If the current crisis has shown us anything, it’s that the internet is absolutely an essential service. Web connectivity enables people to stay up to date with the latest updates and get more information on what they can do and how they should respond to limit the spread of COVID-19. Internet connectivity has also enabled…
Following on from the launch of its new COVID -19 information hub earlier this week, WhatsApp has also announced the launch of a new chatbot, created in conjunction with the World Health Organization, which will provide access to accurate, timely information on the coronavirus pandemic to the app’s 2 billion users. As explained by WhatsApp: “The new service,…
With everyone around the world re-adjusting their routines amid the various COVID-19 restrictions, YouTube has announced a new slate of updates in line with rising demand and need, as it seeks to address key considerations for its services. First off, YouTube is reducing its streaming quality options in response to concerns around choking web traffic….
Could this be another challenger in the short-form video space? While TikTok continues to gain traction, and face scrutiny over its various operating processes, Singaporean video app Likee has announced its intentions to make a push into the US market. As per the PR release: “Likee, the fourth-most downloaded video app in the world, behind Facebook…
Amid concerns that WhatApp is being used to spread misinformation around the COVID-19 outbreak, the Facebook-owned messaging giant has launched a new COVID-19 info hub, where users will be able to access timely, accurate information related to the pandemic. As explained by WhatsApp chief Will Cathcart: “Today WhatsApp has launched a hub for health workers, educators, small businesses, and others that are…
This will no doubt be a concern to privacy advocates. According to a report in The Washington Post, the US Government is currently in talks with several tech companies, including both Facebook and Google, as to how it might be able to use location data from cell phones to better track and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic across the nation….
This is interesting – according to a new discovery by reverse engineering expert Jane Manchun Wong, Instagram is testing out the capability to add up to four hashtags and a location to your Instagram Stories highlights. Stories Highlights are collections of Stories that you opt to keep active on your profile after the regular 24-hour expiry. And up till now,…
Facebook has announced another impact of required staffing changes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the company sending more staff home to reduce the potential spread of the virus, Facebook says that all of its Spark AR reviewers will soon not be operating. As a result, no user-submitted AR effects, for either Facebook Stories…
This comes to the as little surprise, given that WhatsApp is developing the same thing, but this week, Instagram has confirmed that it’s also working on a new disappearing messages option within its Direct tools. Spotted by reverse engineering expert Jane Manchun Wong, the new option, at least at this stage, would see all of your messages disappear from…
Snapchat has announced that it will bring forward the launch of its new ‘Here For You’ mental health resource center, making it available to all users this week in response to rising angst around the COVID-19 pandemic. Announced last month, ‘Here For You’ will provide in-app support to Snapchatters who may be experiencing mental health or emotional…