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Showing posts with label apps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label apps. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

5:33 AM

Facebook Testing Way to Share Events With Friends in Stories


  • The test will involve a new option to 'Share to Your Story'
  • It is currently rolling out to users in the US, Mexico, and Brazil
  • The feature will be available to both Android and iOS users
Facebook is testing a new feature to let users share events that they are interesting in attending to on their Stories, so that they can coordinate with friends and enjoy events together. The feature will be available to both Android and iOS users in select countries.

According to a TechCrunch report on Monday, the test will involve a new option to 'Share to Your Story' that appears when you visit an event's page on Facebook.
"If shared, friends will see a tappable sticker within your Story that includes the event details and lets friends respond that they're also 'interested' right from the Story itself," the report added.

Friends also can tap on the sticker in the Story to visit the event page. Facebook has also included an inbuilt link to the event page, as well as a way to start a Messenger group chat with those friends who responded.
The test is currently rolling out to users in the US, Mexico, and Brazil, with users of both the Android and iOS apps eligible. To use the new test feature, go to the Events page, click Share below the date and time of the event, then tap Share to Story.

Friends can tap Interested to say they may attend, and you'll be able to see these responses.
Earlier this month, Facebook was spotted testing a dark mode in its Messenger app in select countries. The dark mode is only one of several that were recently released by popular app makers, with the aim to help users browse their apps at night without disturbing their sleep cycles or hurting their eyes.


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Tuesday, October 23, 2018

5:22 AM

WhatsApp for iPhone Rumoured to Get Touch ID, Face ID Authentication Support

  • WhatsApp for iPhone is now rumoured to get Touch ID and Face ID support
  • The new development is said to currently be in a "high alpha stage"
  • Messaging apps such as Signal and Telegram already have the same support
After bringing support for the iPhone XS Max and testing a 'Vacation Mode', WhatsApp is reportedly set to bolster its presence on iPhone by bringing Touch ID and Face ID support. The new development is said to currently be in a "high alpha stage". Nevertheless, some screenshots evidencing Touch ID and Face ID support on WhatsApp for iPhone have already surfaced on the Web. The WhatsApp Business app for iPhone is also reported to come with authentication support, but it is unclear that when will the instant messaging app bring fingerprint support natively for Android devices.

Folks at WABetaInfo are reporting that WhatsApp is currently developing Touch ID and Face ID support for its iPhone app. The new development is said to be in the pipeline for some weeks under a high alpha stage. Having said that, there are some screenshots to suggest the scope of new support.
The alleged screenshots posted on the WABetaInfo website show that the rumoured option to enable Touch ID or Face ID on a compatible iPhone is available under the Privacy settings of WhatsApp. It essentially prompts users to use Touch ID or Face ID each time to access the instant messaging app. Further, if the app doesn't recognise the assigned biometrics, it will ask users to enter their iPhone passcode.

WABetaInfo folks claim that the feature using Touch ID and Face ID to access WhatsApp works without issues - despite being in the alpha stage. However, there is reportedly some lag in terms of response time to authenticate access. It is also said that WhatsApp Business app for iPhone is also set to debut with support for app authentication. There aren't any details about the release date of the app, though.
WhatsApp won't be the only popular instant messaging app to support Touch ID and Face ID technologies. Messaging apps such as Signal and Telegram are already supporting Apple's in-house biometric developments to protect your chat messages. Similarly, apps such as Microsoft Outlook also have the option to enable Touch ID and Face ID support.

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Friday, September 21, 2018

12:20 AM

Whatsapp Not Support These iPhone 3GS, Older iPhone Model


WhatsApp to No Longer Support iPhone 3GS, Older iPhone Models
  • iOS 12 was released earlier this week
  • WhatsApp has updated its FAQ page for iPhone
  • iOS 7.1.2 is the last version supported, and has limitations
iOS 12 is out, and just days later it is being learnt that WhatsApp won't work on iOS versions prior to iOS 7.1.2. While the company has not updated its end-of-support blog post since June this year, when it announced iOS 7 and earlier versions will not be supported from February 1, 2020, it has since published a new FAQ section detailing the latest changes to version support. Users on iOS 7.1.2 - the last version of iOS 7 - will also have some limitations to how they can use the app, the company detailed, saying only users on versions iOS 8 and above will have full functionality for now.



