The Huawei ban has been a nightmare for the company, with organizations ranging from Google to the Bluetooth SIG having been pressured into severing ties with it, but it's not all bad news — Facebook bloatware apps can no longer be pre-installed on Huawei devices, according to Reuters.
Something good finally comes out of the Huawei ban
Facebook introduces Avatars because every app needs its own Bitmoji wannabe
Facebook is trialing a way to personalize the engagement its users can have with the content on its platform. Avatars are currently being tested in Australia as a Bitmoji-like addition to standard reactions and generated GIFs. A global roll-out is reportedly targeted for later this year at the earliest, but there are questions about how big of a draw this feature will be for existing users as well as departed users that may want to make a return.
Read More[Update: In stable] WhatsApp beta rolls out continuous voice note playback and message forwarding count
Step by step, WhatsApp has been implementing features to combat the uncontrollable spread of fake or even just sugar-coated news on its platform. Today's update to the beta app includes one more measure to help monitor forwarded messages, but it also brings one very handy feature for voice notes.
Read More
Facebook finally releases Portal companion app for Android
Communication and information display have started to move beyond the smartphone to smart displays and dedicated video devices like the Facebook Portal. Speaking of which, the social media giant has pushed out an Android app for managing said Portal devices. You can now send photos to the Superframe, add accounts, call your Portal when you're away from home, and manage your favorites.
Read MoreInstagram kills Direct, its standalone Snapchat competitor, merges it into main app
In order to fiercely compete with Snapchat, Facebook launched Stories on almost all its messaging platforms, beginning with Instagram. The feature was so popular it succeeded in dethroning its rival, which encouraged the company to release a standalone messaging app called Direct. Although the new software brought some extra features like exclusive filters, Instagram has decided to merge all functionalities into its main application.
Read More[Update: Night Mode, more screenshots] Here's our first look at WhatsApp's dark mode
There are few things in life more certain than Android users getting excited about an app adding a dark mode. Personally, white text on black/dark backgrounds tires my eyes, especially during daytime, but I'm not here to argue with you about personal preferences. If you like dark modes in apps, you'll be happy to know that WhatsApp is working on its own.
Read MoreWhatsApp vulnerability exposed civil rights promoters to hacking attempts
WhatsApp is scrambling to determine the impact of a now-patched vulnerability in its iPhone and Android apps that allowed hackers to inject spyware into users' devices. The security hole is at the center of at least one known recent hacking attempt against a lawyer representing a group suing the surveillance software vendor that made the spyware.
Read MoreFacebook shuts down its 'Bonfire' group video chat app
Facebook has a habit of cloning popular apps, or integrating popular features from its competitors into its own platforms. Houseparty is a group video calling app that was fairly popular a few years ago, and Facebook released its own clone in 2017 as 'Bonfire.' Now the company has shut down Bonfire, and it never even arrived in the United States.
Read MoreThe Best Of AP
Facebook makeover drops iconic blue app bar, puts more focus on groups
Recent design trends on Android take away app bars' individual colors and replace them with white, making it harder for us to distinguish apps. After Facebook already followed that fad with its Messenger redesign (which thankfully includes a dark theme), the company announced at its annual developer conference F8 that its main app and website will become whiter, too. Along with these visual changes, groups will receive a more prominent place on the platform.
Read MoreApps can now use WhatsApp for verification codes with Facebook Account Kit
Some apps and websites allow you to log in using just an email address or phone number thanks to Facebook's Account Kit SDK. Until now, two-factor codes for mobile logins were sent via SMS only, but an update is adding WhatsApp verification.
Read MoreLatest Deals
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[Update: Back on Amazon and Microsoft] Microsoft Surface active noise canceling headphones get a $100 price cut, now $250
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Latest Poll
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The GE C-Life Multicolor smart bulb is perfect for your Google Home, no Wi-Fi necessary
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Autosync for Google Drive can replace the outgoing Photos sync functionality
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Huawei makes the best $99 wireless earbuds you can’t buy in the US
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Moshi’s Symbus Q is a USB-C dock and wireless charger combo that’s too simple for its own good
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The Arlo Ultra is a good security camera with a bad price
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Latest Roundups
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21 best new Android games released this week including Grimvalor, Nonstop Knight 2, and Spirit Roots
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20 best new Android games released this week including Angry Birds Explore, Dawn of Isles, and Auto Chess
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20 of the best Android TV games available on the Play Store in 2019
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13 new and notable Android apps and live wallpapers from the last two weeks including Audm, Anyride, and Portal from Facebook (5/25/19 - 6/8/19)
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21 best new Android games released this week including Grimvalor, Nonstop Knight 2, and Spirit Roots
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Google app starting to show 'in this video' bookmarks for YouTube search results
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Chrome Beta 76 adds lazy loading for images, supports site dark themes, and even sneaks in a Tron reference
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All the Android games announced at E3 2019
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Google Assistant can automatically remember where you've parked for you
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Blast from the Past
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1 Year Ago Today
Samsung's cancelled 'Project V' foldable phone from years ago shows up in leaked photos
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2 Years Ago Today
Cortana can now be set as the default assistant on your Android device
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3 Years Ago Today
5 years later, ADW Launcher 2.0 has been released - no, you are not dreaming - and it's insane
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4 Years Ago Today
Google Releases Topeka Demo Project For Android
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5 Years Ago Today
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6 Years Ago Today
[Weekend Poll] What's Your Preferred Tablet Display Size?
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8 Years Ago Today
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