Weekly dose of UI/UX Industry News / 54th Edition

Business Model | Apple adds another buy now, pay later service to Pay

Apple Pay has added Klarna as a buy now, pay later (BNPL) option at checkout, following the shutdown of Apple's own Pay Later service. Klarna allows users to make purchases with four interest-free installments, though BNPL services like Klarna have been linked to concerns about overspending. In response, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently classified BNPL providers as credit card services, enforcing rules for investigating disputes and handling refunds.

The addition of the buy now, pay later (BNPL) service comes just months after Apple shut down Pay Later, its own BNPL service launched in 2023.

Alongside Klarna, Apple Pay also introduced Affirm, another BNPL option, available with iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. Additional updates include support for Apple Pay on third-party desktop browsers like Chrome and a new "Tap to Provision" feature that enables adding new cards by tapping them on the back of an iPhone.

Key highlights:

• Klarna integration: Apple Pay now includes Klarna as a buy now, pay later (BNPL) option, allowing users to make purchases in four interest-free installments.
• Regulatory updates: BNPL services, including Klarna, are now regulated as credit card providers by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, ensuring oversight on disputes and refunds.
• New features: Alongside Klarna, Apple Pay added Affirm as a BNPL option, introduced compatibility with third-party browsers like Chrome, and launched the "Tap to Provision" feature for adding cards via iPhone tap.

Read more:

Artificial Intelligence | Midjourney plans to let anyone on the web edit images with AI

Midjourney plans to launch an upgraded web tool that will allow users to edit uploaded images using its generative AI, including retexturing objects and altering colors based on captions. Expected next week, the tool will initially be available to a limited group with additional human and AI moderation to prevent misuse.

The upgraded tool, which Midjourney CEO David Holz said will be released “early next week,” will also allow users to retexture objects in images to “repaint” their colors and details according to captions.

The tool's release raises concerns about potential risks like copyright infringement and the spread of misleading deepfakes. Midjourney has previously committed to transparency by using metadata standards to label AI-generated images but hasn’t fully adopted provenance tracking technologies. The rise of deepfakes and their potential harm has prompted legal action in several U.S. states, but federal laws lag behind.

Key highlights:

• Midjourney will release an AI-powered image editing tool, with capabilities for retexturing and recoloring.
• A select community will test the tool with heightened moderation.
• Concerns over deepfakes, disinformation, and copyright infringement remain a challenge as AI editing tools evolve.

Read more:

Socials| Why changes to the block on Elon Musk’s X are driving users away

Elon Musk’s X is changing its block feature, allowing blocked users to still see public posts but preventing them from interacting. Critics argue that this move compromises safety, especially for victims of harassment and stalking, while Musk believes blocking public posts “makes no sense.”

“Blocking public posts makes no sense,” Musk said on X last year. “It needs to be deprecated in favor of a stronger form of mute.”

The policy change has prompted concerns, leading many users to seek alternative platforms like Bluesky, which saw a spike in new sign-ups. Experts worry that removing blocking protections could expose vulnerable users to increased risks.

Key highlights:

• Blocked users on X will still see public posts but can't interact with them, unlike the previous total block function.
• The policy change has raised safety concerns, particularly for abuse and stalking victims, with critics saying it favors abusers.
• Bluesky gained 1.2 million users in two days following the announcement, signaling increased interest in alternative platforms.

Read more:

Applications | Airbnb can now help you find somebody to manage your listing

Airbnb has launched a new “Co-Host Network” feature that allows hosts to easily find and compare co-hosts within the app, streamlining the process of hiring management assistance. This network supports hosts in tasks such as managing listings and guest communication, and offers flexible payout options like cleaning fees or percentages per booking.

“With more than 10,000 co-hosts across 10 countries, we’re making it easy to find the best co-host for you,” Airbnb says in a blog post.

The feature, now available in the U.S., Canada, and the UK, comes after several years of piloting co-hosting services. With over 10,000 co-hosts available across 10 countries, Airbnb uses a personalized ranking algorithm to recommend co-hosts based on various factors. The Winter Release also introduces over 50 upgrades for guests, including enhanced search suggestions and a redesigned checkout experience.

Key highlights:

• Co-Host Network Launch: Airbnb introduces a new Co-Host Network feature, allowing hosts to easily find, compare, and hire co-hosts directly within the app.
• Management Assistance: Co-hosts can assist with managing listings, messaging guests, and come with various payout options, such as cleaning fees or a percentage per booking.
• Personalized Recommendations: The network uses a ranking algorithm to suggest co-hosts based on factors like location and hosting experience, and the Winter Release also includes over 50 guest upgrades.

Read more:

Devices | Analogue’s 4K Nintendo 64 launches in 2025 for $249

Analogue has revealed its new console, the Analogue 3D, a modern take on the Nintendo 64, set to launch in Q1 2025 for $249.99, with preorders starting on October 21st. The console supports 4K upscaling of N64 games, is fully compatible with the original cartridge library, and includes Bluetooth support, four controller ports, and a new operating system called 3D OS.

The Analogue 3D will launch early next year (the company says Q1 2025) and will cost $249.99. It comes in either black or white, and preorders kick off on October 21st at 11AM ET.

While it doesn’t come with a controller, gamers can purchase a compatible 8BitDo gamepad for $39.99 or use their existing N64 controllers. This announcement comes as the gaming industry gears up for new hardware releases from major companies like Sony and Nintendo.

Key highlights:

• Launch Details: The Analogue 3D will be available in black or white, with preorders starting on October 21, 2024, at a price of $249.99.
• Compatibility and Technology: The console is fully compatible with the N64's cartridge library and utilizes FPGA technology for authentic emulation, making it region-free and capable of upscaling games to 4K.
• Controller Options: While the Analogue 3D does not include a controller, 8BitDo offers a compatible updated N64 gamepad for $39.99, and original N64 controllers can also be used.

Read more:

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly UI/UX trends newsletter – your secret weapon for design brilliance. Subscribe now and lead the future of design!