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Plex Redesigns Software for Better Discovery & Personalization

2024-11-22

Streaming service Plex has taken a significant step forward with the introduction of a redesigned software. This update aims to enhance the user experience by emphasizing discovery, easy access to watchlists, and personalized features. It caters to both home media enthusiasts and those who rely on the app for organizing their media libraries.

Redefining Streaming with Plex's Software Upgrade

Emphasizing Discovery

Plex's new software places greater importance on discovery. Instead of the traditional hamburger menus, a tabbed navigation with buttons at the bottom of the screen has been introduced. This design change makes it easier for users to explore the various parts of the service on mobile devices. Users can seamlessly move between their media library, Live TV channels, On Demand streams, and more. The Discovery section and personalized home page provide quick access to content that users may want to continue watching.This updated interface is a result of two years of meticulous work by the Plex team. It is designed to enhance the user's journey through the platform and make it more intuitive and enjoyable.

Personalized Features for Home Media Enthusiasts

Home media enthusiasts will appreciate the dedicated button that centralizes access to their media libraries. They can favorite libraries to customize the experience according to their needs. The Plex Watchlist, where users track the shows and movies they want to see, now has a more prominent spot in the top navigation, allowing for faster access. Over time, more people have started using this feature, and Plex has responded to their feedback by making it more accessible.In addition to these changes, the new release also includes a reorganization of areas where users access their personal details. Profile information, watch history, friends, and streaming services are now all available in one place, providing a more streamlined experience.

Visual Enhancements

The updated app has expanded its use of visual imagery, which is particularly noticeable in movie and show detail pages, as well as cast and crew profiles and users' own Plex profile pages. Title artwork for movies and shows has been added, enhancing the visual appeal and providing a more immersive experience.Plex has also rewritten its apps under the hood and streamlined its codebase as part of this process. This unified codebase allows the team to release new features across all supported platforms quickly, speeding up the development cycle.However, the redesign is initially rolling out to mobile devices in an "early-access preview" to gather user feedback. During this period, features like playlists and cast support are still in the works and will be added. Support for TV platforms will soon follow, ensuring that users across different devices can enjoy the benefits of the redesigned software.

Instagram has made a significant announcement on Monday. It is now enabling users to share their locations with friends directly through DMs. This move indicates that the Meta-owned social network is gearing up to take on competitors like Apple's Find My and Snapchat's Snap Map, which are widely used for seeing friends' and loved ones' live locations.

Unlock the Power of Location Sharing on Instagram

Location Sharing via DMs

Instagram is introducing the ability for users to share their locations with their friends via DMs. This feature was spotted being tested earlier this year, and its launch isn't a complete surprise. Unlike Apple and Snapchat, where you can share your location indefinitely, Instagram allows it only for up to one hour. It can be used to coordinate arrival times or find friends in crowded spaces. You can choose to share with one person or a group chat. Once shared, only those in the specific chat can see your location, and it can't be forwarded. There is an indicator at the top of the chat to remind you of the live location sharing. All live locations expire after one hour. While WhatsApp allows up to eight hours of location sharing, Instagram's time limit may change in the future. This new feature is available in select countries, and TechCrunch has reached out for more details.

Customizing Names in DMs

Instagram also announced on Monday that users can now customize names in DMs by adding nicknames. This feature allows you to share inside jokes or simply shorten lengthy usernames. To create a nickname, tap on the chat name at the top of a conversation and select "Nicknames." From there, you can choose the username of the person you want to assign a nickname to. Nicknames are only visible in your DM chats.

New Sticker Packs in DMs

Instagram is rolling out 17 new sticker packs with over 300 stickers that you can share in DMs. These stickers add a fun and interactive element to your DMs, allowing you to express yourself in a more creative way. Whether it's for a lighthearted conversation or a special moment, these stickers are sure to enhance your DM experience.

Google Chat is making waves with the rollout of its instant voice meetings, a functionality that closely resembles Slack's Huddles. This allows users to seamlessly transition from a chat to a voice or video call within the chat interface. Interestingly, Google has decided to refer to this feature as "Huddles" as well, without giving it a new name.

Quick Start of Huddles

When you find yourself in a Google Chat, initiating a huddle is a breeze. Simply click on the drop-down menu adjacent to the call icon and then choose the "Start the huddle" option. This convenient feature enables quick communication and collaboration.

Once a huddle is started, the call defaults to a voice call. However, users have the flexibility to turn on video or share their screens, just as they would with Google Meet. This provides a seamless experience and enhances communication options.

The implementation of this feature was first announced by Google last year as part of the Google Chat refresh. Now, it is gradually rolling out starting today and will be accessible to all Workspace users in the coming weeks. This is a significant step forward in enhancing productivity and communication within Google Chat.

Benefits of Instant Voice Meetings

One of the key benefits of Google Chat's instant voice meetings is the ease of use. Users can quickly connect with colleagues or team members without the need to switch between different applications. This saves time and improves efficiency.

Another advantage is the ability to share screens during a huddle. This is particularly useful for presenting information, collaborating on documents, or providing demonstrations. It allows for real-time interaction and feedback.

Enhanced Communication

Instant voice meetings in Google Chat facilitate better communication among team members. It enables quick discussions, clarifications, and problem-solving. Whether it's a quick question or a detailed discussion, the huddle feature provides a convenient platform.

Moreover, the integration with Google Meet gives users the option to switch to a video call if needed. This flexibility allows for more personalized and engaging communication based on the nature of the conversation.