Digital Phablet

Tag: Snapchat

  • Time-bending Crystals, Group Streaks & Unstoppable Alarms

    Time-bending Crystals, Group Streaks & Unstoppable Alarms

    Time Crystals: From Science Fiction to Everyday Security


    Artwork by Affan Qasim, created with Gemini Pro

    Picture pulling out a 1000 Rupee bill and seeing its security stripe pulse like a heartbeat—shifting, shimmering, and repeating in ways counterfeiting can’t replicate. That’s the intriguing potential of time crystals, a form of matter physicists once believed was impossible.

    Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have now created the first visible time crystals. Made from twisted liquid crystals illuminated by light, these crystals ripple with vibrant tiger-stripe patterns that are sturdy, stable, and sometimes even visible with the naked eye.

    This isn’t sci-fi fuel for a time machine, but it could redefine how we safeguard currency, store data, or develop futuristic displays. Imagine screens that animate themselves, changing colors or patterns rhythmically, powered by the principles of time symmetry breaking.

    By layering different types of time crystals, it might be possible to produce holographic images that are extremely secure and constantly shifting or create bright, shimmering surfaces for wearable tech or architecture. From seemingly impossible physics to holograms on banknotes, time crystals show that even the wildest science can find practical applications right in your pocket.

    Snapchat Enhances Features: Unlimited Storage and Group Streaks

    Artwork by Syed Alihasan Agha, created using Gemini Pro
    Artwork by Syed Alihasan Agha, created with Gemini Pro

    Snapchat is changing the game again: the app renowned for disappearing messages now aims to keep your chats forever and encourage ongoing friendships.

     

    With “Infinite Retention,” you can pin conversations so they stay put instead of fading away, a bold move away from Snapchat’s original “disappear after viewing” approach.

    Meanwhile, “Group Streaks” turn your group chats into a friendly competition, where everyone contributes to maintaining a streak. Let one lazy friend slip up, and the whole record is lost. This feature gamifies chatting, making your group conversations more of a daily routine than a casual drop-in.

    “Good morning! It’s a sunny day. Solve for X.”

    Artwork created by Daniyal Khuhro using Gemini
    Artwork by Daniyal Khuhro, generated with Gemini

    Today, it seems like fresh innovation is scarce, replaced by rebrands of familiar concepts.

    Awake, the latest alarm app for iOS, demands that users complete a task or challenge before turning off the alarm, setting itself apart. It now includes features like weather updates, morning news, calendar reminders, and even social media block functions—all bundled into one package. Though useful, these features are nothing new.

    Most of these added features come with a hefty price tag—$19.99 annually or $6.49 monthly—highlighting that they’re selling convenience, not novelty, as usual.

  • Snapchat’s New Lenses Add AI Videos To Snaps For A Price

    Snapchat’s New Lenses Add AI Videos To Snaps For A Price

    Snapchat is stepping up its game by introducing generative AI videos to its platform. The company has unveiled a feature called Video Gen AI Lenses, which infuses your Snaps with AI-driven video effects. Currently, these new AI video lenses are exclusively available to users with a Platinum subscription, which is priced at $14.99 per month.

    According to Snap, “These Lenses, powered by our proprietary generative video model, offer some of the most advanced AI tools currently available to Snapchatters in a familiar Lens format.”

    At launch, there are only three AI video lenses accessible to subscribers. The Raccoon lens places adorable raccoons into your videos, while the Fox lens features a red fox peeking over your shoulder. The third option, Spring Flowers, breathes life into your Snaps by adding vibrant, photorealistic flowers that appear to zoom out in motion. Although the initial selection is limited, the company has committed to rolling out new video AI lenses on a weekly basis.

    It’s still uncertain whether Snapchat plans to allow users to create their own AI video lenses in the future. The platform currently offers a free tool called Lens Studio, enabling users to design their own lenses and face filters, which can then be shared globally.

    Snapchat also incorporates generative AI features within the Lens Studio, allowing individuals to create custom lenses based on text or image prompts. This process mirrors how you might ask AI tools like Gemini or ChatGPT to produce images from descriptive text. Notably, the studio includes an AI assistant to support users in their creative endeavors.