To be specific, the Facebook-owned messaging service on its new FAQ section for supported iPhone devices says that "WhatsApp for iPhone requires iOS 8 or later." It adds that if users have WhatsApp active on devices running iOS 7.1.2, they will be able to use the app until February 1, 2020, however, they will not be able to create new accounts or reverify existing accounts. It reiterates that WhatsApp is not supported on iOS 6 and older versions.

The move won't affect too many users, except those with devices that received no updates after iOS 7.1.2 - specifically, the iPhone 4, released back in 2010. As WhatsApp explains, these users will no longer be able to add new accounts, or reverify existing accounts, but otherwise, if the app is already active on their device, it will work. The model prior to that, the iPhone 3GS (released back in 2009) didn't receive an update after iOS 6.1.6 (released in February 2014), and is no longer supported by WhatsApp. The same is the case of the iPhone 3G (released back in 2008) and the original iPhone (released back in 2007). The iPhone 4S (released in 2011), which received iOS 8.4.1 (released in October 2015) as its last update, still retains full functionality, despite being 7 years old. iOS 7.1.2 was released back in July 2014.

iOS 12, the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system that was released on September 17, is compatible with iPhone 5S (released in 2013) and newer models only. As per Apple's developer page, where iOS adoption figures were last updated on September 3, 85 percent of active devices are running iOS 11, while 10 percent are running iOS 10, and 5 percent are running older versions. This would imply that while a minority, users running versions earlier than iOS 10 may still number in the millions.

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Saturday, September 15, 2018

9:39 PM

WhatsApp Said to Be Bringing 'Swipe to Reply' Feature to Android; Dark Mode May Arrive Soon Too


  • WhatsApp will add Swipe to Reply feature in the Android app
  • The feature is available on the latest WhatsApp beta version
  • WhatsApp is said to be working on a Dark Mode

WhatsApp is reportedly working to bring the Swipe to Reply feature to its Android app. The messaging app has had an eventful 2018 as it has been launching and testing new features with high frequency. The WhatsApp iPhone app already has the Swipe to Reply feature, which seems set to be making its way to Android devices. The new feature will let WhatsApp users quickly reply to a message using a swipe right gesture. It essentially means you will no longer need to tap and hold the message to get the Reply button. Additionally, the app is also said to be working on a Dark Mode.

As per a WABetaInfo report, WhatsApp is working on the Swipe to Reply feature in the Android app. The messaging app has recently submitted a new update through the Google Play Beta Programme, bringing the beta version up to 2.18.282. The report claims that the feature is currently not available due to "development reasons" and that it needs to receive several improvements before being officially available for all WhatsApp for Android users. However, the report adds that the new WhatsApp feature may be available in one of the next few updates.

When the Swipe to Reply feature is available on WhatsApp for Android, you will be able to swipe a message that you want to reply to, towards the right side. Following this, WhatsApp will automatically load the message in the reply context.

Coming to the Dark Mode, WhatsApp is finally said to be working on adding the much-awaited feature. According to a tweet posted by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp has finally started working on a Dark Mode for both iOS and Android. However, the report does not mention the exact timeline for the Dark Mode to roll-out to WhatsApp.

The upcoming dark mode feature will help reduce strain on user's eyes while using WhatsApp at night or in low-light conditions. It will also help conserve battery on phones that have OLED displays.
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Tuesday, September 11, 2018

10:08 PM

PUBG Mobile 0.8.0 Update Brings New Sanhok Map, Anti-Cheating Measures, and More


  • PUBG Mobile has received its latest update
  • The new features will roll out on both Android and iOS
  • It comes with new in-game vehicles and weapons

PUBG Corporation on Tuesday announced the patch notes for latest update for PUBG Mobile on Android and iOS. This update brings the much-awaited new Sanhok map to users on both platforms, apart from several customisable pick-up settings, achievements, clans, anti-cheating measures, progress missions, Royale Pass, and more. Having previously announced that all servers of PUBG Mobile would be taken offline for maintenance after the update, Tencent has now confirmed that maintenance is complete and the server is back online for gamers to resume their PUBG matches.


