The YouTube Music website may soon support offline downloads, as evidenced by a "Downloads" tab that appeared when accessing the site without an internet connection. The feature includes filters for Playlists, Podcasts, Songs, and Albums, and a link to "Download Settings" for managing downloads. While the actual ability to download is not yet live in the UI, it is expected to require a YouTube Premium subscription and may also include podcasts.
Valve has released a major update for the Steam desktop client, featuring updated fonts and menus, a revised notification system, and a redesigned in-game overlay. The platform has been rebuilt with an all-new framework designed to help features ship simultaneously across all versions of Steam. The update also includes hardware acceleration for Mac and Linux users, offering a smoother experience across all platforms. The legacy Steam Big Picture mode may also be coming to an end.
Microsoft has released a preview of an improved Teams desktop client for Windows that promises to be twice as fast while using half the system resources, reducing user confusion and improving interface consistency. The new client delivers up to two times faster performance while using 50% less memory and is compatible with a broader range of computers. The user experience is simpler to use and easier to find everything in one place. The new Teams client preview will also debut for macOS later this year.
WhatsApp has launched a new desktop client for Windows that allows users to host end-to-end encrypted video calls with up to eight participants and audio calls with up to 32 people. The messenger has also updated its multi-device capabilities to make it easier and faster to link new devices to user accounts and enabled better syncing so that people can simultaneously access their chats on up to four linked devices. WhatsApp plans to increase the limits for larger calls in the future.
