Tech wrap: PS5, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram features and more

In the world of tech, we came across some interesting news today. We didn’t just see thieves swapping PS5 orders from Amazon with cat food, but also WhatsApp planning to replace archived chats with ‘read later’ and more. In other news, Apple reveals its plans to limit tracking on apps and Instagram brought some new features. These and more. Read on.

Thieves swapped Amazon orders of PlayStation 5 with rice, cat food

If you thought receiving a bar of Rin detergent instead of an iPhone was a very Indian phenomenon, don’t worry, we aren’t alone. Some PlayStation 5 (PS5) consoles ordered from Amazon are being stolen in transit with customers complaining about missing deliveries and the consoles being replaced with bags of rice, cat food etc.

Twitter will hand over @POTUS account to Biden on January 20

Twitter will hand over the official US president’s @POTUS account to President-elect Joe Biden on Inauguration Day, even if Donald Trump refuses to concede, the New York Post reported, citing a spokesman.

WhatsApp to replace archived chats with ‘read later’, here's how it will change

WhatsApp has been working on vacation mode for more than a year now. It was reportedly scrapped but WhatsApp has resumed testing the feature. WhatsApp is now working on a ‘read later’ feature with vacation that will replace archived chats, and give users more control over chats.

Apple has a plan to limit creepy tracking on apps and is moving ahead with it

Apple is planning to add a new privacy feature to iOS to limit “invasive, even creepy” tracking by third-party firms. Facebook has called this an “abuse of market power to stifle competition, not surprisingly.

Instagram rolls out new features for branded content

Instagram has announced a bunch of new updates for branded content on its platform. Instagram is launching the branded content tag to Reels, and soon to Live. Instagram is also giving advertisers more flexibility over branded content, and making branded content ads in Stories tappable. Product tags are also coming to branded content.

Amazon Echo Frames with improved audio quality, longer battery life up for sale

Amazon has upgraded its Echo Frames, they are no longer in beta, with better audio quality, longer battery life, more features like support for calendars and group messaging and new colours. The Alexa-equipped Echo Frames were introduced last year as Day 1 Edition products and were available only via invitation.