    ### How Snapchat’s Video Gen AI Lenses Function
    To utilize the AI video lenses, a Snapchat+ Platinum subscription is necessary. This membership grants users an ad-free experience within the Lens and Story sections while eliminating any sponsored Snaps.

    When users access the Lens carousel in the Snapchat app, the new generative AI video lenses will be prominently featured. These lenses can be applied to videos taken with either the front or rear cameras.

    While the AI video preparation takes place, users can engage in other activities, such as messaging or recording new clips. Once the Snap with AI video lenses is complete, it automatically gets saved in the Memories section.

    Similar to standard content, media enhanced with a video AI Lens can be added to Stories and Spotlight or shared directly with friends.

    It’s important to clarify that Lenses differ from Filters. Lenses introduce a range of augmented reality (AR) effects, whereas Filters are primarily artistic overlays applied to photos and videos.

    Snapchat provides two types of lenses: Face Lenses, which transform users’ faces into fun characters like cute puppies or flower-wearing figures, and World Lenses, which infuse animated effects into the surrounding environment.

  • Snapchat Soon to Launch Lightning-Fast Access on iPhone!

    Snapchat Soon to Launch Lightning-Fast Access on iPhone!

    Have you ever wondered if a picture truly exists if no one is there to see it? For those who can’t wait to share their photos and videos, there’s good news: you can now swap out your iPhone’s Camera shortcut for a Snapchat shortcut.

    Customize Your Lock Screen with a Snapchat Shortcut

    Fans of Apple often highlight how iOS shortcuts can enhance your phone experience, and Snapchat is tapping into this convenience with its latest update. As revealed in Snapchat’s Newsroom today, users can now replace the Camera shortcut on their iPhone’s Lock Screen with a direct link to Snapchat, provided they are using iOS 18 or newer.

    Snapchat

    Snapchat is not the first app to provide this functionality; others like ChatGPT, Google Maps, and Instagram have also introduced Lock Screen shortcuts. You can choose how to configure your two Lock Screen shortcuts, which default to the built-in Flashlight and Camera apps, based on what you access the most or want quickly.

    Along with this feature, Snapchat has also introduced new Bitmoji Stickers, Halloween-themed lenses, and a feature called Footsteps, which tracks your travels on a map.

    How to Set Up a Snapchat Shortcut

    Creating a new Lock Screen shortcut is a straightforward process:

    1. From the Lock Screen, press and hold on any area until a menu pops up.
    2. Select Customize > Lock Screen.
    3. At the bottom of the Lock Screen, you’ll find your existing two shortcuts. Tap the – button to remove one, then hit the + button to add a new shortcut.
    4. From the list of Controls, scroll to the Capture category and pick Snapchat.

    Now, whichever shortcut you’ve replaced will feature Snapchat’s iconic ghost logo.

    If you’re unable to locate the customization options mentioned, verify that your device is running iOS 18 or a later version.

    Snap Security

    One advantage of the iPhone’s Camera shortcut is that anyone without your passcode can quickly snap a photo. Consequently, you might wonder if a shortcut to Snapchat would allow someone access to your entire contact list on the app.

    Snapchat has addressed those concerns. With the new update, you can only use the Snapchat camera from the Lock Screen, and you must unlock your phone with your passcode to share any content.

    I have to say, witnessing how Gen-Z captures and shares moments on the fly is truly impressive. Sometimes, snapping a photo is simply about being in the right place at the right time, and having quick access to a photo-sharing app can significantly enhance those chances.

  • Get Ready: Ads Coming to Your Snapchat Chat Tab!

    If you dislike the barrage of advertisements on Snapchat, we have some unfortunate news: the platform is introducing ads in the Chat tab for the very first time.


    A hand holding a smartphone showing the Snapchat friends list, with multiple Snapchat logos and 'X' icons scattered around.
    Dmitrii_Smirnov/Shutterstock

    Advertisements labeled as Sponsored Snaps will now appear in your Chat tab, mixed in among your friends’ messages. Fortunately, they will be distinguishable from regular chats.

    Unopened sponsored messages will eventually vanish from your Chat tab. If you do open one, you’ll have the option to reply or click a link for more information. Disney is the launch partner for these ads.

    Additionally, the Snap Map will feature more ads, specifically Promoted Places. This initiative will allow national brands to highlight their various locations on the map. Taco Bell and McDonald’s are set to be the first companies to support this advertising format.

