Category: Software

  • WhatsApp to enable cross-platform messaging in compliance with EU regulations

    WhatsApp to enable cross-platform messaging in compliance with EU regulations

    WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is preparing to offer cross-platform messaging. This means WhatsApp users will soon be able to communicate directly with those on apps like Telegram or Signal.

    WhatsApp’s Integration Efforts

    For the past two years, WhatsApp has been developing a technical solution for this integration while ensuring its strict end-to-end encryption standards remain in place.

    Mandated Integration

    While this change offers greater messaging choice, it wasn’t entirely WhatsApp’s idea. It’s more of a restriction for the company, at least at the moment, since recent EU legislation designated Meta a tech “gatekeeper”, mandating WhatsApp to open its communication platform within a six-month deadline.

    Functionality and Rollout

    WhatsApp is now outlining how this messaging interoperability will function as the deadline is nearing. Initially, the focus will be on basic features like exchanging texts, images, videos, voice messages, and files between individuals.

    More advanced features like calls and group chats will be rolled out later. But more importantly, users must actively opt-in to this cross-platform messaging to avoid potential “spam and scams” says Dick Brouwer, an engineering director at WhatsApp.

    Users who opt-in for the service will see conversations received from other platforms in a separate “third-party chats” section within WhatsApp.

    Likewise, the messaging apps wishing to connect with WhatsApp will need to sign agreements and abide by Meta’s terms. So, it will certainly take time to fully implement this feature, but detailed plans are expected in March.

    The Goal of Interoperability

    The goal of interoperability is pretty straightforward — you shouldn’t have to jump between apps to stay in touch with people, regardless of their preferred messaging platform.

    Ideally, this could even mean chatting between WhatsApp and Telegram or Signal, or even iMessage. However, the technical and security challenges of connecting large, encrypted messaging apps are pretty significant and not easy.

    So despite the company’s active preparation, it will take time for cross-platform messaging to reach everyday users. We expect official details about interoperability on WhatsApp to come out soon.

    WhatsApp to enable cross-platform messaging in compliance with EU regulations
  • EU’s Content Policing Bill Faces Opposition from Tech Giants TikTok and Meta

    EU’s Content Policing Bill Faces Opposition from Tech Giants TikTok and Meta

    Tech giants Meta and ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, are pushing back against a new financial requirement imposed by the European Union (EU) through the Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA mandates that major online platforms, including Meta and ByteDance, contribute to the costs of their own regulation. However, the companies are contesting the EU's calculations, which have resulted in a hefty €45.2 million ($48.7 million) bill for them.

    The main point of contention for Meta and ByteDance is the method used by the EU to determine the amount each company should pay. Currently, the fee is based on the size of a platform's user base, with companies having 45 million or more users being asked to pay. However, not all companies are treated equally under this system. Amazon and Pinterest, for example, reported minimal profits and have been exempted from payment. In contrast, Meta has been handed a bill of €11 million ($11.9 million), while the exact amount for ByteDance remains undisclosed.

    Meta argues that the current system unfairly burdens certain companies, particularly those that are profitable. They highlight the fact that companies recording losses are exempt from payment, regardless of their user numbers or regulatory demands. This discrepancy could result in a disproportionate financial burden on profitable companies.

    The stakes are high for Meta and ByteDance, as non-compliance with the DSA could lead to fines of up to six percent of a company's global revenue. In addition to the financial implications, the DSA also imposes obligations for clearer advertising, content moderation, data sharing with the EU Commission, and participation in annual audits.

    With the DSA now in effect, all eyes are on how this battle over the balance of financial responsibility for online safety and transparency will unfold.

    Tech behemoths Meta and TikTok's parent company ByteDance are challenging a new financial demand from the European Union. The EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) mandates that major online platforms, including these tech giants, contribute to the costs of their own regulation. Meta and ByteDance are contesting the EU's calculations, which have resulted in a hefty €45.2 million ($48.7 million) bill for them.

