Apps

Facebook CEO could have swayed US government’s opinion against TikTok

Zuckerberg used last year’s meeting with Trump to raise issues against TikTok

Published

August 25, 2020

Kenrick Buduan

Recent trips to Washington by Facebook CEO — Mark Zuckerberg — could have swayed the US government’s opinion against TikTok and other Chinese companies, a new report by The Wall Street Journal claims.

The report details how Zuckerberg used private meetings with US government officials to sway the issue from Facebook to Chinese-made apps like TikTok. Last Fall, Zuckerberg made trips to Washington where he raised the issue against Chinese tech companies. During a visit to Georgetown University, he claimed that these companies don’t share Facebook’s commitment to American values — specifically, freedom of expression.

Later on, Zuckerberg would meet with US President Donald Trump and other officials. During these meetings, the Facebook CEO would make the case that Chinese tech companies pose a much bigger concern than Facebook. These meetings come at a time when government officials are investigating Facebook for privacy and security concerns.

The fallout from these meetings became apparent in late October. Two American senators — Sen. Tom Cotton and Sen. Chuck Schumer — wrote a letter to intelligence officials demanding an inquiry into TikTok. Soon after, the US government began a security assessment of the app. Threats by Donald Trump soon followed. Now, the app is facing a total ban in the US if its parent company — ByteDance — fails to sell its US operations.

Protecting Facebook’s image

All those meetings could have also been interpreted as the company’s move to sway officials and to blunt concerns about Facebook’s issues. A spokesperson for Facebook — Andy Stone — claims that Zuckerberg’s remark in Washington is part of a bigger concern about Chinese influence in America.

“As Chinese companies and influence have been growing so has the risk of a global internet based on their values, as opposed to ours,” Mr. Stone said in a written statement.

It is clear also that Facebook sees TikTok as its potential rival. TikTok has seen a dramatic rise over the recent years, threatening Facebook’s user base. In response, Facebook launched Reels, an Instagram feature designed to sway TikTok users. Just recently, it made plans to acquire Dubsmash, a fledgling rival that saw some popularity back in 2015.

In response, TikTok’s parent company accused Facebook of plagiarism and smears. ByteDance CEO Kevin Mayer urged the social networking giant to focus on fair competition rather than “maligning attacks” which is “disguised as patriotism and designed to put an end to our very presence in the U.S.”

The company has also prepared a lawsuit against the US government. Clearly, ByteDance has a long way to go before it can wiggle out of the complex issues it is facing today.

Related Topics:Bytedance Donald Trump Facebook TikTok

Apps

Firefox ad reunites all your favorite memes from decades ago

The Numa Numa Guy, Annoying Orange, and Chocolate Rain are back!

Published

October 27, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Before Tung Tung Tung Sahur and Skibidi Toilet, the early internet was populated by charismatic personalities looking to make their presences felt in a land that didn’t have a lot of rules yet. As early users, we danced to “Dragostea din tei,” belted out “Chocolate Rain,” and copied “Shoes” word-for-word. Today, Firefox is bringing all those good memories back for a grand reunion.

In a new ad, the web browser featured ten of the biggest stars of the early internet including the aforementioned Numa Numa Guy, Tay Zonday, and Shoes’ Kelly. You can also see Annoying Orange, Chuck Testa, Overly Attached Girlfriend, Bad Luck Brian, Where the Hell is Matt?, the Apparently Kid, and the Success Kid.

Now, this isn’t just a reunion. The ad has a clear message about today’s most concerning issue: AI. Everything has “built-in AI, always asking, asking, asking,” as the Annoying Orange said.

“They make money by following us, and somehow, I’m the creepy one?” the Overly Attached Girlfriend asked.

All these famous personalities are asking what happened to the internet today. Obviously, the big takeaway is that we should all go back to Firefox.

Compared to other browsers, Firefox has a lot of built-in features that offer a lot of control for users. For one, it has its own VPN for privacy. Secondly, reflecting the ad’s message against AI, the browser has a toggle to minimize AI features.

Apps

Apple Music is getting a Liquid Glass makeover

The new logo debuts next week with iOS 27.2.

Published

October 22, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Apple Music is getting a revamp. In one of the tamer things going on with the brand today, Apple has introduced a new design language for its native music streaming platform.

In the midst of all the hubbub surrounding the iPhone Duo, Apple released a change in the visual identity of Apple Music. Rather than a static logo, the platform’s newest evolution offers a dynamic look that melds Liquid Glass and the power of sound together.

Confirmed through a behind-the-scenes video, Apple says that the new aesthetic was made with practical effects. Music producer Fred Again and NEST Acoustics submerged the platform’s logo in a tank of mineral oil and creating ripples with sound. The new language matches well with the chrome aesthetic typical of today’s trends and… well, Liquid Glass, of course.

Apple says that the more ripple-filled version will play before longer content like concert recordings (similar to Netflix’s startup stinger). Meanwhile, a black-and-white version will replace the app’s icon currently colored red and white. Current previews show off a simple logo, but it’s unknown whether Apple is adding a but more elements when the final version drops.

The updated version will debut for users after next week’s iOS 27.2 and macOS 27.2 updates.

Apps

Disney+ strengthens footing as go-to sports streaming app with UFC, NBA, more

ESPN on Disney+ brands itself as ‘new home ground for sports’

Published

October 20, 2026

GadgetMatch

Disney+ is strengthening its footing as a go-to sports streaming app as ESPN on Disney+ is now available in the Philippines, one of its markets with a huge sports-loving fanbase.

The launch coincides with a brand new campaign, “Ito ang Homecourt Mo!” (This is your homecourt!), welcoming Filipino fans to a new home ground for games, stories, and moments.

Subscribers can access live events, on-demand replays, studio shows, documentaries and original programming together in one dedicated destination through ESPN on Disney+.

Production and coverage will be led by ESPN, delivering high-quality broadcasts, commentary and expert analysis across the sports season where available, alongside Disney+ general entertainment and family programming.

Following last season’s success, NBA returns to ESPN on Disney+ with matchups during NBA Tip-Off Week.

Christmas Day games will also be available to stream, including the NBA Finals rematch between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs and the Philadelphia 76ers versus the Los Angeles Lakers.

Playoff games through the conference finals shall also be streamed live and on demand.

Meanwhile, the UFC is among some of the new regular sports programs Filipinos can watch on Disney+.

The action kicks off at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi scheduled on October 25, where two world championship titles are expected to be on the line: UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski takes on undefeated No. 1-ranked contender Movsar Evloev, and UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan defends against former champion and No. 1-ranked Merab Dvalishvili.

Alongside live UFC numbered events and UFC Fight Nights, fans will have access to a library of classic fights and curated UFC content.

There will also be the original and and behind-the-scenes programming, including UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, UFC Main Event, UFC Fight Flashback, UFC Reloaded, and ROAD TO UFC.

A new home ground for sports

Other notable sports programming will include the Formula E 2026/27 season, with practice, qualifying and main races across 21 rounds in 13 host cities.

Also available on Disney+ are NCAA events, including March Madness, and Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), with all games live across the regular season and championship series.

ESPN’s popular 30 for 30 documentaries will continue to be available on the platform. The line-up also features ESPN studio shows, including ESPN FC and Pardon the Interruption.