    As of now, I haven’t noticed these types of ads in my Snapchat, but I suspect they will roll out soon.

    Ads have become a staple of social media, for better or worse. Whether on Facebook, Instagram, or X, you can’t escape them. But how much is too much?

    Having advertisements in Snapchat’s Chat tab feels like a significant inconvenience. Even though they will look different from personal messages, I’m still not pleased about it. If I want to sort through my inbox filled with ads, I’d rather just check my email.

    As Snapchat continues to inundate its app with advertisements, I can’t help but think that their ultimate goal may be to push more people towards the Snapchat+ subscription. This subscription currently offers various features that enhance the Snapchat experience while eliminating Story and Lens ads.

    If you’re looking for a way out of Snapchat, consider the app Locket. It provides a straightforward method for sharing photos with friends, making it a viable alternative to Snapchat. Following this recent update, I’m seriously considering making the switch.

  • Your Guide to Unsubscribing Effectively

    Your Guide to Unsubscribing Effectively

    Quick Links

    Important Points

    • Snapchat’s My Selfie feature is powered by generative AI and automatically enables the company to utilize your selfies in personalized advertising.
    • Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to opt out of this feature.
    • It’s advisable to routinely check your privacy settings on social media platforms to safeguard your personal information.

    Snapchat offers a variety of AI-driven features in its app, including a customizable AI chatbot and creative tools that enable users to generate and enhance their Snaps. While many of these features are designed for fun and engagement, one — My Selfie — grants Snapchat permission to use your image for personalized ads by default.

    What Is Snapchat’s My Selfie Feature?

    Snapchat / Diego Thomazini / Shutterstock

    My Selfie is one of Snapchat’s AI features, allowing users and their friends to generate AI images based on their selfies. Upon first using this tool, you’ll be prompted to take a selfie. Snapchat will also suggest granting the app access to your camera roll for even more personalized and accurate AI images.

    After completing this setup, a notification will appear stating: “By selecting Agree & Continue, you accept the My Selfie Terms and permit Snap and your Friends to use your likeness and My Selfies on Snapchat. This includes Snap utilizing your My Selfies to serve you personalized ads and enhance its machine learning models using My Selfie.”

    While Snapchat does provide a warning regarding how your AI-generated images may be used, it can be easy to miss the fine details.

    How to Opt Out of Snapchat Using Your AI-Generated Selfies in Ads

    If you have utilized the My Selfie feature on Snapchat, you have automatically allowed Snap to use your generated selfies. Fortunately, opting out is possible. Follow these steps:

    1. Open the Snapchat app.
    2. Tap your profile icon located in the upper-left corner of the screen.
    3. Tap the gear icon in the upper-right corner.
    4. Find and select My Selfie.
    5. Toggle off the See My Selfie in Ads option.

    You don’t need to sacrifice your privacy to enjoy your social life. If you are an active social media user but prefer to limit the information you share or the use of your likeness in advertisements, regularly checking your privacy settings and staying updated on any changes in terms of service will help protect your personal information.

    Additionally, be cautious about common social media pitfalls, such as having a public profile or interacting with unfamiliar accounts, to further safeguard your privacy.

  • How To Change Snapchat AI Gender (Step-by-Step [year] Guide)

    This step-by-step guide will show you how to customize and change the Snapchat AI gender. Explore related keywords such as Snapchat AI bot, changing gender on Snapchat Android, and more to learn how to optimize your Snapchat AI gender.

    Users can ask questions, seek advice, and complete tasks with Snapchat AI, a chatbot powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology. It is possible to customize your Snapchat AI chatbot by adjusting its gender, despite Snapchat AI’s limited customization options.

    Change Snapchat AI Gender

    Open Snapchat and Access My AI Chat

    Launch the Snapchat app on your device and go to the Chat screen. To access your Snapchat AI chatbot, locate the My AI chat and tap on it.

    Access the Profile Settings

    Look for the profile icon in the top left corner of My AI chat. You can access the settings and customization options by tapping on it.

    Customize Your Snapchat AI

    Tap on the “Customize” option in the profile settings. It will allow you to customize various aspects of your Snapchat AI, including its gender.

