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Google may be adding a new Bluetooth feature for Android 15 that could allow broadcasting audio to nearby devices, according to Android Authority. Currently, unless someone is using an app with a built-in social listening feature like Spotify, it can be challenging for them to share what they are listening to with everyone else in their group. However, Auracast is said to be able to use Bluetooth Low Energy without the need for pairing.
In order for this to work, both the sender and receiver will need to have Auracast for it to work, which will only be available for the latest version. This is based on a work-in-progress code that is hidden at present. Android Authority reports that it is possible that “such predicted features may not make it to a public release.”
While investigating the Android 14 QPR2 Beta 3 release, there were a number of new audio “strings” reportedly found within the Settings function. It apparently contained a toggle for sharing audio, along with a button for scanning a QR code to link to a nearby audio stream, a button for selecting a different Bluetooth device for listening, and a section displaying a list of nearby audio streams.
Although Android 13 can already connect to nearby LE Audio broadcasts through a button in Android’s media output switcher, Google is believed to be making this feature more prominent in the Settings for Android 15.
What could we expect from Android 15?
Google hasn’t published official information on Android 15 and its possible release dates, however, it is expected that the company may launch the Android 15 Developer Preview in February or March 2024. There has been speculation regarding Android 15 bringing back lock screen widgets, a functionality removed from the operating system with Android 5.0 Lollipop.
Reports from Android Police also indicate that Android 15 has been named Vanilla Ice Cream, succeeding Android 14’s Upside Down Cake. This name, Vanilla Ice Cream, is said to be a homage to Android’s history. The term “vanilla Android” is commonly used to describe the basic version of Android, a nod to “plain android.”

It’s a bit earlier than usual, but it seems the internal dessert code-name for Android 15 V has been revealed: “Vanilla Ice Cream”. pic.twitter.com/pRTFJ4iIfO
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) March 3, 2023

Mishaal Rahman from Android Authority revealed that the cloud file selection for the Photo Picker will enable apps utilizing the native Photo Picker for media sharing to access images stored in Google Photos’ cloud storage, rather than being limited to only local files.
Another feature reportedly found in many custom skins is Private Space. It generates a list of apps that can be secured with a password or biometric feature, similar to Samsung’s Secure Folder.
Featured image: Canva
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Imane Anys, or Pokimane to many of her nine million followers sprung a surprise by announcing she is to leave Amazon’s Twitch platform after a decade and concentrate on other, as yet unconfirmed things.
In a tweet to her followers, Pokimane simply said, “The end of an era. twitch has been my home for a decade..but it’s time to say thank you for all the memories and love during my League, Fortnite, & Among Us days.”
Pokimane is one of the most famous streamers on the planet and shot to fame streaming Fortnite, League of Legends, and other popular games such as Minecraft. Her departure from Twitch will be another blow to the platform that recently “had” to lay off a large portion of its staff to keep profitable.
Pokimane has “left” Twitch before, in fact, I have covered her leaving Twitch before, although Twitch managed to hang on to her talent and re-sign her, but this time it seems more final, even though the streamer has often found herself on the edge of controversy despite her popularity. 

the end of an era
twitch has been my home for a decade..
but it’s time to say thank you for all the memories and love during my League, Fortnite, & Among us days pic.twitter.com/S8FMp6G3I8
— pokimane (@pokimanelol) January 30, 2024

Why has Pokimane quit Twitch?
The stream queen has not given her reasons yet but she has increasing been taking on other opportunities and increasing her workload. It’s possible she now needs more time on these projects than a full-time streaming career allows.
Starting out at 17 in the streaming game, the Morrocan-Canadian Anys is now 27 and soon grew to be the most followed female streamer on the platform. Her popularity helped her land a role in the 2021 movie Free Guy, directed by Shawn Levy. She has also appeared in music videos.
However, in November last year Poki also launched a “healthy snack alternative cookie” company, Myna which was widely criticized for being expensive and provoked a tirade from her calling those complainers “broke boys”, which sparked further backlash.
Anys also helped launch brand consulting and talent management firm RTS in 2021 where she is still listed as Chief Creative Officer.
It is unlikely we are seeing the end of the Pokimane brand, just that it is moving into other profitable spheres, which we will doubtless hear more of soon.
Featured Image: Pokimane on X
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Social media executives are set to testify at a US Senate hearing aimed at addressing online child exploitation. The CEOs of Meta, TikTok, Snap, Discord and X, formerly known as Twitter, are expected to defend their stance on Wednesday amid growing concerns and questions about how platforms are considering their impact on children.
Among the politicians attending the hearing, Connecticut Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal told reporters, “We’re going to work hard to hold their feet to the fire.” Ahead of the meeting, Blumenthal met up with students to discuss the mental health crisis, which he says is driven by social media.

