Adobe MAX 2018: What it is, why it matters, and what to expect
Each year, Adobe uses its Adobe MAX conference to show off its latest apps, technologies, and tools to help simplify and improve the workflow of creatives the world over. Here's why that matters and what you should expect from this year's conference.
Twitter has sorted out those weird notifications it was sending
Twitter started churning out weird notifications of seemingly nonsensical letters and numbers to many of its users on Tuesday morning. The bizarre incident even prompted Twitter's CEO to get involved. The issue has now been sorted out, but the company still isn't entirely sure why it happened.
YouTube is back after crashing for users around the world
It's rare to see YouTube suffer serious issues, but the site went down around the world for a period of time on October 16. It's back now, and we can confirm it's loading normally on desktop and mobile. Naturally, fans of the site went to Twitter to complain about YouTube going dark.
Facebook’s new Portal device can collect your data to target your ads
Facebook's latest gaffe with its users involves its new Portal smart displays, which were designed to enable video calls using Facebook Messenger. It turns out that the company technically could use the camera and mic to gather data to target users with advertisements.
Like a pocketable personal stylist, Pinterest overhauls shopping tools
Pinterest shopping just got a bit better with a trio of updates now rolling out to Pinterest. The first replaces Buyable Pins with Product Pins for more features, including knowing whether or not a product is actually in stock. Shopping shortcuts and recommendations are also rolling out now with the update.
With Hinge’s new feature, you can be honest about how that first date went
Dating apps have yet to implement a feature that checks in with users to see how their first dates went, and Hinge is changing that. With its new 'We Met' feature, Hinge wants to learn about the dates its members go on with matches made throughout the app.
Was your Facebook account hacked in the latest breach? Here’s how to find out
Although Facebook initially estimated that up to 50 million users may have been compromised in a data breach last month, the social network says that 30 million accounts were affected after an initial investigation. Facebook also set up a Help Center for users to find out if their account were impacted.
Instagram is testing a new way for you to look through your feed
Instagram is always tweaking its app to give users the best experience possible, so how do you like the idea of tapping — instead of swiping — to look through your feed? The feature, which could make it easier to view content and reduce finger strain, is being tested by a select group of users.
3D Facebook photos jump out of the newsfeed, no glasses needed
You're not seeing things -- that photo in your Facebook newsfeed is 3D. Launching today, 3D Facebook Photos use the depth maps from dual-lens smartphones to add dimension to an image as you move your phone. The effect is an image that pops as you scroll, without any specialty gear (unless you want to use your Oculus).
Snapchat is using VR to let you step inside its new original shows
Tuning in to your favorite shows not enough? Snap Originals will allow viewers to set into a virtual set. The new exclusive shows debut today with three different shows. Snap Originals are vertical, short, and exclusive to the platform. Oh, and they can come with their own Lenses, too.
Instagram says its A.I. can track down bullying in photos
Instagram is turning to A.I. to root out bullying on its platform. Following similar efforts to target bullying in comments, the company now has systems in place that can detect bullying in photos, too. It's the first initiative under the leadership of Adam Mosseri, who recently replaced former CEO Kevin Systrom.
Google to shut down Google+ after exposure of 500,000 users’ data
After an undisclosed security vulnerability that left 500,000 users exposed was reported, Google announced that it will be shutting down Google+ over the next ten months. Google's security vulnerability is the latest to hit the tech sector, following Facebook's recent bug that left 50 million of its users exposed.
Voice commands could be coming to Facebook Messenger
Facebook is in the midst of testing a new feature for Messenger. The social media giant has confirmed that it is in the process of conducting internal tests for using voice commands within the company's Messenger app. The company did not give any confirmation that the feature would make it to the live app.
Facebook’s latest data breach could earn Europeans thousands in compensation
Europeans could get a pay day in the thousands if they claim distress over Facebook's latest data breach. Late last month, the social network revealed a bug that left as many as 50 million users exposed. Thanks to GDPR rules, Facebook may be forced to compensate users in the thousands in damaages for distress.
Snap a photo to follow a new friend on Instagram with its Nametags tool
Skip the typing and search bar -- Instagram now lets you add friends using the in-app camera. Nametags are scannable graphics that lead straight to your Instagram profile. The network is also testing a new tool designed to help college students connect with other students and alumni with new profile options.
Facebook tries to put Nearby Friends location-sharing feature back on the map
Facebook's location-sharing tool Nearby Freinds could be going back to a map view. Facebook recently confirmed a test that revamps the tool designed to help users connect offline with nearby friends. The location-sharing tool requires opting in and turning location services on for the Facebook app.
Twitter’s new Data Saver feature does what it says on the tin
If you want to use less data with Twitter, a new feature rolled out for the app on October 3 has your back. Called Data Saver, it prevents videos from auto-playing and loads lower-resolution images. Should you want to view a higher-resolution image in Data Saver mode, you can do so in a couple of taps.