    The companies argue that the method used by the EU to determine the amount each company should pay is unfair. The fee currently depends on the size of a platform's user base, with companies having 45 million users or more being asked to pay. However, not all companies are treated equally under this system. Amazon and Pinterest, which reported minimal profits, have been exempted from payment. In contrast, Meta has been handed a bill of €11 million ($11.9 million), while the exact amount for ByteDance remains undisclosed.

    Meta has raised concerns about the current system unfairly burdening certain companies, particularly profitable ones. They highlight that firms recording losses are exempt from payment, regardless of their user numbers or regulatory demands. This discrepancy could result in a disproportionate financial load on profitable companies.

    Non-compliance with the DSA could lead to fines up to six percent of a company's global revenue. The DSA also imposes obligations for clearer advertising, content moderation, data sharing with the EU Commission, and participation in annual audits.

    With the DSA now in effect, the focus is on how this battle over the balance of financial responsibility for online safety and transparency will unfold.

  • Disney Plus to introduce paid account sharing akin to Netflix beginning this summer

    Disney Plus to introduce paid account sharing akin to Netflix beginning this summer

    Disney is set to crack down on password-sharing for its streaming services, Disney Plus and Hulu, starting this summer. The announcement came during an earnings call where Disney’s chief financial officer, Hugh Johnston, revealed plans to offer separate subscriptions for accounts suspected of improper sharing. Additionally, Disney will introduce an option for account holders to add individuals outside their household for an extra fee, aiming to “improve” the overall customer experience and grow its subscriber base.

    Changes for Existing Subscribers

    Existing subscribers of Disney Plus will face these changes starting March 14th. Both Disney Plus and Hulu have recently updated their terms of service to prohibit subscription sharing with individuals outside one’s household. While these terms have already applied to new subscribers since January 25th, existing members will face these changes starting March 14th. This move follows Netflix’s implementation of a paid sharing model last year, where subscribers are charged an additional $7.99 per month to add someone located outside their home.

    Disney’s Strategy

    Disney sees paid sharing as an opportunity to expand its reach and capitalize on a strategy already employed by competitors. Johnston emphasized the company’s forthcoming actions to address this issue in the coming months, indicating a proactive approach to mitigate improper account usage.

    In addition to the password-sharing crackdown, Disney Plus plans to launch a unified streaming experience with Hulu in March, following a successful beta release last year. However, Disney Plus reported a loss of 1.3 million subscribers in the US and Canada following price increases, while Hulu saw an increase of 1.2 million members.

    New Sports Streaming Service

    Meanwhile, Disney-owned ESPN unveiled plans to launch a new live sports streaming service in partnership with Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery, set to debut in the fall. This service will also be accessible to Disney Plus bundle subscribers, which includes Hulu and ESPN Plus. These announcements coincide with Disney’s long-term strategy to adapt to the evolving media landscape, including the launch of a direct-to-consumer version of ESPN in August 2025, reflecting the company’s pivot away from traditional pay TV models in response to changing viewer habits and market dynamics.

  • Google and Mozilla Take Offense at Apple’s Browser Rule Modification

    Google and Mozilla Take Offense at Apple’s Browser Rule Modification

    Apple is making some big changes to how browsers work on iPhones and iPads in Europe, and it’s all because of new rules from the European Union. These rules are supposed to help other companies compete better with big ones like Apple. Now, browsers like Chrome and Firefox can use their own technology on iOS devices, but there’s a catch – this is only happening in Europe.

    Apple’s Changes for European Browsers

    The European Union is responsible for this change. Google and Mozilla, the companies behind Chrome and Firefox, aren’t too happy about this. They say that by making these changes only in Europe, Apple is making things complicated for them. They’ll have to work on two different versions of their browsers, one for Europe and another for the rest of the world. Mozilla thinks this is unfair and makes it hard for any browser other than Safari to compete.

