Tag: meta

Facebook Messenger Turns End-to-End Encryption on by Default for Individual Chats

Facebook Messenger is finally rolling out support for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) by default for individual chats and calls, the company announced on Wednesday. In the coming weeks and months, Facebook parent Meta says existing conversations will be protected by E2EE and new chats will also be protected by the technology. The company says that E2EE Messenger chats will offer the same features as previously unencrypted conversations including the ability to unsend messages, set chat themes, and send custom message reactions.

In a post detailing the launch of the new features, Messenger head Loredana Crisan said that both one-on-one chats and calls on the messaging app will now be protected by end-to-end encryption. Meta collaborated with experts and governments, academics and advocates to ensure a balance of privacy and safety, according to Crisan.

Just like WhatsApp, which is also owned by Meta, chats on Messenger can no longer be accessed by the company — with one exception. Meta will be able to see the contents of E2EE messages when a conversation participant reports the contents of a conversation — WhatsApp offers the same reporting mechanism.

In January 2022, Meta updated Secret Conversations — its opt-in E2EE chats feature on Messenger — with support for features that are available on regular chats. These include the ability to send GIFs and stickers in chats. Users can also set chat themes in secret conversations. Enabling the 24-hour disappearing message mode in E2EE chats will also alert users when another participant takes a screenshot, according to Meta.

Messenger’s E2EE chats have been updated with support for features found on regular chats
Photo Credit: Meta

Meta has been working on enabling encrypted chats by default for years now, and the first indication of the company’s efforts was revealed years ago when Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated that the firm was adding support for default E2EE chats for both Instagram and Messenger.

The company says that it has implemented the Signal Protocol (used on Signal, widely considered the gold standard in encrypted messaging apps) and the firm’s own Labyrinth Protocol.

However, not all users will see their conversations upgraded to E2EE chats immediately. Crisan notes that “it may take some time for Messenger chats to be updated with default end-to-end encryption”, which suggests that the rollout could take a considerable amount of time.

It is worth noting that features like optional E2EE encryption for chats on Instagram are yet to roll out to users in some regions, including India. Gadgets 360 has reached out to the company for details of the rollout to users in the country. Meta is expected to enable E2EE chats by default on Instagram once the Messenger rollout is complete.

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WhatsApp Rolling Out View-Once Photos, Videos for Desktop Apps, Web: Report

WhatsApp already offers a disappearing messages feature that deletes a sent message after a set amount of time. WhatsApp users can also send photos and videos that can only be viewed once before being erased from the chat. The latter feature, however, is currently available only to Android and iOS users. The feature was previously offered on desktop and Web versions of the application but was removed for security concerns. Now, a report suggests that the social media platform is reintroducing the “View Once” photos and videos feature for WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp desktop versions.

According to a WABetaInfo report, WhatsApp is rolling out the view once feature for photos and videos on Web and desktop versions of the app. In a screenshot shared in the report, the button to set the “view once” option for the media is seen within the caption bar in the drawing editor on the WhatsApp for Windows platform. The report added that the company is enabling this “view once” photos and videos option for Windows, macOS and linked devices like iPads. The app is also extending this feature to the WhatsApp Web platform, according to the report.

The feature is now rolling out to eligible users. It has already rolled out to some users over the past few weeks as per the report. If you do not see the option on any of your desktop or Web apps yet, it is likely to come around eventually. Make sure that the applications are updated to their latest versions.

The report noted that the Meta-owned platform is reintroducing this feature on desktop and Web that they initially did away with, upon public suggestions and demands. The initial removal cited security issues. Feedback from users, however, suggested that the “view once” feature is a helpful aspect as it helps one view a media file without it eating up the storage space of the phone.

In related news, starting in December, WhatsApp backups on Android will continue to work, as long as users have available cloud storage space on their Google accounts. If someone reaches their storage limit, they will need to free up space on Google Drive to resume backups. Notably, if you do not want your chats to take up storage, you can turn on the “Disappearing Messages” option in the app.