The update will be available for users starting September 12. The new Sanhok map can be downloaded independently, and comes with new in-game weapons and vehicles. These include the new Flare Gun, an automatic rifle called QBZ, a shotgun attachment Duckbill, a 4-seater Muscle Car, and another 4-seater Bulletproof UAZ. The Sanhok map is one-fourth the size of Erangel or Miramar, but still features 100 players per match.

Here is the entire changelog of the PUBG Mobile 0.8.0 patch notes.

New Map: Sanhok

Sanhok can be downloaded independently, so enter the game and get it right away to join your friends in the rainforest!

It also comes with new weapons and vehicles:

  • Flare Gun: a rare item that calls a super air drop if used within the Playzone, and a Bulletproof UAZ if used outside the Playzone.
  • QBZ: an automatic rifle that fires 5.56mm rounds. Has both single shot and full-auto.
  • Duckbill: an attachment for shotguns. Reduces vertical spread and increases horizontal spread.
  • Muscle Car: 4 seats, and has both a hard-top and a convertible version.
  • Bulletproof UAZ: 4 seats. Obtained from using the Flare Gun outside the Playzone.

Customizable Pick-up Settings

  • Pick-up quantities can now be specified in settings.
Achievements

  • Added more achievements. Now can be found under Missions.

Clans

  • Clan Perks: after getting specific items (through purchase or luck), the system will award a certain amount of UC for players to share it with other Clan members.
  • New Clan titles can be equipped after purchase.
  • Clan Rankings: now lists the most active Clans this week and this season.

Anti-Cheating Measures

  • Improved recognition of cheating plug-ins.
  • Added Report buttons to Spectator Mode, Basic Information and Results.
  • Dismantling Time-Limited Items
  • Time-Limited items can now be dismantled to BP directly.

Progress Missions

  • Added a Collect All button to collect rewards of all completed missions.

Royale Pass

  • Added new mission types to make progression more fun.


Lucky Air Drops

  • Chance to get a mystery drop after a match. Contents are customized!

Season Data

  • Season page now shows all seasons played and relevant data such as season titles, the highest tier reached and more.

Improvements

  • Friends can now be deleted in batches.
  • 3D models added to vehicle and airplane finish previews in the shop.
  • Animation on the Season page has been optimized for certain device models.
  • Accidental friendly fire will not be penalized.
  • Chat system has been tuned.
  • Items contains in air drops have been tuned.

Just last week, data from analytics platform App Ape showed that PUBG Mobile has crossed the three million downloads mark in the US, with about 1.7 million of those on Android. Last month, the game had crossed the 100 million downloads mark, showing that US is a rather insignificant factor in the game's success.

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Tuesday, September 4, 2018

6:35 AM

WhatsApp for iPhone Gets Search Option in Status Tab, Notification Extension, Suspicious Link Indicator

  • The update to WhatsApp for iPhone comes with the version number 2.18.90
  • It brings a search option in Status and a notification extension feature
  • WhatsApp has also rolled out a suspicious link indicator

WhatsApp has rolled out a new update for iOS users that brings a couple of new features to the app. The Facebook-owned messaging app has introduced a notification extension feature and a search option for the Status tab. Now, iPhone users have access to the new feature that lets them view images or GIFs directly from the notification panel itself. Also, the users now have the ability to search for statuses. Additionally, another change introduced by WhatsApp is that the new version is only compatible with iOS 8.0 or later. In order to get the new features, users need to download the latest version v2.18.90 of WhatsApp for iPhone from the App Store.

