Rest of the Day: Instagram Launches Live Video
Instagram is currently providing all users with a new live video feature. What makes it unique is that there is no way to watch something after the fact; the video is never saved anywhere. You will witness it live, or you will never witness it. About this and much more in today’s news.
- The utterly ephemeral nature of Instagram Stories live video is interesting and, along with the disappearing Instagram Direct photos, is probably aimed at younger users accustomed to SnapChat. But personally, with only 100 or so people following me on Instagram, the likelihood of anyone watching while I’m streaming is minimal. Check out the demo – full of teenagers! – below. [Instagram]
- In other news, Apple is introducing a new “report spam” option in the iCloud calendar web app to help fight spam. They will presumably also add something similar to real calendar apps for iOS and Mac. [9to5Mac]
- Skype real-time translation now works with calls to real phones. This feature still requires a pre-release version of Skype (as well as Skype Pay Credits if you want to call your phone from Skype). You can join the Windows Insider Program if you want to try it out. [Skype Blog]
- UberPool now has a countdown timer so drivers and fellow passengers don’t have to wait for arriving passengers. You will be notified when your car is nearby, and if the driver has to wait more than two minutes after arriving, they can leave and get paid. [Uber Newsroom]
- Pokémon Go is finally getting new Pokémon. Starting today, players can withdraw Pichu, Togepi, and a few more Generation II Pokémon. [Kotaku]