WhatsApp has also added a service to prompt users to add their email address to their WhatsApp account. However, it will not be visible to your WhatsApp contacts but will rather work as a secondary identifier, after your phone number, where the app can send verification codes and the like.

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Instagram Feature to Download Publicly Posted Reels Now Available Globally

Instagram rolled out the ability to download Reels posted by public accounts earlier this year in the US. The company has now confirmed that the feature is rolling out to users globally. Until now, Instagram users could share the reels on public profiles directly to their Stories or DMs. Users can also save those Reels, which they access through the saved Reels tabs on the application. With the help of the new feature though, users worldwide will now be able to share downloaded Reels through other platforms as well.

Instagram Head Adam Mosseri announced through his Broadcast channel that all users can now download Reels shared by public accounts and save them directly to their camera roll. He added that any of the reels downloaded natively will feature the Instagram handle of the creator as watermark. Since the feature is still rolling out to all users, it may take a while to reflect on your account.

Notably, even public accounts have the ability to turn off the Reels download feature, in which case, users will not be able to save Reels from those accounts to their galleries. Users can still Save those Reels for viewing later. You can tap the three dots and Save the concerned Reel and access it through the Saved tab.

If, however, the ability to download Reels is enabled in a public account, you can save the videos to your camera roll by tapping the Share button with the paper airplane icon on the desired Reel and then tapping on the Download option. On the other hand, if you have a public account, you can choose to turn off the default Download option for your Reels by going to Profile > Settings and Privacy > Sharing and Remixes > Downloading your Reels and then toggle off the download button.

Instagram users can, however, download their own Reels without a watermark from saved drafts and can also share those to their Stories or over Instagram DMs. To share Reels posted by public profiles via other social media apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, etc., users previously had to copy and paste links to the relevant chats. Now, with the new update, Instagram Reels that are saved to camera rolls can be shared via other social media apps as a video file directly, without having to copy the URL.

Is the iQoo Neo 7 Pro the best smartphone you can buy under Rs. 40,000 in India? We discuss the company’s recently launched handset and what it has to offer on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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WhatsApp Channels Said to Get Sticker Access As it Crosses 500 Million Monthly Active Users

WhatsApp Channels was rolled out in 150 countries, including India in earlier this year in September. These channels, much like Instagram Broadcast, are one-way broadcast tools that some users can share updates with a large number of WhatsApp users. Only Channel owners can send a message on Channels, while other users can react to those messages. You can search from a directory to find a channel created by any celebrity, business, or content creator. Channels will reportedly be able to access WhatsApp stickers.

According to a WABetaInfo report, WhatsApp is rolling out a new beta update that allows Channel admins to share Stickers with their followers. Sharing a screenshot of the feature, the report notes that the feature is currently limited and available to some beta testers only. It should roll out for other users in the coming days. The update allows not just static stickers but also sending animated, dynamic stickers.

To check whether you have access to sharing Stickers on Channels yet, ensure that your WhatsApp beta version is updated to the most recent version. Go to your own Channel tab and pull up the keyboard. If the Stickers option appears alongside emoji keyboard, then you have access to the feature. The report adds that the feature will eventually roll out to more beta testers in the next few weeks. However, an Indian Express report suggests that it is accessible to all WhatsApp Channels users.

WhatsApp Channels crossed 500 million monthly active users within the first seven weeks, according to a Channels message by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. WhatsApp Channels are found placed in the Updates tab as seen on iOS and Android smartphones, alongside WhatsApp Status updates.

Messages in WhatsApp Channels does not have end-to-end encryption protection. Only Channel owners can post updates and messages, while Channel members or followers can react to those messages. All messages are only visible in a Channel for 30 days since the time they were first shared.