With the new Status search feature, WhatsApp for iPhone users will now be able to search specific contacts and their status updates directly in the Status tab. If your status timeline has a lot of contacts who post updates, you will now be able to find specific status updates with the new quick access feature. Meanwhile, the latest WhatsApp update adds a notification extension feature that lets users view images and GIFs right from the notification panel. When receiving images or GIFs, you will have to use 3D Touch or swipe left on the notification and tap "View" to preview the media from within the notification. Notably, this feature is only available on iPhone models with iOS 10 or higher.

As mentioned, the latest update to WhatsApp for iPhone comes with the version number 2.18.90, and this version is only compatible with iOS 8 or higher. This means older iPhone models will have to keep using the last WhatsApp update. Notably, WhatsApp has detailed the latest features in the app on its changelog in the App Store.
As per a WABetaInfo report, WhatsApp has added a Suspicious Link feature in the latest update. It is the same feature that WhatsApp had rolled out for Android beta users in July. This feature essentially tags a 'Suspicious Link' whenever a contact sends one to you. This update is expected to warn unknowing users of a suspicious link before they open it. WhatsApp will also reportedly alert the user once again by looking for unusual characters if they try to open the link.

The new Suspicious Link feature has not been mentioned in the official changelog. However, when Gadgets 360 tried testing this feature it was found to be available in the latest update. Also, WhatsApp had provided an FAQ related to the Suspicious Link feature.

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Monday, September 3, 2018

1:33 AM

UE Boom App Removes Alexa Integration, Alarm Functionality; Brings New Design

  • UE Boom & Megaboom app has been updated
  • The updated app removes Alexa integration and the ability to set alarms
  • However, it brings a new interface and fixes bugs
Logitech sub-brand Ultimate Ears has redesigned its app for UE Boom speakers. While the new version brings an all-new design that eases the experience, it removes Amazon Alexa integration that debuted in August last year. The updated app called Boom & Megaboom by Ultimate Ears also ditches the functionality to set alarms on supported UE Boom speakers. With the launch of the new app, UE has ultimately started focusing on enhancing the core functionality of its Boom-Series speakers that include the UE Boom, Boom 2, Megaboom, and the newly arrived UE Boom 3 and Megaboom 3. The company, however, continues to provide Alexa on UE Blast and Megablast speakers.

As per the official changelog on Google Play, the updated Boom & Megaboom by Ultimate Ears app brings a new design that offers an easier to use access. The app comes as a unified platform for all UE Boom and Megaboom speakers. Also, for the Boom 3 and Megaboom 3 speakers that were launched at IFA last week, the app gives access to the Magic Button to let users launch playlists from Deezer Premium with a single tap. The app also has bug fixes and enhancements.
Apart from the new additions, the updated UE Boom app has removed support for alarms and Amazon Alexa. A large number of users on Google Play have already complained about the loss of alarms. Since the speakers no longer support Alexa, they also removed the ability to speak with them. Several users are also complaining about the removal of the remote start feature that was aimed to switch on the speakers directly from the app. However, an Ultimate Ears spokesperson confirmed The Verge that the remote feature hasn't been removed, and it's the "most popular feature by far".

In a statement to Android Police, Ultimate Ears highlighted that the new update is focused on enhancing the core functionality of the speakers. The company is notably still offering the Alexa integration into its Blast and Megablast speakers. "The new update to the Boom & Megaboom app is focused on enhancing the core functionality of the speakers, including remote on/off and the Equaliser (EQ), for example. For users looking for complete voice control of their listening experience, Amazon Alexa is built-in to the Blast and Megablast speakers," the company said.
Many users are complaining about the higher latency rate after updating the app to the latest version. This means the speakers may take some time to wake up and understand your commands. "As with many of the other reviews, I was quite happy prior to the update. I often use the alarm feature and the app was responsive and fairly quick to load. Now, it takes forever and ever after opening, I switched back and it no longer recognised that my speaker was connected," one of the affected users wrote in the reviews on Google Play.
If you still want to experience the new additions, you can download the updated Boom & Megaboom app directly from Google Play. The app comes in 30MB of size and is compatible with devices running Android 5.0 and above.

