TikTok is getting a lot of heat for its opaque data collection policies after it was discovered that the app also accessed the user’s clipboard on iOS. Now, a researcher alleges that the app has collected a huge amount of user data in the background while the service continues to operate like any other social network.

Going by the name bangorlol on Reddit, the user claims that after reverse-engineering the app, they caught it collecting an abnormal dose of personal information. This includes users’ phone hardware, the apps on their phone, network-related information like IP address, router MAC, Wi-Fi access point name, and if a user’s phone was rooted or jailbroken.

He further added that GPS location pings were also being sent to the company’s servers within short intervals. However, we should take the current findings with a pinch of salt. The allegations are from an independent study and yet to be verified or audited by a government or assigned third-party.

We also can’t ignore the report. TikTok has been in the news for all the wrong reasons lately. The US government has officially cited its potential security threats with the Chinese social network and at least two security audits are currently underway.

India has already banned 59 Chinese apps, including TikTok. The government said these apps are “stealing and surreptitiously transmitting users’ data in an unauthorized manner.”

When compared to other social networking apps, TikTok has access to extremely sensitive data. At this point, we need more transparency from TikTok. The company has already pulled its service from India, citing the recent ban. However, it’s yet to convince public authorities about its data protection policies.

Now more than ever, we have been relying on our smartphones to get things done. If you’re wondering whether the Huawei P40 Pro can handle all your needs, then wonder no more.

This smartphone still carries the best of what Huawei has to offer. That includes cameras that perform just as good, if not better, than the competition. Along with a processor, memory, and storage combination that can handle whatever task you throw at it.

But the question with the P40 Pro has always been about the apps. Does it have access to apps that can maximize its hardware?

That’s what we’re here to talk to you about.

Huawei’s AppGallery is home to many apps you and I regularly use. Nearly everyone in the Philippines is on Facebook. So, Huawei made sure this was readily available on the AppGallery.

Another app that people rely on for secure communication is Viber. That’s also easily downloadable.

We’re sure you also like to keep yourself entertained. Whether that’s catching up on the latest K-Drama, playing games in between, or just watching other people do all sorts of challenges, these apps are all at your disposal.

Obviously, with everything that’s happening, you need to stay informed. The AppGallery also gives you access to reputable news sources.That’s why you should read up, so you’re not easily misled by misinformation.

Some of you might even get your info through newsletters. Don’t miss any of that along with other emails. Sync your GMail, Yahoo Mail, Outlook, or Hotmail on the Huawei email app for ultimate convenience.

Need other things Google-related? You have access to all of it through the Huawei browser. You can even make a home screen shortcut for sites like YouTube.

One of the many convenient things we can do  is manage our finances at the comfort of our homes. With everyone being under community quarantine, you’ve likely discovered the marvels of mobile banking, and Guess what, the top banking apps are also on AppGallery!

Not just that! These even work in concert with other payment apps, so you can manage your finances and know for sure how much you can spend on shopping apps.

We’re sure all that browsing had you going hungry. Give in to your cravings by ordering on FoodPanda!

This is just scratching the surface. There are plenty more apps to discover and more apps coming to AppGallery soon.

So Where did the AppGallery come from anyway?

Huawei has had the AppGallery since 2018. Since then, it has grown to 180 billion downloads, and 390 million monthly active users worldwide. And those numbers continue to rise.

To make all of this even easier, Huawei put AppGo on the AppGallery. It’s essentially an easier way to find the apps you like. Just search, tap on the app you’re looking for and AppGo will redirect you to where you can get it!

Security is at the core of most people’s concerns. As it should be, no matter what phone you have.

Huawei is keenly aware of this and there’s been no shortage of information campaigns / to drive this point home.

For the AppGallery itself, the company has put in four layers of protection to ensure that it detects malicious app behaviour.

This includes things like eavesdropping on users, monitoring, and Unauthorized screenshots and screen recordings. Huawei is adamant about not touching your personal data and they’ve put systems in place to back that talk.

Huawei recognizes that the AppGallery may not have all of your preferred apps. To remedy this, there are two things you can do.

First, you can add it to the AppGallery Wish list. On the app just click on “Me”, Tap “Wish list”, and then tap “Add to Wish list” on the bottom of the screen.  You can then enter the app name and add a description of the app.

There’s also a check-box that you can tick which will auto-install your requested app once it becomes available.

For everything else, you can use third party app downloaders that you can access through the Huawei browser.

We’ve opted to use APKPure for our needs. This has given us access to other most used apps like Netflix and Instagram. And they work perfectly fine on the Huawei P40 Pro.

This feature is a collaboration between GadgetMatch and Huawei Philippines

Who doesn’t love singing along to their favorite tunes on their way to work? Jamming out to the hits of the ‘90s is an essential part of the commuter’s experience. However, if you’re also a fan of K-pop, you’ll know that singing along is virtually impossible without lyrics convenient running along on the screen.

Currently (or previously, depending on when you’re reading this), Spotify offers a rudimentary lyrics service with select songs. However, despite offering the lyrics themselves, the app (partnered with Genius) also displays factoids about the song you’re listening to. Though interesting, the barrage of facts can distract you when all you want is a singalong for your road trip.

Thankfully enough, Spotify is finally renewing its forgotten partnership with Musixmatch, as reported by TechCrunch. The music streaming service partnered with the lyrics provider before but ended the service in 2016. Soon afterwards, Spotify partnered with Genius for the current Behind the Lyrics option, factoids and all.

With the renewed Musixmatch partnership, Spotify is going back to providing uninterrupted lyrics in real time. Users can turn unabated lyrics on through the Lyrics button at the bottom.

In an exceedingly rare instance, Spotify is not launching the new feature in the US first. Instead, the feature will first come to India, South America, and Southeast Asia (which includes the Philippines). The update should have rolled out starting June 30, 10 a.m. EDT. If you haven’t received the update yet, you can manually check for updates on the Google Play or App Store.

SEE ALSO: Spotify is taking out the infamous 10,000-song limit