    Choose the Avatar Gender

    When you’re in the customization menu, tap the “Avatar” option. The available gender options are represented by images here. You can change Snapchat AI’s gender by tapping on the corresponding image.

    Refine Your Avatar’s Features

    You can further customize your Snapchat AI’s appearance after selecting the desired gender. You can adjust facial features, skin tone, hair, and clothing. Creating an avatar that closely matches your preferences is the next step.

    Save Your Changes

    When you’re satisfied with Snapchat AI’s gender and appearance, tap “Save”. Your Snapchat AI chatbot will be updated with the changes you’ve made.

    You can easily change and personalize the gender of your Snapchat AI chatbot by following these step-by-step instructions. Explore related keywords, such as Snapchat AI bot and changing gender on Snapchat Android, for further optimization.

    Even though Snapchat AI customization is currently limited, experimenting with available features can enhance your chatbot experience. Discover the full potential of your Snapchat AI by interacting with it.

    My AI Snapchat Name Ideas

    Here are 10 unique AI Snapchat name ideas:

    • The Smile Generator
    • The Ha Ha Machine
    • The Wit Wizard
    • The Funny Friend
    • The Giggle Fairy
    • The Joke Teller
    • The Funnybot
    • The AI Mastermind
    • The Brainiac Bot
    • The Genius
    • The Omniscient One
    • The Infinite Mind
    • The Thinking Machine
    • The Oracle of Snap
    • The Wisdom Bot
    • The Pun Machine
    • The Knowledge Cube
    • The LOL Factory

    How to Change Snapchat AI Name

    To change the name of your Snapchat AI, follow these steps:

    1. Open the Snapchat app and go to the chat section.
    2. Tap on the “My AI” icon at the top of the list.
    3. Tap on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.
    4. Select “Manage Friendship”.
    5. Tap on “Edit Name”.
    6. Enter a new name for your AI and tap on “Save”.

    How Do I Reset My AI on Snapchat

    Snapchat’s AI can be reset in two ways:

    • Clear your AI’s chat history: You will delete all conversations you have had with your AI, as well as any data it has gathered about you. Here are the steps you need to follow:
      • Open the Snapchat app.
      • Tap on your Bitmoji in the top left corner of the screen.
      • Tap on the gear icon in the top right corner of the screen.
      • Scroll down and tap on “Clear Data”.
      • Tap on “Clear My Chat AI Queries” and confirm when asked.
    • Delete your AI: You will be able to completely remove your Snapchat AI by doing this. Here are the steps you need to follow:
      • Open the Snapchat app.
      • Tap on your Bitmoji in the top left corner of the screen.
      • Tap on the gear icon in the top right corner of the screen.
      • Scroll down and tap on “Account Actions”.
      • Tap on “Delete My AI” and confirm when asked.

    Resetting your AI will not delete any of the data you have shared with it. Delete your Snapchat account if you want to delete all of the data you’ve shared with the AI.

  • 4 Million People Subscribed To Snapchat+ In Its First Year

    Four million subscribers have signed up for Snapchat+, the company’s subscription service that gives access to exclusive, experimental, and pre-release features. There is a monthly fee of $3.99 for the service in the United States.

    A Snapchat+ badge, custom app icons, and Best Friends Forever are just some of the exclusive features available to Snapchat+ users. Snapchat+ will soon have custom chat colors and expressive chat messages, the company said today.

    While Snap has grown its subscriber base over the last year, its revenues declined from $1.06 billion in the first three months of 2022 to $988 million in the first three months of 2023.

    In addition, Snap must determine whether it can grow its subscriber base over the next year – shareholders will be closely watching.

    Between January and March 2023, Snapchat+ managed to reach three million subscribers, according to its first-quarter results press release. To reach four million subscribers, the company has added an additional million subscribers in the past five to six months.

    In recent months, Snapchat has gained two features previously only available to Snapchat+ subscribers if they don’t use it or haven’t used it for a while. You can use My AI – a GPT-powered friend to chat with – and Snapchat for the Web from your browser.

    If they are ever planning to spend money on Snapchat+, many Snapchat users who use it daily will have already switched to Snapchat+. It will be interesting to see if Snap can maintain or extend its Snapchat+ growth rate despite the economy’s inflation.