Our young people are on the frontlines of a youth mental health crisis driven by social media.
Today I met with Conard High School students to discuss their experiences on these platforms, the importance of the Kids Online Safety Act, & this week’s hearing with Big Tech CEOs. pic.twitter.com/baXV0VrWpE
— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) January 29, 2024

This is not the first instance of Big Tech executives being summoned before the Senate. Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg appeared before Congress in 2018 concerning the Cambridge Analytica scandal and the spread of fake news on the platform. However, representatives from the various tech firms invited for the hearing mentioned that their CEOs plan to extend gestures of goodwill towards senators and the public, by supporting certain legislative proposals and providing policy commitments.
X’s head of U.S. and Canadian public policy, Wifredo Fernandez, told NBC News that CEO Linda Yaccarino is set to express backing for the SHIELD Act and additional child protection laws.
The SHIELD Act, introduced by Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, will criminalize the distribution of sexually exploitative images of a minor that does not constitute sexually explicit content as required under the legal definition of child pornography.
According to POLITICO, a Snapchat spokesperson said its owner Evan Spiegel would support the Kids Online Safety Act, which would force social networking sites to promote online safety by tackling illegal material and content that is harmful to children, conducting regular risk assessments, and properly enforcing age limits.
Social media platforms face various lawsuits
In October, a massive lawsuit filed by 33 states accused Meta of knowingly designing its platforms to be addictive and harmful to children’s mental health. The claims originate from internal research leaked by whistleblower Frances Haugen in 2021, revealing that 13.5% of teenage girls reported Instagram worsens suicidal thoughts, and 17% stated it aggravates eating disorders.
CNN reported that Rosemarie Calvoni was also suing Meta and other social media companies over her daughter’s struggle with anorexia.
Only days ago, Meta announced a partnership with the Center for Open Science in a bid to deepen the understanding of how social media usage may affect users’ well-being, particularly among younger demographics. At the same time, it unveiled a major privacy update, marking a significant stride in teen user protection. However, it has received criticism for disbanding its responsible AI team last year amidst the ongoing issues surrounding user wellbeing.
Featured image: Canva
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As we approach the Lunar New Year, Diablo IV is gearing up for the celebrations and we will be getting a new Lunar Awakening event for a limited period in Sanctuary. Season 3 is already underway but what will this new event hold, when will it run, and will it be worth the time to complete it? Let’s see what we know.
When is Diablo IV’s Lunar Awakening event?
Starting on February 6th to tie in with the Lunar New Year, Lunar Awakening will run for two weeks until completion on the 20th of February.

What are the Lunar Awakening rewards?
This is the bit you are really here for – what loot can you get your hands on? Blizzard says, “There are 10 Ancestor’s Favor reputation levels in total to earn, and 6 different Lunar-themed cosmetic rewards to unlock. Lunar Awakening-themed garments will also be available in Tejal’s shop, materializing to adorn your wanderer in threads befitting this joyous occasion.”
As you can see from the image, some of these are quite desirable,
What are Lunar Shrines in Diablo IV?
The Lunar Awakening event will bring with it several new Shrines scattered throughout Sanctuary. These will replace some of the regular Shrines in the game until the event is completed. Blizzard describes the Shrines as having “extra punch”, and this is what you can expect from these new points of interest.

Artillery Shrine – Casts have a chance to summon a holy bomb.
Blast Wave Shrine – Each explosion summons a cluster bombardment.
Channeling Shrine- Increased attack speed and a chance to reset cooldowns.
Conduit Shrine – Summon frequent, powerful, shocking strikes.
Greed Shrine – Chance to summon a Treasure Goblin. While the Shrine is active, 25 kills summons a Treasure Goblin, and 50 kills summons a second.
Lethal Shrine – Chance to instantly execute a struck monster, causing Fear on surrounding monsters. Note: this includes Elites, but excludes Bosses and other Players.
Protection Shrine – You reflect all incoming damage. Damage reflected scales with Level and World Tier.

Can you play Lunar Awakening without a Season Pass?
Indeed you can. The Lunar Awakening event will be present in both the Eternal and Seasonal Realms of the game.
How to start Lunar Awakening in D4
Once the event has started on February 6th, travel to Ked Bardu and travel to the Northern section of the town. Once there, interact with Ying-Yue, the leader of the Lunar Night Market. This is the hub for the event.
The post Diablo IV Lunar Awakening Event – everything you need to know appeared first on ReadWrite.