This week, the tech industry learned about an exciting new development coming out of Meta. The company quietly shared that it’s working on a text-based app that sounds strikingly similar to Twitter, but in a somewhat unexpected twist, will be decentralized. Elsewhere in the app space, TikTok debuted a feature called Series, offering creators the opportunity to paywall their content.
On the product side, meanwhile, Apple shared an official first look at its “Yellow” iPhone 14 and 14 Plus. The company is also expected to be launching a third-generation HomePod with a 7-inch screen built-in, according to a report from analyst Ming-Chu Kuo. As for accessories for Apple products, Daniel Arsham teamed up with CASETiFY for a product line inspired by his unique take on the 1978 Porsche 928.
Below, Hypebeast has rounded up the top tech stories of the week so you can stay up to date on trends in the industry.
Daniel Arsham and CASETiFY Launched a Nebula 928 Accessory Line
Casetify
Daniel Arsham has taken inspiration from his latest automotive endeavor, the NEBULA 928, for his new line with CASETiFY. Reimaging a 1978 Porsche 928, Arsham had redesigned the front and rear bumpers and finished the vehicle in a sleek metallic paint job.
Bringing these design elements to CASETiFY, the line is embossed with Arsham’s “A” logo and features a similar metallic color palette with cases in a deep royal purple. One case has a stainless steel finish, while another has a futuristic body of circular blobs, with an AirPods case to match. Available beginning March 17 online, products in the CASETiFY x Daniel Arsham Nebula 928 collection retail between $75 and $190 USD.
Meta Is Working on a Decentralized Twitter Alternative
Budrul Chukrut/Sopa Images/Lightrocket/Getty Images
Meta has revealed that it’s working on a new, decentralized text-based app. While the company revealed few details about the project, which is codenamed P92, a representative confirmed to Platform that Meta is currently building “a standalone decentralized social network for sharing text updates.”
“We believe there’s an opportunity for a separate space where creators and public figures can share timely updates about their interests,” the company said.
Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri is reportedly leading development, and future users will apparently be able to login to the app using their existing Instagram credentials.
Apple’s Rumored HomePod With 7-Inch Screen Will Reportedly Roll Out in 2024
Apple
Apple just launched a second-generation model of its HomePod last month but the company is apparently already working on a new, more advanced version. For the third-generation, the company is reportedly envisioning a HomePod with a 7-inch screen built in, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chu Kuo.
Per Kuo’s predictions, that third-gen HomePod is intended to “enable tighter integration with Apple’s other hardware products” and expected to launch sometime in 2024. As Apple expands its smart product strategy, it will reportedly be teaming up with Chinese manufacturer Tianma to produce the screens, marking the first time the two companies have worked together.
TikTok’s New ‘Series’ Feature Allows Creators to Paywall “Premium” Content
Jakub Porzycki/Nurphoto/Getty Images
Offering content creators another avenue to draw in revenue, TikTok has rolled out a new feature called Series. Creators with access to the feature will be able to post multiple pieces of content in paywalled “Collections.” They’ll be able to set their own price for followers to pay for in order to access the content bundles.
A Series can include up to 80 videos, with each video spanning up to 20 minutes in length. As of right now, TikTok has only made Series available to select creators, though it plans to field applications in the coming months for those interested in accessing the feature.
Apple Gave a First Look at the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus in “Yellow”
Nick Llanton/Hypebeast
Apple is now offering a “Yellow” colorway for its iPhone 14 and 14 Plus. After giving consumers a look at the new “Alpine Green” and “Green” finishes with the iPhone 13, the company is ushering in spring with a sunny edition to the product line.
The “Yellow” colorway will be available across iPhones with 128GB, 256GBand 512GB storage capacities. Those interested can pre-order the model now ahead of availability officially beginning on March 14.
