Daily Tech Headlines: WhatsApp Adds Music To User Status Updates - March 28, 2025

Hosted by Sarah Lane, Robb Dunewood, and Tom Merritt

Introduction

In the March 28, 2025 episode of Daily Tech Headlines, hosts Sarah Lane, Robb Dunewood, and Tom Merritt deliver a comprehensive rundown of the latest developments in the tech world. From WhatsApp's new musical features to Microsoft's bold move towards a passwordless future, this episode encapsulates significant shifts and innovations shaping the industry today.

1. WhatsApp Introduces Music to User Status Updates

Timestamp: [02:15]

WhatsApp is enhancing its user experience by allowing the addition of music to status updates. Users can now incorporate 15-second clips to photo statuses and 60-second segments to video statuses. This feature, reminiscent of Instagram's Music status and earlier offerings from AIM and MySpace, aims to make status updates more engaging and expressive.

Rob Dunwoody explains, “[02:15] WhatsApp's new music feature offers users access to millions of songs through a Music Note icon in the Status tab, enabling personalized and dynamic updates.” The rollout is global, with plans for expansion in the coming weeks. Users can seamlessly integrate these music clips into their photo, video, and text updates, enhancing the storytelling aspect of their statuses.

2. Google Launches User Choice Billing in the UK

Timestamp: [04:05]

In a strategic move to provide more flexibility to developers, Google is introducing User Choice billing in the UK starting March 29th. This allows Google Play developers to offer third-party billing options alongside Google's native system. Initially accessible to non-game developers, this initiative aims to reduce dependency on Google's billing fees, which can reach up to 30% on in-app transactions and paid downloads.

Developers opting for alternative billing will benefit from a 4% discount on Google's fees. Dunwoody notes, “[04:05] Despite Google's assertion that over 90% of developers are satisfied with its native billing, this change acknowledges the growing demand for more diverse payment processing options.”

3. Ubisoft Establishes a New Subsidiary for Key Franchises

Timestamp: [05:20]

Ubisoft is restructuring by launching a new subsidiary dedicated to managing its popular franchises such as Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six. This subsidiary will integrate Ubisoft Studios located in Montreal, Quebec, Sherbrooke, Saguenay, Barcelona, and Sofia. Tencent, a long-time partner, is investing $1.25 billion into this new entity, securing a minority ownership stake.

Ubisoft CEO Éve Gamow stated, “[05:20] This move is a foundational step in transforming our operating model to become more agile and ambitious, allowing us to focus intensively on our flagship franchises.” Post-restructuring, Ubisoft will concentrate on other series like The Division and Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon, streamlining their creative efforts and enhancing product development.

4. Jennifer Salke Departs Amazon MGM Studios

Timestamp: [06:10]

Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios, announced her resignation to focus on producing. Since joining Amazon in 2018 as the president of NBC Entertainment, Salke has been instrumental in expanding Prime Video's content library, including successful titles like The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Fallout, and Beast Games.

Salke's departure will result in Courtney Valenti, head of film, and Vernon Sanders, head of TV, reporting directly to Mike Hopkins. This change aligns with Amazon's efforts to flatten its leadership structure, aiming for a more streamlined and efficient management hierarchy.

5. Facebook Unveils a New Friends Tab in the US and Canada

Timestamp: [07:45]

Facebook is revamping its user interface by introducing a new Friends tab in the United States and Canada. This feature is designed to prioritize user connections by showcasing Friends' stories, reels, posts, and birthdays, effectively filtering out algorithm-driven recommendations that have previously dominated the main feed.

In a blog post, Facebook acknowledged, “The magic of Friends has fallen away as the platform evolved.” The new Friends Only FE replaces the older Friends tab, which previously included friend requests and suggestions. This update seeks to restore the personal touch by minimizing sponsored content and random group posts, potentially offering users a more curated and meaningful browsing experience. However, the long-term success of this feature remains to be seen.

6. Google Enhances Android Auto with Gaming Support

Timestamp: [09:30]

Google is expanding the capabilities of Android Auto by adding gaming support, allowing users to play select games like Candy Crush, Soda Saga, and Angry Birds 2 on compatible car touchscreens while parked. Currently in beta testing as part of Android 14.1, this feature supports four games that must be installed on the user's smartphone for safety reasons. Importantly, the gaming experience is restricted to when the vehicle is stationary; any attempt to play while driving will immediately terminate the game.

This introduction marks the first instance of full-screen apps being available on Android Auto, bringing the platform closer to offering a comprehensive in-car entertainment experience similar to that of cars with Google built-in systems.

7. Instagram Implements 2x Speed Reels Feature

Timestamp: [11:00]

In a bid to compete with TikTok, Instagram is rolling out a new feature that allows users to play reels at twice the normal speed. This adjustment comes amid both platforms increasing their maximum video lengths, which may impact user attention spans and the ability to engage with longer-form content.

Dunwoody comments, “[11:00] By allowing reels to play at 2x speed, Instagram aims to enhance user engagement by making content consumption quicker and more efficient, thus encouraging users to watch longer videos to completion.” This feature aligns with Reel's objective to deliver swift and entertaining content, echoing Instagram’s history of mirroring popular features from competitors, such as the remix feature inspired by TikTok's duet tool.

8. Samsung's Lawsuit Against Aura Dismissed

Timestamp: [12:45]

Samsung has successfully dismissed its lawsuit against smart ring manufacturer Aura. The court ruled that Samsung acted prematurely and lacked concrete evidence that Aura intended to sue over patent infringements. Previously, Samsung had sought a declaratory judgment asserting that its unreleased Galaxy Ring did not infringe on Aura's five patents, arguing that Aura had a history of litigating over standard smart ring features like sensors and health metrics.

Dunwoody notes, “[12:45] The dismissal highlights the challenges tech companies face in navigating patent disputes, especially in emerging wearable technology markets.” Samsung had emphasized its extensive patent portfolio and CEO’s commitment to monitoring the Galaxy Ring’s development, but the lack of imminent legal action from Aura led to the court's decision.

9. Microsoft Moves Towards a Passwordless Future

Timestamp: [14:10]

In a significant security and user experience overhaul, Microsoft announced the discontinuation of traditional password usage for its over 1 billion users. Citing the ease with which passwords can be forgotten or compromised, Microsoft plans to fully eliminate passwords by the end of April. The company is transitioning to a passwordless and passkey-first authentication system, where new account sign-ups will require only an email address verified via a one-time code.

Dunwoody explains, “[14:10] This shift not only enhances security by reducing vulnerabilities associated with password breaches but also streamlines the user authentication process, making it more intuitive and efficient.” Existing accounts will receive prompts to transition away from passwords, ensuring a smooth transition to the new system.

Conclusion

The March 28, 2025 episode of Daily Tech Headlines underscores a dynamic period in the tech landscape, marked by significant updates and strategic shifts across major platforms and companies. WhatsApp's integration of music into status updates enhances user engagement, while Google's billing flexibility signals a broader trend towards empowering developers. Ubisoft's structural reorganization and Facebook's user-centric interface changes reflect evolving business strategies aimed at maintaining competitive edges. Meanwhile, Microsoft's bold move towards a passwordless future and Samsung's legal navigations highlight the industry's focus on security and innovation. As these developments unfold, they collectively shape the future trajectory of technology and user interaction.

For more in-depth analysis and additional tech news, visit dailytechnewsshow.com to access show notes and comprehensive links to all the headlines discussed.