    Discontent Among Google and Mozilla

    Google’s Chrome team agrees. They think Apple’s not really trying to make it easier for other browsers to compete on iPhones and iPads. Right now, if you download Chrome or Firefox on an iOS device, you’re basically using Safari with a different look. That’s because Apple hasn’t let other browsers use their own tech until now.

    Competition and Safari’s Improvement

    People have been complaining about Safari for a while, saying it’s slow to add new features that other browsers have. But Safari is getting better, and having more competition could push it to improve even faster. The problem is, with Apple’s new rules, this competition is only happening in Europe.

    Even though these changes are a big deal for Europe, they don’t help everyone else. Google and Mozilla have been getting ready for this by working on their browsers for iOS, hoping to bring new features to users. But with Apple’s restrictions, it looks like the rest of the world will have to wait to see any real change in how they browse the web on their iPhones and iPads.

  • Threads Emerges as a Prominent Player in Social Media Space with a Whopping User Base of 130 Million

    Threads Emerges as a Prominent Player in Social Media Space with a Whopping User Base of 130 Million

    Threads, Instagram‘s latest venture, has quickly become a crowd favorite, with Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, announcing it has attracted over 130 million monthly users. This impressive growth comes amid the evolving social media landscape following Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter, now called X. Threads is holding its own in a competitive field that includes Bluesky, Mastodon, and others, showcasing its potential to be a key player.

    Can Threads Hit the Billion-User Mark?

    Zuckerberg shared that Threads is on a solid growth path, even surpassing the buzz it generated at its launch. This momentum hints at Threads’ potential to hit the billion-user mark, a target Zuckerberg previously mentioned, and this clearly shows confidence in its future.

    Meta’s Expanding Reach

    Meta’s family of apps continues to expand its reach, with billions of people logging in daily across platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Threads, in particular, has seen a significant boost in downloads, ranking it among the top apps worldwide in December. This spike in interest can be traced back to Meta’s efforts to integrate Threads more closely with its existing network, encouraging a resurgence in its popularity.

    A Resurgence in Popularity

    Despite a dip in interest after its initial launch, Threads has bounced back, thanks in part to strategic promotions that have reintroduced the app to a wider audience. Estimates now place its total user base at around 160 million, a figure that speaks to its growing appeal. On the financial front, Meta reported strong earnings, surpassing analyst expectations and announcing its first-ever cash dividend, signaling a period of financial health and optimism for the company.

  • Color-Coded Video Feeds: YouTube’s Newest Experiment

    Color-Coded Video Feeds: YouTube’s Newest Experiment

    YouTube is shaking things up with a colorful new experiment. Imagine opening your YouTube app and being greeted not just by the usual mix of videos but by streams of content curated by color. That’s right, YouTube is currently trying out a feature that sorts videos into red, blue, and green feeds, aiming to offer a unique and visually engaging browsing experience.

    This experiment is available only to a few Android & iOS devices

    Reports from 9to5Google and user discussions on Lemmy shed some light on this concept, where users are prompted to select a color theme for their video feed. This approach is still in the testing phase, available to a handful of users on both Android and iOS devices. YouTube’s own Allison Toh has confirmed the experiment, though the reasons behind this move and its potential rollout remain a mystery.

    The idea is simple yet intriguing

    When you choose a color, a new feed springs up, adding a splash of your selected hue to your homepage without overtaking your existing feed. The specifics of how videos are chosen for each color filter are a bit of a puzzle, with the selection seemingly based on the dominant colors in video thumbnails or possibly even the video content itself.

  • Snap Inc. Announces 500 Employee Layoffs

    Snap Inc. Announces 500 Employee Layoffs

    Snap Inc., the company behind Snapchat, is letting go of 10% of its workforce, about 500 people. This move is part of a plan to make the company work better together and more efficiently. Snap’s decision reflects a bigger trend in the tech world, where many companies are trimming down to stay agile and competitive. Some other recent layoffs include Discord’s layoff of 17% of its employees and Microsoft’s layoff of almost 1900 employees.

