According to a new apk teardown of the Google Messages app v8.1.050, Google is preparing to introduce two new features – the ability to pin message threads to the top and the ability to star specific messages.
Category: apps
Twitter claims Free Speech in India is threatened; Government strikes back with claims that Twitter seeks to undermine India’s legal system
The battle between social media giants and the Government of India is heating up significantly, with the latest one being about the new IT rules. Twitter has come out with a statement alleging that the Government’s new rules infringes on the rights to freedom of speech, with dangerous levels of overreach. In response, Government of India released a statement, claiming that Twitter is trying to dictate their own terms to India and subverting the law of the land.
Twitter Spaces now supported on Mobile web and Desktop Web client
After months of being available on the iOS and Android app, Twitter is finally making Spaces available on the Mobile Web and Desktop Web Twitter client. The move should encourage more Twitter users to join Spaces from their desktops, with all the functionality enjoyed by the mobile app users.
Continue reading “Twitter Spaces now supported on Mobile web and Desktop Web client”
OnePlus introduces WellPaper digital wellbeing live wallpaper
The teams over at OnePlus often release some interesting experiments with software on Android, such as Clipt. Their latest new experiment is called Wellpaper, which is an digital wellbeing app that has Live Wallpapers based on the user’s app usage.
Continue reading “OnePlus introduces WellPaper digital wellbeing live wallpaper”
Netflix testing “Play Something” button for their Android app
Last month, Netflix introduced a new button called “Play Something” on its TV apps as a way to help viewers decide what to watch next. As promised, the company is now rolling out the feature to their mobile apps, starting with a test on Android users.
Continue reading “Netflix testing “Play Something” button for their Android app”
New regulation won’t affect normal functioning of WhatsApp, refusal to comply a clear act of defiance: IT ministry
WhatsApp earlier today filed a lawsuit against the Government of India, seeking to block the regulations saying that traceability of messages would break end-to-end encryption. In reply, the IT ministry said that the Government of India recognises that ‘Right to Privacy’ is a fundamental right and has no intention to violate it when WhatsApp is required to disclose the origin of a particular message. Continue reading “New regulation won’t affect normal functioning of WhatsApp, refusal to comply a clear act of defiance: IT ministry”
WhatsApp files lawsuit against Government of India for new IT regulation, says it would break end-to-end encryption
As the new IT regulations will go into effect today, May 25th, 2021, various social media platforms in India have announced compliance with the new rules, or they are still in the process of becoming compliant. While some of these rules are reasonable to implement, some are not, and in response WhatsApp has now filed a lawsuit against the Government of India, seeking to block the regulations.
Instagram introduces Insight tools in Reels and Live for creators
On several social media platforms, creators need various tools to understand their reach and performance with their audience. These various tools are labelled as Insights and is valuable for creators. Instagram in now introducing them for creators of Reels and Live videos.
Continue reading “Instagram introduces Insight tools in Reels and Live for creators”
Google Photos introduces Storage management tool ahead of Unlimited storage policy change
June 1st is right around the corner, which is the date when Google Photos will no longer offer unlimited free storage for photo backups. The company has released a blog post that details the effects of this policy starting June 1st, and also released a helpful new Storage Management tool to help users keep track of their backups.
WhatsApp says it will not limit functionality for users who do not accept the new privacy policy
After the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) sent a letter to WhatsApp asking them to withdraw their Privacy Policy and TOS update. In response, WhatsApp has stated that the company will not be limiting functionality for users who are yet to accept the update, instead they will continue to show reminders to accept. WhatsApp also clarified that the update does not affect the privacy of their users’ personal messages.
Twitter preparing to introduce Ticketed Spaces for accounts with more than 1000 followers
Earlier this month, Twitter finally had a wide rollout of their Spaces audio chatroom feature to all accounts with more than 600 followers. The company is now previewing an extension to the feature, called Ticketed Spaces, which is essentially the ability to host paid live audio rooms.
Spotify on Apple Watch adds downloads, offline playback for premium subscribers
Apple Watch users who are also Spotify premium subscribers can now rejoice as the streaming service has now added the ability to locally download playlists, albums, and podcasts in the standalone Spotify app on the Apple Watch.
Continue reading “Spotify on Apple Watch adds downloads, offline playback for premium subscribers”
Twitter launches new verification program with updated requirements and policies
Every social media platform needs a process to have verified accounts on the platform. Twitter previously had a verification program for earning the “Blue tick”, but had some problems with it. The company now relaunched their verification program, with updated criteria that took into account feedback from the public.
Continue reading “Twitter launches new verification program with updated requirements and policies”
WhatsApp testing the ability to transfer chats between phone numbers
WhatsApp was recently discovered to be developing a feature where users can transfer their chats between Android and iOS smartphones. The company is now reportedly expanding upon that feature by allowing the transfer of chats between phone numbers too.
Continue reading “WhatsApp testing the ability to transfer chats between phone numbers”