News

Instagram DMs Just Got A New Location-Sharing Feature

The latest platform update also lets you add nicknames for yourself and your contacts in private chats.

Published

4 months ago

November 26, 2024

Nour Nasir

Instagram

On Monday, a new Instagram update dropped offering several new features for DMs. The platform now allows you to share your live location with contacts and gains the ability to add nicknames to chats, along with 300 new stickers to share in conversations.

The location-sharing feature is switched off by default and can be enabled for up to one hour, making it extremely useful for concerts or crowded events. Only people in your private (one-to-one or group) DMs can see location data, and they can’t forward the information to anyone outside of the chat.

Another new feature, Nicknames, allows you to add custom aliases for yourself and friends inside DMs. Instagram says the feature is ideal to “share an inside joke with a nickname, or simplify lengthy usernames so your friends are easier to recognize”.

Also Read: How To Find & Cancel Pending Instagram Requests

Nicknames only appear in DMs, and can’t be seen elsewhere on Instagram. Users can pick or swap nicknames and choose which friends have permission to change theirs. To create a new alias, simply tap on a chat name at the top of a conversation and select “Nicknames”.

Finally, Instagram has also added 17 new sticker packs containing 300+ individual stickers. The new additions can be added to DMs and favorites can be set for easy repeat use.

News

Samsung To Roll Out One UI 7 Starting April 7

The update will introduce AI-driven tools and Google integration, along with a fresh design and enhanced personalization options.

Published

21 hours ago

March 20, 2025

Nour Nasir

Samsung

Samsung has confirmed that One UI 7 will officially begin rolling out on April 7, bringing a fresh design and enhanced personalization options. This update is tailored for a more intuitive user experience, powered by AI-driven improvements. Initially, One UI 7 will be available in the U.S. on the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold6, and Z Flip6 starting April 10. The rollout will gradually expand to more Galaxy smartphones and tablets in the following weeks.

Refined Design And More Customization

With One UI 7, Samsung is introducing a cleaner, more cohesive look aimed at making customization easier and more intuitive. The home screen, widgets, and lock screen have been redesigned to streamline navigation and personalization.

One standout feature is Now Bar, which provides real-time updates directly on the lock screen. Whether checking workout progress during a run or seeing what’s playing on Galaxy Buds, users can access key information with just a swipe — no need to unlock the phone.

AI-Powered Enhancements For A Smoother Experience

Samsung has integrated AI into One UI 7 to make everyday interactions more seamless and efficient. Galaxy AI helps users complete tasks with minimal app switching, while AI Select suggests relevant actions based on selected content. For instance, users can swipe the Edge Panel and tap the AI Select icon while watching a video to instantly create a GIF.

Writing Assist — a favorite tool for Galaxy users — will now offer automatic text summarization and formatting. Meanwhile, Drawing Assist provides a creative boost by generating visuals from text prompts, images, or sketches. Another highlight, Audio Eraser, allows users to fine-tune video sound by isolating and adjusting different audio elements.

Also Read: Google’s Alphabet To Acquire Cybersecurity Firm Wiz For $32 Billion

Finally, Samsung has added greater integration with Google Gemini. Users can simply activate Gemini and ask, “Find Italian restaurants with outdoor seating that are pet friendly” to get instant recommendations. Natural language search also makes adjusting settings easier — users can now tap the mic icon in Settings and say, My eyes feel tired, to receive suggestions like dimming the screen or enabling Eye Comfort Shield.

Device Compatibility And Rollout Schedule

The One UI 7 update will begin rolling out on April 7, with more devices receiving it in the weeks that follow. Compatible models include the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S24 FE, Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Z Fold5, Z Flip5, and the Galaxy Tab S10 and Tab S9 series.