Pinterest’s ‘More Ideas’ tab suggests new notions based on your old ones
Searching for something, but don't have an exact keyword? Pinterest will now make suggestions based on what's already on your Board. The new tab allows users to explore more related ideas to add to the board. The update also brings suggested section tools to use.
Facebook Marketplace gets smarter with new A.I.-powered tools
Facebook's Craigslist competitor is now 2 years old, and getting even smarter, thanks to A.I. Facebook marketplace will now suggest prices based on what similar items sold for. The company is also testing a tool that would allow users to search for Marketplace items using a photo to find similar items nearby.
Facebook Premieres is a mash-up of popular Live and prerecorded videos
Love the Live chats but cringe at the quality? Facebook Premieres will mix the features of Live with prerecorded videos. Premieres are scheduled to go live at a specific time, allowing users to watch and chat together. The tool launches alongside video polls and Top Fan badges for video-focused Pages.
Instagram names new boss: Facebook veteran Adam Mosseri
Instagram's new boss is Adam Mosseri, a 10-year veteran of Facebook — the company that owns Instagram. More recently, Mosseri ran Facebook's news feed before moving to Instagram's product division in May. In an online post, he said he was excited to take on the role and promised to maintain Instagram's core values.
‘No-selfie zones’ suggested to prevent fatal accidents at tourist spots
OK, it's highly unlikely you're going to succumb to a nasty accident with your next selfie effort, but the rising number of cases where selfie-takers are putting themselves in unnecessary danger has led researchers to suggest banning the practice at some tourist spots.
Facebook warns that third-party apps could have been affected by recent breach
It may not just be your Facebook account at risk. The social media giant has warned that third-party apps which allow users to log in via their Facebook accounts may also have been affected by the recent security breach, though the company has yet to confirm these fears are now a reality.
Will U.S. government force Facebook to decrypt Messenger?
The Department of Justice and Facebook are embroiled in a legal dispute over the future of Messenger's privacy policies. The government is demanding it decrypt Messenger to allow for wiretapping of criminal suspects. Facebook is refusing to do so citing fears that such a move could be easily abused.
Facebook accidentally blocks stories regarding security breach
Facebook's algorithms and A.I. are far from perfect, and an incident yesterday involving stories discussing the company's recent security breach provide a prime example. The company's spam filters accidentally stopped users from posting certain stories related to the recent breach.
How to get followers on Tumblr
What's the point of a blog if no one is listening, or in most cases, looking? Lucky for you, we've put together an extensive guide to gaining popularity on Tumblr. Whether you're looking to drive up engagement via hashtags, cross-linking, or reblogging, there are plenty of ways to go about it.
Instagram’s co-founders have resigned from the Facebook-owned company
In a move no one was expecting, Instagram co-founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger are stepping down from their roles as CEO and chief technology officer, respectively. Systrom said in a statement that they were both "planning on taking some time off to explore our curiosity and creativity again."
Snap, then shop? Snapchat’s camera will soon buy stuff from Amazon
Want to Snap that item and buy it for yourself? Snapchat is testing an option to shop on Amazon using the camera. The tool works similar to Shazaming a song inside Snapchat; users tap and hold on the screen inside the camera mode. The app then sends a pop-up of the closest match on Amazon.
Musicbed gives YouTube creators a legal soundtrack option
YouTube flags videos that use copyrighted music in them -- so music licensing Musicbed platform is launching a new subscription tool and a way to tell YouTube's bots to back off. Connecting the subscription to a YouTube account will automatically clear flags for copyrighted music.
Twitter squashes security bug leaking direct messages since 2017
The team at Twitter has discovered and corrected a security bug within one of their developer APIs that has been leaking sensitive information sent in direct messages to business accounts. Third-party developers may have received messages meant for businesses using their platform.
Instagram feature that lets you reshare others’ posts may be on its way
Despite constant calls from many of its billion-plus users, Instagram has always refused to offer an option that lets Instagrammers reshare others' posts that appear on their feed. New reports suggest that this state of affairs could be about to change.
Instagram could separate hashtags for less annoying posts
Just what features will Instagram add next? One enthusiast reverse engineered the app to uncover several potential features the app could be testing, including a dedicated spot for hashtags. Geofencing could also allow users to limit who sees their posts by excluding a country or region.
Is Amazon tweaking its search algorithms with a new A.I.-driven shopping site?
Amazon has quietly rolled out a new shopping experiment in a test site called Scout, which uses a visual platform to display products. It allows users to like and dislike products to tweak their recommended products in seven shopping categories including women's shoes, home furniture, and kitchen and dining products.
Facebook appears set on crafting custom silicon for augmented reality devices
Facebook is recruiting -- and it's seeking to hire engineers and designers to assist its Silicon team with the process of crafting custom chips for augmented reality (AR) devices and applications. This development seems to support speculation that the company is looking to produce AR glasses.