract users who enjoy photo sharing marking a direct challenge to Instagram's stronghold in the photo-sharing space.

Google Pixel 8 Series to Introduce Display Output to Desktop

For Samsung phone power users, one standout feature has always been Samsung DeX, turning Galaxy phones into portable desktops. However, this feature was missing on Google's Pixel lineup, until now.

The latest Android beta for the Google Pixel 8 series introduces DisplayPort Alternate Mode, enabling users to connect their phones to external monitors or TVs via USB-C. Previously, Pixel phones lacked this capability, hindering their versatility compared to Samsung devices.

While earlier Pixel models missed out on this feature, it's now available on the Pixel 8 series with the Android 14 Beta 3. However, the full desktop mode experience remains under development, with Google likely aiming for a polished release alongside Android 15. For older Pixel models, this feature won't be accessible due to hardware limitations.

EU iPhone Users Can Ditch Apple Maps for Preferred Navigation Apps Starting in 2025

In a nod to regulatory compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act, iPhone users in the EU will soon have the freedom to replace Apple Maps with their preferred navigation app including Google Maps.

This change, expected with iOS 18 next year, comes as part of efforts to regulate tech giants in the region, including Apple, Google, and others. While Google is expected to follow suit with Google Maps and Waze in the EU, details remain unconfirmed.

The move follows Apple's recent compliance efforts, allowing users to transfer data to Android phones and install apps from sources other than the App Store. However, it's unclear whether these changes will be exclusive to the EU or extend globally.

Follow all of Techloy's coverage of the technology news happening locally and globally and get up to date with what's happening in the key markets within the region.