News

Galaxy Ring 2 May Launch Early As Apple Prepares Competing Device

The new wearable will likely sport a fresh design and battery improvements, while Apple is said to be exploring rival smart rings, bands, and glasses.

Published

3 months ago

November 7, 2024

Nour Nasir

galaxy ring 2 may launch early as apple prepares competing device

Recent reports from the Korean platform Naver hint that Samsung’s Galaxy Ring 2 could debut “slightly ahead” of its expected release timeline. However, no specific dates have been confirmed as yet.

A January launch (coinciding with the Galaxy S25 Ultra) seems unlikely, while a summer release wouldn’t be much of a deviation from the original Galaxy Ring’s timing. This leaves a speculative window between the two dates, though it would be unusual for Samsung to schedule a standalone event solely for the Galaxy Ring.

With only limited information available, it remains unclear if Samsung will opt for a surprise unveiling in January or stay close to the anticipated July launch. Should the rumors of an early release prove accurate, a January debut alongside the Galaxy S25 lineup is within the realm of possibility.

In addition to the timing of the upcoming release, reports also point to notable upgrades for the Galaxy Ring 2. A sleeker design and improved battery life are likely, while there are also mentions of new features, although specific details have not been disclosed.

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Alongside the Galaxy Ring 2 news, rumors are circulating about Apple’s plans for wearable technology. Sources indicate that Apple is working on a ring-style device and exploring additional options, such as band-style wearables and smart glasses.

Although the concept of an Apple smart ring is not entirely new — Apple has previously filed patents for ring and glasses technology — the nature of the potential “band-type” device remains ambiguous. This could be an entirely new wearable format, or potentially similar to devices like the Whoop band.

News

Will Upcoming Changes Turn Instagram Into A TikTok Clone?

Updates are rolling out for the grid layout and Reels length, while new editing tools clearly imitate those of the rival Chinese platform.

Published

3 days ago

January 24, 2025

Nour Nasir

Instagram

Instagram recently faced backlash for swapping its iconic square grid for rectangles, disrupting the aesthetic of thousands of carefully curated profiles. However, the Meta-owned platform isn’t stopping there, after announcing more incoming TikTok-like changes designed to give users greater control over their profiles.

“We launched a new tall grid on profiles this week and I got a lot of feedback, both positive and quite negative,” Instagram head Adam Mosseri shared in an Instagram caption on Monday. “The goal is a simpler, cleaner place that maintains, and even increases, creator control”.

Here are some of the details about further changes we can expect:

Customizable Grids: Users will soon be able to tweak how their posts appear on the grid, including adjusting image crops and reordering posts entirely.
Direct-To-Grid Posts: A new option will allow users to post directly to their profile grid without automatically adding it to their main feed.
Highlights Relocation: Instagram’s Highlights feature will move from above the grid into a dedicated tab, while also becoming part of the profile grid itself.
Longer Reels: Reels are getting a significant upgrade, with the maximum video length jumping from 90 seconds to 3 minutes.

The updates are part of Instagram’s ongoing effort to compete with TikTok, which narrowly avoided a US ban following a 75-day delay granted by President Donald Trump. With the Chinese video platform’s future remaining uncertain, Instagram seems eager to capture disillusioned users by offering features that feel increasingly similar to those of its rival.

Also Read: How To Find & Cancel Pending Instagram Requests

In fact, Instagram’s recent changes go beyond just the app’s layout: On Sunday, parent company Meta launched the standalone Edits app, a clear imitation of TikTok’s popular video-editing tool, CapCut. Additionally, Meta has been enticing creators with cash bonuses to encourage them to post their videos on Instagram and Facebook.

It’s clear Instagram is shifting its strategy to appeal to the short-form video crowd. Whether these changes will win over users or continue to spark discontent remains to be seen.