  • Snapchat To Launch ChatGPT On App

    To break into the hotly debated field of generative AI, Snap Inc., the company that owns the photo messaging app Snapchat, announced on Monday that it is launching an artificial intelligence chatbot powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology.

    According to a blog post by Snap, the chatbot, dubbed My AI, will be accessible to users of the company’s premium subscription service Snapchat+.

    The tech industry is fascinated by ChatGPT because it can produce prose in response to prompts. Microsoft and Google, a division of Alphabet, announced their own AI chatbots in February.

    According to Snap, my AI was taught to be jovial and lighthearted. It can suggest original ideas like possible birthday presents for friends or compose a poem about a particular subject.

    The chatbot is “prone to hallucination,” according to the blog post from the Santa Monica, California-based company. Users should not rely on the chatbot for guidance.

    Even though AI-powered chatbots is still young, the unpredictable nature of early search results and conversations has garnered media attention.

    When its new chatbot shared false information in a promotional video earlier this month, Alphabet saw a $100 billion decline in market value.

  • How to Get Snapchat on Apple Watch in [year]

    Got an apple watch? And want to get Snapchat on Apple watch? This guide will help you run Snapchat on an Apple watch.

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  • What Is The Highest Snap Score and How To Achieve It ([year] Guide)

    Most users turn in to SC at least once a day and that lets them have a high Snap Score. Find out how exactly that works!

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  • Post Snapchat snaps from a PC, Laptop or Mac

    Snapchat just made posting Snapchat snaps even easier for its users.

    Until now, Snapchat has only been available on mobile devices, but that’s about to change. Snap Inc. announced that Snapchat for Web will now allow users to continue conversations on any device.

    With the new web app, users will be able to make voice and video calls and send and receive chats through Snapchat Plus, a new subscription service.

    How To Use Snapchat On Desktop (PC/Laptop/Mac)

    1. Open Snapchat on your browser

    Visit web.snapchat.com on your browser.

    2. Login with your details

    You will be prompted to add the code to your account which you will either get on your mobile or by email.

    3. Start posting snaps from the desktop

    For now, you will need plus subscription to use this service.

    Snapchat Plus now offers Snapchat for Web

    Users of Snapchat have been waiting for years for a way to access the service from devices other than their phones. Unfortunately, Snapchat for Web is only available to Snapchat Plus subscribers at the moment.

    Snapchat Plus was announced last month by the company. It costs $3.99 per month to subscribe to Snapchat Plus. Snapchat revealed at the time that it would offer “exclusive, experimental, and pre-release features.” Snapchat for Web appears to be the first of those exclusive features.

    Eventually, Snapchat for Web will be available to everyone. While it’s unclear how long the feature will remain in early access, Snapchat users will be able to access the web app at some point by going to web.snapchat.com.

    Snap’s blog post mentions popular features such as Chat Reactions and Chat Reply. In addition to Lenses, the company intends to add them in the future.

  • How To Get Snapchat Plus (Android and iOS)

    With Snapchat Plus, Snap has officially entered the paid subscription game.

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  • 8 Tips To Drive More Traffic With Snapchat Ads

    Snapchat Ads gives you access to a global audience by letting you become a part of their everyday life. Whether your full-screen ad plays in between friends’ stories or intermittently in the subscribed episodes, you can inspire engagement from the people that matter the most for your business growth.

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  • Google App Store To Remove Snapchat Due To Background Location Tracking

    As Google Play Store is cracking down on Android apps that track location in the background, Snapchat is also coming in the way, if unable to fix. Google will remove Snapchat from the app store.

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  • The New Snapchat 3D Selfie Feature Is Live For Users

    Snapchat has launched new Snapchat 3D Selfie feature for all of its users all around the world, giving more details to your snaps.

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  • After FaceApp, Instagram and Snapchat Also Started Stealing Data

    As we have discussed that FaceApp is a Russian based mobile application that transforms your faces in many ways. Since FaceApp was stealing data, now security experts have been claiming that what FaceApp has been doing is being done by Instagram and Snapchat for so long.

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  • Snapchat Launches Own Gaming Platform, Snap Games

    Snapchat on Thursday has announced their new multiplayer gaming platform after forming the partnership with new developers. And it is called Snap Games.

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