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12:57 AM

Apple Makes Privacy Policy Mandatory for App Store Apps

  • Privacy policy URL was a mandate for only subscription-based apps
  • However, Apple has now made it a mandate for all apps
  • Existing apps must include the URL in their next update
In a new development, Apple has now made it mandatory for all apps listed on the App Store to provide a link to its privacy policy in its metadata. This announcement was made by the Cupertino giant via Apple Store Connect to all its developers. The company states that all existing apps that do not have a privacy policy URL in place must include this link in their next update. New apps will have to include the link as a mandate.

Earlier, Apple made it mandatory to include a privacy policy URL for apps that had subscriptions, but now it is being made compulsory for all apps. This change will come into effect from October 3. Apple is not pulling apps from the Store that don't have the privacy policy link in place, but is making it a mandate for them to include that info in the next update.

While this doesn't change much for subscription-based apps, apps that don't have much utility, and are able to run offline as well, will now need to make a page with privacy policies listed, just for App Store. This comes in the wake of increasing number of reports regarding backdoor data collection without the knowledge of the users by apps and services. Apple, known for its tough security policies, is ensuring that all loopholes are sealed off to prevent unethical practices.
This move could also be a result of the new European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that has come into effect since May this year. Apple even introduced new tools to allow consumers to control how their data are used and deactivate their Apple ID accounts, in a bid to bring its services into line with the tough new EU data protection law.

According to 9to5Mac, the privacy policy link will open in Safari for iPhone and iPad users. For tvOS users, Apple is making a text box available to developers for copy pasting their privacy policy. Because the tvOS doesn't have a browser, it will display the text box on users' TV screen.

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Thursday, August 30, 2018

3:12 AM

Poco Launcher Now Available in Beta on Google Play Store

Poco Launcher Now Available in Beta on Google Play Store, APK Listed for Download
  • Poco Launcher has been released in beta
  • The announcement was made at the Poco F1 launch
  • The early access seems to be full for now
Xiaomi sub-brand Poco earlier this month launched its first smartphone, the Poco F1 in India and other markets. Instead of running an untouched version of MIUI, the Poco F1 runs MIUI for Poco, a customised variant of the software on top of Android 8.1 Oreo. The custom Poco Launcher has now been released on Google Play, albeit in beta, by Xiaomi. Key features of this launcher include a clean home screen, an app drawer, privacy features, and icon customisation. File size of the Poco launcher on Play Store is expected to vary from device to device. It works on Android smartphones not running MIUI.

The Play Store release was promised at the Poco F1 launch to happen on August 29, the day of the smartphone's first flash sale. The Poco Launcher on Google Play is however listed as an unreleased app and the early access is full. Interested users can sideload the APK directly from APKMirror, as spotted by Fonearena. Version listed is 2.6.0.3 and file size is around 15.5MB. Apart from the Poco Launcher, MIUI for Poco comes with certain stock Android features including Quick Settings tiles and different icons.

As per the listing on Google Play, the Poco Launcher is a "full-featured customisable launcher for Android phones". It comes with a clean and minimal home screen, an extensive search feature with app recommendations and icon colour categories, the ability to group apps based on category, to allow usage of third party icon packs for customisation, the ability to keep apps private, and faster animations. All in all, it appears to be a stripped-down version of MIUI that borrows elements from Google's stock version of Android Oreo.
Ahead of the Google Play listing, the Poco Launcher APK beta v0.1.5 was shared online in a MIUI forum post, and was accessible for MIUI-based smartphones.

To recall, the Poco F1 was launched in India at a starting price of Rs. 20,999 for the variant with 6GB of RAM and 64GB onboard storage. The smartphone comes in Rosso Red, Graphite Black, and Steel Blue colour options, and packs in specifications including a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC, dual rear camera setup, and a display notch.
Poco earlier this week announced the release of the Poco F1's kernel source code in an attempt to encourage the development of custom ROMs for the smartphone.

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