Apple unveiled its first mixed reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, at its annual developer conference, along with new Mac models and upcoming software updates. We discuss all the most important announcements made by the company at WWDC 2023 on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Oppo Reno 11 Confirmed to Run on MediaTek Dimensity 8200 SoC, Camera Performance Teased



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Instagram Allows Feed Post Audience Customisation; Introduces New Reels Editing Tools, More

Instagram recently said that it was testing features to allow users to customise their feeds more. In September this year, it was reported that the company is also testing features that will allow users to choose to share Reels and feed posts with a customised list of profiles. Now, the social media platform has started rolling out the feature where users can choose their “audience” before sharing a post to their feed. Instagram has also introduced several new editing tools for Reels, alongside new post filters and improved insights.

The Close Friends feature on Instagram is expanded so that users can share posts and reels to their main feed that will only be visible to people on the list, as opposed to just their followers. Previously, users could share stories with a specific set of people on their Close Friends list. Users can choose their Close Friends list from the “audience” option by tapping it before sharing a post or Reel. Once posted, it will have a green star icon, just like Close Friends stories have a green circle surrounding them. Gadgets 360 was able to verify this feature.

Whether a user is posting a note, a story, a reel, or a feed post, their lists of Close Friends won’t change. When someone responds to a story, it serves as a private direct message to the poster. However, everyone else in the Close Friends circle can see it when a user likes or comments on someone else’s Close Friends post or Reel.

Instagram also unveiled new Reels editing tools, which include cropping and rotating individual clips. They added that they look forward to introducing undo and redo features for Reels editing soon. The new features also allow you to add audio clips to your Reel. Ten new text-to-speech voices in English have also been introduced, along with new text styles and typefaces that are available in multiple languages. Additionally, you can now get to the audio page from the top of the camera roll and use outlines in your text in Reels. Another improvement includes a more simplified Draft preview. Additionally, you’ll be able to preview, rename, and schedule your drafts beforehand.

The platform now also allows you to make personalised stickers similar to that of WhatsApp stickers. Custom stickers can be created from images and videos in the users’ gallery and those found on Instagram. The app has also incorporated new filters which claim to explore different tones and moods and new insight metrics called ‘Replays’, which measure replay metrics alongside initial plays. In the coming months, they also aim to bring moment-by-moment insight for Reels with an interactive Retention Chart to assist digital creators.



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Facebook and Instagram Introduce Support for Seamless Shopping via Amazon: How it Works

Facebook and Instagram recently added support for the ability to make purchases via Amazon without leaving the social networking apps. The seamless shopping experience on Meta’s apps is reportedly part of a new partnership with the e-commerce giant that will allow customers to connect their shopping and social networking accounts, allowing them to choose an item and complete the purchase process inside a window on the Facebook or Instagram apps. The feature is currently available to Amazon customers in the US.

Spotted by Disruptive Digital CEO Maurice Rahmey, the new Meta-Amazon partnership creates a new closed loop shopping experience and allows users to make purchases for products listed on Facebook or Instagram and then complete the entire checkout process from a popup view inside the app. Rahmey shared a screen recording of the process that shows how a purchase can be completed within a few taps on Facebook.

The seamless process of shopping on Facebook via Amazon
Photo Credit: LinkedIn/ Maurice Rahmey

 

In order to achieve this seamless, closed loop shopping experience, users will have to link their Amazon, Facebook, and Instagram accounts. Rahmey’s video shows that users will be asked to log in with their Amazon credentials and agree to share their data with Meta and he points out that the companies might also be able to sidestep limitations placed by Apple’s App Tracking Transparency policy.

Rahmey also suggests that the Meta-Amazon partnership would benefit both companies in different ways. Amazon would benefit from more transaction fees due to the push from Meta’s vast userbase and ads network, while simultaneously allowing sellers to improve their conversion volume. On the other hand, Meta would benefit from more data flowing in from Amazon users and the increased conversions would also boost its own platform.

An Amazon spokesperson confirmed the rollout of the in-app purchase flow to TechCrunch, stating that US customers would have access to details from Amazon, such as estimated time of delivery, product details including availability, and real-time pricing. The new experience appears to be limited to users in the US and there’s no word from either company on whether it will also be available in other regions such as Europe and Asia.

