Apps
Don’t use Google Allo if you care about your online privacy
Shortly after Google released its new messaging app Allo, public reception has been generally positive for its features, but not so much for online privacy. Just ask Edward Snowden.
The NSA whistleblower warned people on Twitter not to download the app:
Free for download today: Google Mail, Google Maps, and Google Surveillance. That’s #Allo. Don’t use Allo. https://t.co/EdPRC0G7Py
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) September 21, 2016
His concerns are totally valid. You see, what Allo specializes in is reading your messages using its artificial intelligence to dish out automatic replies for your conversations. This also helps Allo answer questions you ask its chatbot, such as what the weather situation will be the next day or where the nearest Starbucks is.
Ironically, it was Google who publicly admitted Allo’s greatest flaw. Just as users thought their messages sent through the app’s non-Incognito Mode were safe from other eyes, the search giant recently stated that there’s no encryption preventing Google from reading your every move.
This goes against what Google claimed the app would do back when it was first announced months ago at its I/O developer conference. In this case, the company will store your messages for its records until you manually delete them, and you must use Incognito Mode to remain anonymous in the servers (similar to Google Chrome’s private browser hiding history in your own computer).
Google claims that is needed merely to assist Allo’s Assistant feature; what it really does is allow government authorities to extract and read the contents of your inbox whenever they feel like it. This is a far cry from the privacy other chat apps have been implementing the past year.
Losing one messaging service shouldn’t bother you. We still have Viber, WhatsApp, WeChat, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, KakaoTalk, LINE, and heck, even Google’s other chat system Hangouts. When it comes down to it, you’re going to use whatever your family and friends are obsessing over, anyway.
If you really must use the new trendy messaging app, there’s nothing stopping you from downloading it on the official app stores of either iOS or Android. The interface is as attractive as Google’s other material design software, and doodling over images never gets old.
[irp posts=”4893″ name=”Apple can share your iMessage contacts with authorities”]
Source: The Verge
In a congested country like the Philippines, using navigation for shortcuts is a requirement. However, these apps can hog a lot of battery. If you forgot your car charger, it’s practically game over for your phone. Today, Google is shipping out a Maps update which can save your phone’s battery for those long drives.
Announced earlier this month, the update will include a Power Saving mode for Google Maps. The new mode will turn the normally colorful interface into monochrome with particular emphasis on black. The interface will reduce all interactable elements, so you can just focus on the display.
Presumably, it also reduces the power required by the app, while still prioritizing navigation. According to Google, smartphones will get up to four hours more juice when the mode is enabled.
Unfortunately, it’s not a widely released update yet. Google is limiting the update’s rollout to the Pixel 10 series for now. It’s also limited to driving mode; it won’t work if you’re just walking or cycling. The option is accessible through Driving options under Navigation in the settings.
In countries where Android Auto isn’t the norm just yet, a power saving mode for navigation is a godsend. Besides hoping that the update arrives on more devices, one can also hope that Google, who also owns the app, will introduce a similar mode to Waze. (To be fair, Waze did have a battery saver option, but it just dimmed the display for long straights.
SEE ALSO: Android now supports AirDrop!
Apps
Turn your cravings into cashback with this new credit card
EastWest, Visa, and foodpanda created a lifestyle card that rewards your everyday life in the most delicious way!
There comes a moment in every busy, convenience-loving yuppie’s life when the heart encounters something that simply gets it.
For many, that moment will happen the first time they hear about the new EastWest foodpanda Visa Credit Card.
This cobranded creation from EastWest, foodpanda, and Visa feels like a treat wrapped inside another treat, made for those who thrive on ease, comfort, and a healthy dose of instant gratification.
Think of all the small joys in your routine. The iced latte that turns your morning around; the comforting order that saves an exhausting weekday; or the impulsive midnight craving that somehow counts as self-care.
Now imagine every craving quietly earning something meaningful in return. That is the lifestyle this card was built to support.
Cashback that keeps the cravings flowing
Cardholders receive 10 percent cashback on all foodpanda orders with earnings of up to Php 400 each month.
Cashback continues at 3 percent even after reaching the cap, which keeps rewards flowing for frequent orders.
Users also receive 1 percent cashback on overseas transactions and 0.3 percent on other local purchases. All cashback across categories has a combined limit of Php 1,000 per month.
The card is free of annual fees during the first year and early users receive a complimentary six month pandapro subscription.
Cashback is credited weekly to the user’s pandapay wallet for immediate access. This weekly reward cycle is a first in the local market. It reflects foodpanda’s focus on instant gratification and smooth digital experiences.
EastWest, foodpanda, and Visa aligned on a single goal. They wanted a card that fits into everyday routines, feels simple to use, and delivers rewards in a fast and friendly way.
Lifestyle card for a lifestyle-first way of spending
Younger Filipino consumers are embracing credit cards that care about their lifestyle choices.
The EastWest foodpanda Visa Credit Card fits right into this shift, giving people a financial tool that rewards the habits they already enjoy.
It creates a gentle nudge toward smarter spending without taking away the fun or the flavor.
Visa’s global network makes tap-to-pay transactions fast and secure. With automatic weekly cashback and worldwide acceptance, the card creates a rewarding experience that enhances how Filipinos dine and enjoy their favorite cravings.
This card understands one universal truth: Every order has the potential to be more than a meal. Now, it comes with rewards ready to follow you everywhere.
To learn more or start your application, visit eastwestbanker.com/foodpanda or tap ‘Apply Now’ on the foodpanda app.
For years, there was an insurmountable wall between Apple and Android. One ecosystem’s features were constantly unavailable on another’s. However, times are changing. Previously, Apple started supporting RCS messaging, bridging the messaging between the two platforms. Now, Android is getting support for an even major iOS-only feature: AirDrop.
In a world where file sizes keep getting bigger, efficient file sharing services, such as AirDrop, are invaluable. AirDrop allows iOS users within proximity to share files seamlessly with one another. Technically, Android has its own version called Quick Share. However, the feature did not work with AirDrop, creating another rift between the two platforms.
Today, Android has dropped a surprise feature. Quick Share is now compatible with AirDrop. For now, the feature will start with the Pixel 10 series. But Google hopes to roll it out for other devices in the future.
To enable interoperability between the two platforms, the receiver, regardless of Android or iOS, must set their visibility to “everyone for 10 minutes,” meaning including those outside of their contact list. For those who are conscious about security, Android says that the feature will use the Rust programming language to ensure that security remains a priority.
Unlike the vocal spate for RCS messaging, there hasn’t been a comparatively huge clamor for AirDrop on Android. Everyone just seems to take it as granted. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not a welcome feature. Despite being a complete surprise, it’s a huge boon for Android users with a lot of friends on iOS.
SEE ALSO: Android 16 is here!
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