At Cannes, Japanese director Fukada says AI undermines the creative process
Japanese filmmaker Koji Fukada has said that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to “jump straight to...
Menlo Park, CA, February 19, 2025 – Instagram has introduced a suite of new features for its direct messaging system, aiming to improve user engagement and better compete with rival platforms such as Apple iMessage and various third-party messaging apps.
Among the new updates is the ability for users to share music within one-on-one conversations and group chats. By tapping the “Music” sticker in the chat’s sticker tray, users can search Instagram’s audio library and share clips up to 30 seconds long, provided the song is available on the platform.
In addition to music sharing, Instagram has implemented a translation tool within direct messages. Users can now hold down a message and select “Translate” to view the message in one of 99 supported languages. The translated text appears directly below the original, streamlining communication across language barriers.
Other improvements include the option to pin messages, images, or even Reels to the top of a chat. Users can pin up to three items per conversation by holding down the desired message and tapping “Pin.” This feature is designed to help users keep frequently referenced content easily accessible.
Instagram has also introduced message scheduling, allowing users to plan messages up to 29 days in advance by long-pressing the send button. Additionally, a new QR code feature enables users to invite others to group chats, simplifying the process of connecting new members.

The update is rolling out today to iOS and Android users worldwide, while a web version is in development and will be available soon.
These new direct messaging tools add to Instagram’s recent flurry of feature enhancements, which include testing a dislike button for comments, expanding the maximum length of Reels to three minutes, and developing a dedicated video-editing app. With these updates, Instagram continues to refine its platform to meet the evolving needs of its diverse user base.
The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran loomed over U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to China, as signs emerged that the conflict is causing a shift in alliances across the Middle East.
The Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has instructed his first deputy to fulfill the public’s expectations regarding the access to the Internet services and platforms amid a wartime shut-down of international connection since late February.
Just one week after a similar move by Australia, Greece announced that it will ban access to social media for children under the age of 15 from January 1, 2027, as governments around the world weigh tougher rules amid growing concerns over mental health, safety and screen addiction.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he does not think he will need China's help to end the war with Iran as he left for a high-stakes summit in Beijing on Tuesday, as hopes for a lasting peace deal dwindled and Tehran tightened its grip over the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet in Beijing on 14–15 May 2026 for a high-stakes summit aimed at managing rising tensions over trade, technology, Taiwan and the Iran conflict.
Deep in the ancient forests of southern China, researchers have discovered a small, shy snake with an extraordinary survival trick: when threatened, it creates the illusion that it has two heads.
The second semi-final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest 2026 takes place tonight in a rain-soaked Vienna, with the final 10 places in Saturday’s grand final still up for grabs.
Russia has carried out its most extensive aerial attack over a two-day period since the start of its full-scale invasion, striking Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities with hundreds of drones, Ukrainian officials said.
U.S. President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping are set to meet on Friday (15 May) to wrap up a two-day state visit that has featured pomp and business deals but also a warning from Xi that mishandling the Taiwan issue could send relations spiraling.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev have pledged to deepen bilateral ties across energy, trade, transport, defence, and technology following high-level talks in Astana.
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