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Honor X50i+ With 108-Megapixel Camera, 35W Fast Charging Launched: Price, Specifications



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WhatsApp Head Will Cathcart Says Company Could Show Ads, but Not in Main Inbox: Report

WhatsApp could show users ads in some parts of the app, according to the company’s top executive. In a recent interview with a Brazilian publication, WhatsApp Head Will Cathcart confirmed that the messaging platform will not display ads in the main inbox or in chats, but advertisements might be shown in two other sections of the app. The revelation comes two months after the company denied a report that claimed WhatsApp was planning to show users ads to monetise the service.

In an interview with Folha de S. Paulo (in Brazilian) Cathcart stated that WhatsApp would remain ad-free in the app’s inbox and inside chats. “The reason I qualified the answer is that there could be ads in other places —channels or statuses. For example, channels might charge people to subscribe, they might be exclusive to paid members, or the owners might want to promote the channel. But no, we won’t place ads in the Inbox,” the executive told the publication (translated from Brazilian).

There’s no word from the company on when ads will make their way to the Status or Channels sections on the app. The disclosure that WhatsApp could show users ads to users in specific parts of the app comes after Cathcart denied a report in September that the platform was planning to display advertisements in lists of conversations with contacts — the default view when a user opens the app.

This isn’t the first time that WhatsApp has reportedly explored the addition of advertisements to the popular chat application. In 2019, it was reported that WhatsApp was planning on showing ads to users via the Status feature that allows users to share images and videos in a similar as Instagram and Facebook stories. WhatsApp is currently monetised by offering business messaging features that allow companies to reach the app’s massive userbase — the Meta-owned messaging service has over 2 billion users.

A report in August 2020 stated that WhatsApp was planning on showing ads in the app by using phone numbers to match users’ Facebook and WhatsApp accounts and serve users targeted advertisements. At the time, it was reported that the company would display these ads once the planned unification of its three messaging platforms — WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger — was completed. 

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Hollywood Actors Reach Tentative Agreement With Movie Studios to End Strike


Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Super Mario RPG Remake, More: November Games on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X



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Meta Announces Paid Ad-Free Subscription for Facebook, Instagram in Europe

Meta Platforms has introduced ad-free subscription plans for Instagram and Facebook in Europe. The paid subscription lets European users access Facebook and Instagram without ads starting next month. The new move allows the social media company to comply with the European Union regulations. Facebook and Instagram users will still be able to access the platforms for free but with ads in their feeds. The paid ad-free subscription is limited to individuals aged 18 and above.

Meta announced a paid ad-free subscription for Facebook and Instagram via a blog post on Monday. Starting next month, Facebook and Instagram users in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland can pay a monthly fee to use Meta-owned platforms without ads. The service costs EUR 9.99 (roughly Rs. 880) per month on the Web and EUR 12.99 (roughly Rs. 1,100) per month on iOS and Android. These prices account for fees charged by Apple and Google, in line with their respective policies.

The ad-free subscription plan will be limited to users aged 18 years and older in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. It will apply across all linked Facebook and Instagram accounts until March 1, 2024. However, starting from March 1, users are required to pay an additional charge of EUR 6 per month on the Web and EUR 8 per month on iOS and Android for each additional account listed in a user’s Account Center.

Meta’s new paid subscription is being made available to comply with evolving European regulations including the Digital Markets Act and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). “We respect the spirit and purpose of these evolving European regulations, and are committed to complying with them” Meta said. The company assured that it will continue to provide free access to its products for users who do not wish to pay. Also, advertisers will be able to continue running personalised advertising campaigns in Europe to reach those who choose to continue to receive a free, ad-supported online service, said Meta.

The new Meta plan would make an Instagram or Facebook subscription a bit more economical than X’s Premium+ subscription, previously known as Twitter Blue. It costs $16 (roughly Rs. 1,300) per month and it removes ads from X alongside providing a blue checkmark. The basic tier of X is priced at $3 (roughly Rs. 300) per month but is not ad-free.

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