Snapchat is set to use its built-in map to recommend places for you to visit
The social media giant has launched a “Popular” tab at the bottom center of the Snap Map.
It will show recommendations for places to go, based on factors like your current location, friend activity on the map, and the kind of places you’ve saved as favorites.
Snapchat has more than 250 million users worldwide and says it’s turning its map into a unique way to discover the world around you.
Snapchat’s parent company has continued to see record growth – and profit – of the platform
Just a couple of years ago, there were concerns that Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, wouldn’t survive as a standalone company, but the social media platform is growing faster than it has since 2017.
The camera-based messaging app stated it added 13 million daily users during the second quarter of this year – a 23 percent increase from the same time a year ago.
That means 293 million people use Snapchat every day around the world, up from 173 million this time four years ago.
Snapchat’s revenue has also soared 116 percent to $982 million – making it a faster growing business than Twitter or Facebook
Snap CEO Evan Spiegel has said he expects the app’s user base to actually grow faster as pandemic lockdowns end since Snapchat is designed to be used out and about with friends.
In Short:
– Apple has introduced the new iPhone Air, priced at £999, to attract customers and update its smartphone line.
– The Air features innovations like a battery accessory, while Apple faces competition in AI capabilities.
Apple has launched a new “iPhone Air” model, marking its first significant smartphone release in years.
The new device, priced at $999, aims to attract customers following difficulties in delivering AI features.
This model replaces the Plus line and initiates a refresh since the iPhone X.
The iPhone Air is designed to pave the way for a potential foldable iPhone next year, indicating Apple’s commitment to creating thinner devices. Analysts highlight challenges with foldable technology, expressing optimism about Apple’s advancements.
The iPhone 17’s base price remains at $799, with the cheapest Pro model starting at $1,099.
Tariffs will be avoided as Apple sources most iPhones from India. The company introduced a battery accessory to enhance the Air’s life, although it adds bulk.
Design Innovations
Apple has also introduced new AirPods Pro featuring a heart monitor and an Apple Watch that can detect high blood pressure.
However, the company faces criticism for lagging AI capabilities compared to competitors like Google. Investor sentiment remains positive following a strong sales quarter and positive developments regarding trade tariffs.
Futurum Group CEO Daniel Newman said that the iPhone 17 launch comes at a “really tough” moment for Apple.
“The problem with Apple is that everything that’s showing up today is, in fact, pretty incremental,” he told CNBC’s “Power Lunch.” “Yes, the phone is thinner, and yes, it looks great. We haven’t had a big supercycle in four years.”
Other devices
The new AirPods Pro 3 boast improved audio quality and noise cancellation. A new feature is real-time translation of conversations in foreign languages. They cost $249, the same as their predecessor.
Apple released three new Apple Watch models: the Series 11, which includes updates to the low-end SE and high-end Ultra models. Prices remain unchanged. Apple has added a new health feature to the devices, using machine learning to assess the risk of high blood pressure.
Apple’s iOS 26 will be available as a free software update on Monday.
AirPods Pro 3, the new Apple Watch lineup, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and the all-new iPhone Air—here’s everything we just announced! pic.twitter.com/EDPNjpoUW8
In Short:
– Tim Cook strengthened Apple’s U.S. investment with a $100 billion commitment despite tariff pressures.
– Analysts predict iPhone price rises due to increased component costs and enhanced features.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has successfully managed the company’s relationship with the White House amid tariffs.
Cook presented President Donald Trump with a gold plaque while announcing a $100 billion U.S. investment.
This was part of a broader commitment to spend $600 billion in the U.S. over the next five years.
Despite these efforts, analysts predict Apple may raise iPhone prices due to ongoing tariff pressures.
CounterPoint’s Jeff Fieldhack noted speculation about a potential increase. While Apple has managed the impact of tariffs better than anticipated, it has incurred costs amounting to $800 million recently.
Pricing Trends
Apple has a history of cautious pricing strategies.
While it has not raised prices significantly in recent years, component costs have increased. Analysts expect upcoming iPhones to boast enhanced features, which could justify a price rise.
Additionally, reports suggest an entry-level Pro model may be eliminated, leading consumers to face higher starting prices for new devices. Cook previously stated that there were no immediate price changes to announce.
In Short:
– U.S. Judge Mehta ruled Google can’t have exclusive search deals, allowing ongoing distribution payments.
– The decision supports collaboration with Apple and reflects changing market dynamics amid AI advancements.
U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta ruled that Google cannot secure exclusive search engine deals, allowing distribution payments to continue.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the judge acknowledged the potential harm to partners like Apple if such agreements were prohibited.The ruling follows Mehta’s previous finding that Google maintained a 90% search market share through illegal practices.
Mehta explained the changing market dynamics, particularly due to AI technology, arguing against drastic interventions that could disrupt competition.
The decision is viewed positively by Wall Street analysts, as it allows Google to continue its $20 billion annual payment to Apple for being the default search provider.
This arrangement could further foster collaboration on AI services.
Future Innovations
The ruling impacts Google’s ability to create exclusive agreements and requires data-sharing to boost competition.
Critics argue the remedies are insufficient, with calls for an appeal regarding Mehta’s perceived leniency toward Google.
In related news, Google stated the judgement reflects industry changes, affirming that competition remains robust. The Justice Department plans to review the ruling’s implications for restoring competition in the search market.