Tech Round Up Week 2 August 2020: Xbox Series S Leak, Google’s People Cards & More

Microsoft might be unveiling its second, cheaper next-gen Xbox console called Xbox Series S this month. Photos of a new Xbox controller have leaked online, showing off new features like a redesigned D-pad, textured triggers, and new share button. The packaging indicates compatibility with the previously-announced Xbox Series X and a new, unannounced Xbox Series S, which is widely believed to be the cheaper variant.

The upcoming watchOS 7 update includes new watch faces, the ability to download custom layouts from the web and the biggest addition yet – sleep tracking. Apple added more fitness tracking features with watchOS 7, including metrics for dance workouts, functional strength training, core training, and cooldown activities. The Maps app is adding support for cycling directions, and Apple’s smartwatch will now automatically detect when you’re washing your hands and provide a 20-second timer.

Google is testing “people cards”, a new user-created public profile system, which will let users create their own profile that will appear directly in Google search results.

To set up a new people card, simply search the phrase “add me to search” while logged in to your Google account. From there, Google will bring you to a new page that lets you create the card. The only mandatory fields are name, occupation, location, and an “about” bio. Unfortunately, the new cards system is only being tested in India in English and will roll out in India this week. Hopefully, this gets a worldwide release soon!

WhatsApp might be getting a new feature that will help users avoid the embarrassment of accidentally sending a message to the wrong group. There has been a new update to WhatsApp’s TestFlight beta showing new features, including one that will allow users to set custom backgrounds for each of their chats, so they can see straight away which group or individual contact they’re speaking to. Additionally, the new feature will also enable users to choose different backgrounds for different system themes, so you can have one custom design for use with light mode and another for dark mode.

Outside, a localised smartphone application built by a group of young students-turned entrepreneurs for the community in Singapore has facilitated over 1000 tasks to date.

During the past few months of the global pandemic outbreak, Outside has served as a platform for people to connect with and help those who were given the stay-home notice (SHN)

Using gamification and built with geolocation, communication and financial technologies, Outside creates a seamless and fun process for users to look for help with their daily inconveniences by putting up quest pins on the map. With unemployment in Singapore rising, this might be a good platform to help people earn a bit more while helping out others!