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X is rolling out a new feature called Starterpacks to all users in the coming weeks, the companys head of product has announced. Its made up of compilations of accounts new users can follow based on their interests. If that sounds familiar, its because Bluesky launched a very similar feature thats also called starter packs back in 2024. Bluesky allows ordinary users to curate their own packs as long as each one doesnt exceed 50 accounts. They can then share those lists broadly on the platform or directly with new users via QR code. X, on the other hand, compiled and curated its own lists. In his announcement, X head of product Nikita Bier said the company scoured the world for the top posters in every niche and country. X then compiled them into Starterpacks to help new users find the best accounts big or small for their interests. Before X announced its own take on the feature, other social media services had already launched their clones of Blueskys tool. Threads version, which rolled out in late 2024, puts collections of recommended profiles as suggestions in the feeds of new users. Mastodon launched its own in 2025, which gives existing users the freedom to choose whether they can or cant be included in the lists. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/x-is-also-launching-bluesky-like-starter-packs-050057033.html?src=rss
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Marketing and Advertising
Marshall plans to add seamless multi-room audio to its Bluetooth speakers via a newly announced music streaming hub called Heddon. The $300 hub makes it possible to connect and synchronize multiple older Marshall speakers together, not unlike Sonos' audio devices.Rather than use Wi-Fi to get multiple speakers playing the same audio, though, the Marshall Heddon uses Auracast. The hub connects to services like Spotify Connect or Tidal over Wi-Fi, or other devices through Google Cast and AirPlay, and then shares that audio over Auracast to the Marshall Acton III, Stanmore III and Wobrun III speakers. You can control playback over a connected Marshall app and the Heddon also has RCA ports to connect other speakers or a record player to the system.Because the Heddon requires a Wi-Fi connection, Marshall says it could add features to the system over-time, but even in the short term, the hub should meaningfully extend the life of the company's speakers. Rather than switch to newer models with built-in Wi-Fi, you can just grab a Heddon. Sonos offers similar functionality through its Sonos Port and Sonos Amp accessories, and third-party hubs from companies like WiiM can add even more options. The Marshall Heddon is more streamlined in comparison, but if you're already invested in the company's speakers, or planning to build out your audio system with them, the hub could be a helpful tool to have.The Marshall Heddon is available to purchase now for $300. Marshall says that customers purchasing an Acton III, Stanmore III or Woburn III can get a Heddon at half price, and the hub is included for free when you buy two or more eligible Marshall home speakers.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/marshalls-new-heddon-hub-adds-multi-room-audio-to-speakers-with-auracast-210500811.html?src=rss
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Marketing and Advertising
Apple has been spinning its wheels for many months over its approach to artificial intelligence, but a strategy finally appears to be emerging for the company. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported today that Apple's long-awaited Siri overhaul will allegedly involve transforming the voice assistant into an AI chatbot, internally called Campos. Sources have reportedly told Gurman that Apple chatbot will completely replace the current Siri interface in favor of a more interactive model similar to those used by OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini. He also cited sources who claimed that while Apple has been testing a standalone Campos app, the company doesn't plan to release it for customers. Instead, the new chatbot will emphasize deep software integrations when it rolls out, reportedly as part of the iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27 wave late next year. However, there will reportedly be a new features for the current iteration Siri coming in the iOS 26.4. Those additions will include the much-delayed updates Apple first promised for the platform back in 2024.Pivoting to a chatbot gives some additional context to Apple's recent move to collaborate with frequent rival Google; the companies announced earlier in January that Gemini models will be used to power the upcoming versions of Siri. Gemini has become ubiquitous in the Google ecosystem, and it makes sense for Apple to leverage outside help in this segment where it has already been trailing its competitors. Although Apple may not have a standalone app for its Siri chatbot, the company does appear to be considering new places to host its AI resource. Additional reports today claimed that 2027 could also see the release of a wearable AI pin.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/apple-is-reportedly-overhauling-siri-to-be-an-ai-chatbot-205303818.html?src=rss
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