Apps
Facebook may have been snooping on your call and SMS history for years
Only on Android, however
It’s no secret that Facebook constantly tracks your activities and movement around its platforms. And while it’s also no surprise that the social media giant has access to your personal info beyond this, it’s still quite alarming to know just how far they can reach.
The latest controversy reportedly began with one man’s perplexing discovery: Dylan McKay downloaded his Facebook archive — something anyone can do — and found call and SMS history from his Android smartphone in the past two years on that data.
The archive is awfully detailed. Facebook had records of the specific names of the people McKay called and texted, as well as their phone numbers and how long they talked.
Downloaded my facebook data as a ZIP file
Somehow it has my entire call history with my partner’s mum pic.twitter.com/CIRUguf4vD
— Dylan McKay (@dylanmckaynz) March 21, 2018
Ars Technica wrote a good explanation on how this could’ve happened to McKay and millions more. It involves older Android versions and how they loosely allowed third-party apps to dig through a smartphone’s local data.
What’s more interesting, however, is the statement the outlet got out of a Facebook spokesperson:
“The most important part of apps and services that help you make connections is to make it easy to find the people you want to connect with. So, the first time you sign in on your phone to a messaging or social app, it’s a widely used practice to begin by uploading your phone contacts.”
This data-collecting scheme is apparently in line with Facebook’s friend recommendation algorithm, which helps first-time users find people to connect with. Interestingly, only Android users are affected, and it’s likely because of the way the operating system handled app permissions.
Android has since been more transparent when it comes to giving apps specific data permissions with newer versions of the OS. Unfortunately, with all the recent controversies Facebook is going through, we can’t say the same about the social media platform.
To be fair, the representative made it clear that contact uploading is optional and can be deleted any time through the web version of the network.
Apps
Disney+ launches a TikTok-coded vertical feed called Verts
TikTok has changed how we consume media. Everything is now vertical. Even the most established streaming services, often a bastion for traditionally horizontal content, is adopting the different format. Now, Disney+ is getting a vertical feed called Verts.
Like its contemporaries, Verts presents a continuous feed of content but tailored to show the plethora of titles from the Disney+ library. This might include the first scenes of shows or notable highlights. The hope, of course, is to direct users to the longform content.
Directly from the Verts feed, users can easily add the respective title to their watchlist or go straight to the title’s page. In turn, the feed is accessible from the homepage since it has its own tab.
According to Disney, early experiments with the feature have driven engagement to available content. Right now, the feed is mostly for clipping enticing content from shows. However, the platform will experiment further with the format for new ways to tell stories.
Though Verts surely stands for “verticals” in this case, “adverts” might fit better as its full government name. Still, it might be a useful tool if you’re figuring out what to watch for the night.
Currently, Verts is available for Disney+ subscribers in the United States. Disney also has plans to expand the feature to ESPN for sports-related content.
SEE ALSO: Live NBA action on Disney Plus now available in the Philippines
Some of today’s navigation apps are living in the future. Instead of a two-dimensional map, these apps render the user’s surroundings in 3D. It’s a nifty upgrade that helps drivers more accurately visualize directions on the fly. Finally, Google Maps is getting a much-needed upgrade and will take navigation to the third dimension.
In a new update rolling out today, the new Immersive Navigation feature will bring your surroundings to life. The 3D view creates a render of the surrounding buildings, overpasses, and terrain around the car. It takes the guesswork out of navigation by showing precisely where to turn and what landmarks to look out for.
In the same vein, you can now use Street View to preview your destination before you arrive. Google Maps will also highlight your destination’s entrance, side of the street, and nearby parking.
Outside of how the map is visualized, Google Maps is also infusing its service with Gemini. The new Ask Maps feature will let you engage with the app in a conversational manner. For example, if you’re in the middle of a long drive, you can now ask Maps where the best place is to stop over and have a coffee break. Ask Maps will provide directions, a potential itinerary, and even helpful links to book a reservation ahead of time.
Now, availability for both of these features is still a bit limited. Immersive View is rolling out today to compatible devices and vehicles in the United States. Further, availability will expand over the coming months.
Meanwhile, Ask Maps is available now in the United States and India for Android and iOS. A desktop version is coming soon.
SEE ALSO: Google Maps is finally getting a power saving mode
Apps
Apple Music, TikTok launch Play Full Song, a new music discovery experience
Rolling out worldwide exclusively through Apple Music
Ever came across a viral 15 or 30-second music snippet on TikTok that instantly became your jam on repeat?
For years, TikTok has been a regular source of songs that have become part of our playlists. And together with Apple Music, listening to the music you discover has just gotten even easier.
That’s through Play Full Song, a new music discovery experience, which launches exclusively though Apple Music.
With the new feature, Apple Music subscribers can now enjoy full-length tracks that they discover on TikTok. That’s without ever leaving that popular streaming app.
Fans who discover a song that they love on their For You or Sound Detail page can simply tap the Play Full Song button to open up an Apple Music player and enjoy the song in its entirety.
From there, subscribers can continue listening to a personalized stream of recommended songs. That means no more need to switch apps and search separately.
The new Play Full Song experience helps music fans move seamlessly from the moment of discovery to deeper listening. It’s also designed to be instant and all within the same environment.
Moreover, users can also save their favorite songs to Your Music and add them directly to their Apple Music playlists.
Built using Apple’s MusicKit, full-length song playback takes place on Apple Music. This way, streams are paid within the Apple Music service, supporting artists and rights holders while giving fans a smooth, uninterrupted experience.
Listening Party also launched
The feature builds on the success of TikTok’s Add to Music App. This was previously launched to help artists and fans convert discovery on TikTok to a playlist save in Apple Music and other streaming services.
To cap the announcement, TikTok and Apple Music are also introducing Listening Party. This new feature is designed to bring artists and fans together around music.
It creates a shared environment where fans can listen to songs from their favorite artists in real time, interact with each her, and engage directly with the artist during the session.
-
Reviews2 weeks agoPOCO X8 Pro Max review: A new beast from the far east
-
News2 weeks agoPOCO X8 Pro Series: Price, availability in the Philippines
-
Reviews2 weeks agoPOCO X8 Pro Iron Man Edition review: Midrange phone in superhero armor
-
Automotive2 weeks agoVinFast extends free unlimited charging in 3 markets amid rising fuel prices
-
Philippines1 week agoThe HONOR X8d is serviceable
-
News2 weeks agoPOCO introduces X8 Pro Series with Dimensity 9500s
-
Reviews2 weeks agoSamsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: A phone you live with
-
Gaming2 weeks agoNVIDIA’s DLSS 5 can turn your favorite AAA game into AI slop