    Tech Sector Job Cuts

    The tech sector has seen nearly 24,000 job cuts in the month of January alone. The layoffs are meant to help Snap reduce layers within the company and improve face-to-face work among teams. This is a strategic step to keep the company strong and focused, especially during a time when the tech industry is facing a lot of changes. Other tech firms, including big names like Okta and Zoom, have also been cutting jobs recently. In fact, the tech sector saw nearly 24,000 job cuts in January alone.

    Ongoing Restructuring

    Snap has been through this before, with several rounds of job cuts starting in 2022. This is part of an ongoing effort to align the company’s structure with its goals for growth and innovation. These latest layoffs are expected to cost between $55 million to $75 million.

    Challenges and Efforts

    The company is also under the spotlight for the impact of social media on young people, with CEO Evan Spiegel recently speaking to the Senate Judiciary Committee about this issue. Despite these challenges, Snap has managed to increase its revenue from digital ads recently and has started buying back $500 million in shares.

    Even with these efforts, Snap’s stock price is still below its initial public offering price and far from its peak in 2021. This shows the company is working through some tough times, trying to find the best path forward in a fast-changing tech landscape.

  • OnePlus 10 Pro and OnePlus 8T Now Getting OxygenOS 14.0.0.402 and OxygenOS 14.0.0.300 Updates in Order

    OnePlus 10 Pro and OnePlus 8T Now Getting OxygenOS 14.0.0.402 and OxygenOS 14.0.0.300 Updates in Order

    OnePlus 10 Pro and OnePlus 8T are receiving a new firmware update bringing some new improvements and fixes along with the January 2024 Android Security patch. OxygenOS 14.0.0.300 for the OnePlus 8T and OxygenOS 14.0.0.402 for the OnePlus 10 Pro are now available for the Indian variant. The update is currently seeding and may reach each unit over the coming few days. Below are the details for each update on the respective smartphone:

    OnePlus 8T Update Details

    OnePlus 8T is bringing the latest security patch, along with system stability and performance improvements. It even enhances the battery life and fixes the fingerprint icon that keeps showing even after unlocking the smartphone. Further, the background stream feature in the Smart Sidebar is now removed. It even adds some stability fixes for the smartphone camera.

    OnePlus 10 Pro Update Details

    On the other hand, the OnePlus 10 Pro is also receiving the latest security patch via Oxygen OS 14.0.0.402. It adds an auto-brightness button in Quick Settings and improves the system’s stability and performance. OnePlus 10 Pro fixes certain issues, like the inability to switch between apps, and the flicker issue is gone, which was quite annoying when you tapped the ongoing call bubble in the status bar. Even the Smart Sidebar issue of getting inadvertently stopped is fixed.

    Both the updates to the respective devices are rolling out in a staggered way. It may take a few days for the update to reach each unit. Users can also check for updates by heading to the device Settings > About Device > Software Update > Download Now. In case of bugs or issues, users can always submit them by heading to the OnePlus Community or by dialing *#800# on Google Dialer.

    Additionally, OnePlus is already seeding OxygenOS 14 for its compatible smartphones, including the OnePlus 11 Series, OnePlus 10 Pro, OnePlus 10R, OnePlus Nord 3, and OnePlus Pad. We expect the remaining smartphones to receive the ColorOS 14 update soon.

  • The latest version of Google Play Store APK (39.5.18) is currently being released.

    The latest version of Google Play Store APK (39.5.18) is currently being released.

    Google has recently released an updated version of the Google Play Store, marked as version 39.5.18, for Android users. This latest update is part of Google’s routine enhancements, although the company has not disclosed specific details regarding the changes or improvements made.

    Compatibility and How to Download

    This update is designed for Android devices running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher, ensuring broad compatibility. While the update typically installs automatically, users have the option to manually initiate the download and installation process. It’s worth noting that the download size may vary based on the device.

