WhatsApp, Facebook, Snapchat reportedly working on boosting encryption

Following the ongoing battle between the FBI and Apple, it seems some tech companies are looking to boost their encryption. Reports claim the likes of WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Facebook are looking for ways to protect user data. WhatsApp is said to be preparing to offer encrypted voice calls. Back in 2014, WhatsApp brought end-to-end encryption to Android users. Now the reports claim the service will be bringing encrypted calls and group messaging to its over one billion users. Snapchat is said to be working on its own secure messaging platform, and Facebook is supposedly looking into boosting the security of its Messenger app.

Google is reported to be also putting its encrypted email technology to use elsewhere but a source claims this isn’t entirely a sure thing but it has been “an ongoing effort for a long time.” Google has to find the balance between securing data and maintaining its business model of targeting advertisements based on messages. It’ll get tricky when encryption comes to play.

Source: SlashGear

Facebook Messenger app can now handle multiple accounts

Addressing the needs of some users who share devices, Facebook is now allowing multiple accounts on its Messenger app. The feature is initially available for Android users. If you worry about privacy, the new feature doesn’t allow users to get into each other’s accounts. It can be set with all accounts locked down and needing a password. Or if you have kids that you want to supervise, you can opt to not lock those but keep yours locked so your kids won’t see your messages. The only thing you’ll be able to see is notification count when a message comes in.

Source: Tech Crunch

Facebook Messenger has over 800 million monthly users now

Whether you like Facebook Messenger or not, a lot of you use it. Facebook recently announced that the messaging service now has over 800 million monthly active users, which puts Facebook’s messaging platform closer to WhatsApp’s 900 million user mark that they hit back in September. Facebook has worked on innovating the service last year and introduced new features like video calling and bringing businesses and customers together with Businesses on Messenger.

What’s in store for Messenger in 2016? Facebook’s Vice President of Messaging Products David Marcus didn’t go into specifics but one of the things is they seem to still be working on Facebook’s AI-based virtual assistant, M, and they’re developing how to better interaction on the service. “At Messenger we’re thinking about how we can help you interact with businesses or services to buy items, order rides, purchase airline tickets, and talk to customer service in truly frictionless and delightful ways. It is so much easier to do everything in one place that has the context of your last interactions, as well as your identity (no need to ever login), rather than downloading apps that you’ll never use again and jumping around from one app to another.” Marcus said.

Source: Facebook + Mashable

Facebook Messenger gets festive with new features

Facebook is getting into the spirit of the holidays with new features for its Messenger app. One feature is Photo Magic. What this does is it makes it easier for you to share holiday snaps with friends and loved ones. When you take photos, Facebook’s face recognition will look for your friends on Messenger and then prompt you to send these photos to your friends. You can also opt out of this. The feature was limited before but is now more available for users. You can check if you have it by going to Messenger settings (the cogwheel) and then tapping on Photos & Media. The Photo Magic option should be there.

Another new feature is some Christmas-themed options in Messenger. Just tap on the info button of one of your conversation and from there you can change color of your chat window, or even your emojis to something more season-appropriate. If you select the likes of Christmas tree or snowman, you can even make it snow on your mobile screen phone. Or you can download Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Frozen sticker packs for some snowy surprises. And those on Android should see the snow globe effect on friends’ chat heads again for a limited time.

Source: Facebook Newsroom