Tech Roundup: Facebook Metaverse, Google Pixel 6 & More

[A recurring feature on the latest in Science & Technology.]

• Facebook is reportedly planning to change its company name to reflect its focus on the metaverse as soon as next week at Connect, its annual AR/VR conference.
• Google officially launches new flagship Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro smartphones with Tensor custom-built processor, 120Hz 6.7" display, an upgraded 50MP rear camera, and running Android 12 for US$ 599 and US$ 899 (while also promising 3 years of Android updates and 5 years of security updates); releases Android 12 for current Pixel devices with Material You redesign, privacy dashboard, and revamped Quick Settings, and takes on Apple's iPhone Upgrade Program (and Apple One) and Samsung Access with a new Pixel Pass monthly subscription that bundles 200GB Google One cloud storage, YouTube (Music) Premium, and Google Play Pass for US$ 45 a month for Pixel 6 or US$ 55 for a Pixel 6 Pro.
• Google partners with Snap to bring exclusive Snapchat features to the latest Pixel 6 smartphones, including AR lenses and "Quick Tap to Snap"; releases new on-device Live Translate feature and updates Phone app with Wait Times and Direct My Call options that permit users to "see the current and projected Wait Times for the rest of the week" as well as view and tap menu options in real time when calling businesses.
• Facebook scales back its cryptocurrency ambitions yet again; launches a small pilot of its digital wallet named Novi (minus its Diem cryptocurrency, which is still facing regulatory approvals) for a limited number of people in the U.S. and Guatemala as part of an initiative to "test core feature functions, and operational capabilities in customer care and compliance," in addition to trying to demonstrate a viable use of stablecoins for payments.

• Apple reverses its controversial Safari browser tab redesign in the final release version of macOS Monterey and launches new Apple Music Voice Plan to access Apple Music exclusively with Siri for US$ 4.99 a month; debuts third-generation AirPods, new 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch MacBook Pro laptops (starting at US$ 1,999 and US$ 2,499) with custom M1 Pro and M1 Max chipsets, a notch housing a 1090p webcam, revamped keyboard with function keys instead of the Touch Bar, and support for 120Hz refresh rate and MagSafe magnetic charging system, as well as a microfiber Polishing Cloth accessory for all devices at US$ 19.
• Facebook tests new option that allows users to cross-post their Facebook feed posts to Instagram as it ramps up its efforts to build an interoperable platform, debuts new "Collabs" feature that makes it possible to co-author Feed posts and Reels, and begins widely rolling out the option to post both photos and videos less than one minute in length via desktop web browser; expands its joinable calls feature —which lets users to join an ongoing group call after it has begun — to group chats.
• Web browser Brave ditches Google as the default search engine for users in the U.S., U.K. and Canada in favour of its own privacy-centric search engine.
• Google tests new setting in Chrome OS that adds support for app sync across platforms via Phone Hub, enabling users to "temporarily" use apps directly on a Chromebook; says it updated its image search algorithms to show more racially diverse results, with the aim of promoting greater skin tone diversity.
• Netflix reports Q3 revenue of US$ 7.48 billion, up 16% year-over-year, and 214 million paid subscribers, adding 4.4 million users year-over-year and beating estimates of 3.84 million.