    Play Store Search Feature Overhaul

    Google is currently experimenting with a notable modification to the Play Store’s search functionality. This involves introducing a dedicated search page and relocating the search bar to the top of the Search tab, adding an additional step to initiate searches. Although this redesign aims to enhance monetization opportunities through advertising, it has received mixed feedback from users concerned about usability and the potential for more aggressive advertising tactics.

    Expanding Real-Money Gambling App Support

    In a strategic move, Google plans to broaden the availability of real-money gambling apps in select countries, including India, Mexico, and Brazil, starting June 2024. This decision comes with strict adherence to age and location restrictions to promote safety and legal compliance. This expansion is anticipated to increase competition among app developers while also spotlighting the significance of responsible gaming practices. This follows Google’s 2021 policy adjustments that allowed an increased presence of gambling apps in the US market, tailored to meet region-specific regulations.

    Installing the Google Play Store APK

    To manually install the Google Play Store APK on your Android device, follow these steps:

    1. Open your device’s Settings.
    2. Navigate to Applications or Security, depending on your device.
    3. Enable the Unknown Sources option to allow app installations from sources other than the Google Play Store.
    4. Download the Google Play Store APK.
    5. Locate the downloaded APK file and tap it to start the installation.
    6. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process.
    7. Once installed, the Google Play Store icon should appear on your home screen or in the app drawer.

    By following these instructions, you can ensure that your device runs the latest version of the Google Play Store, keeping you up to date with the newest features and improvements.

  • HyperOS update released for Redmi Note 12 Turbo

    HyperOS update released for Redmi Note 12 Turbo

    The Redmi Note 12 Turbo, also known as the Poco F5 in global markets, was released in China almost a year ago. Since then, it has remained one of the most powerful mid-range smartphones available. Now, Xiaomi is rolling out the first major software update for this device.

    Redmi Note 12 Turbo Receives HyperOS Update

    The Redmi Note 12 Turbo is currently receiving the HyperOS update in China. This update is based on Android 14, while the device initially debuted with MIUI 14 based on Android 13. The new software, with build number 1.0.2.0.UMRCNXM, is currently limited to beta testers and weighs 5.5GB.

    Rollout to All Users Expected Soon

    If there are no major bugs found during the beta testing phase, the same build should roll out to all users in the coming days. However, if any issues are discovered, the company may release a new build with fixes. It is also expected that the Poco F5 will receive the HyperOS update soon.

    Powerful Features and Specifications

    The Redmi Note 12 Turbo boasts impressive features and specifications. Its main highlight is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 chipset, which is also used in the Realme GT Neo 5 SE. This powerful chipset is paired with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage.

    The smartphone features a 6.67-inch centered punch-hole OLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+) and a 120Hz refresh rate. The display has minimal bezels and supports Dolby Vision, providing a stunning visual experience.

    Triple Camera System and Selfie Camera

    In terms of photography, the Redmi Note 12 Turbo is equipped with a triple camera system. It includes a 64MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide unit, and a 2MP macro snapper. On the front, there is a 16MP selfie camera for capturing high-quality self-portraits.

    Dual Stereo Speakers and 3.5mm Headphone Jack

    One of the standout features of the Redmi Note 12 Turbo is its dual stereo speakers, which deliver immersive audio experiences. Additionally, the device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to connect their favorite wired headphones.

    Long-Lasting Battery and Fast Charging Support

    To keep up with the demands of power-hungry users, the Redmi Note 12 Turbo is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery. This ensures long-lasting usage without the need for frequent charging. Furthermore, the device supports 67W wired charging, enabling quick and convenient charging when needed.

    In conclusion, the Redmi Note 12 Turbo remains a formidable mid-range smartphone, and Xiaomi is now rolling out the HyperOS update to enhance its software capabilities. With its powerful chipset, impressive display, versatile camera system, and long-lasting battery, this device continues to offer a compelling package for smartphone users.