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The latest news on all your favorite apps.
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Russia bans the sale of devices without Russian software
Earlier this month, Russia signed a law giving it the power to censor the internet. Now, it has passed another law banning the sale of smartphones, computers and smart TVs that don't have Russian software pre-installed, the BBC reported. Those devices can still be sold with their normal software, but Russian alternatives must be installed, as well. However, critics have said that's not possible on certain devices, and the law could force some international companies to leave the market.
Facebook can flesh out your Dating profile with existing Stories
If Facebook Dating is going to compete with the heavyweights of the hookup world, that means offering livelier profiles -- and it won't surprise you to hear how it's going to accomplish that. You can now share your existing Facebook or Instagram Stories in Dating to give potential partners a sense of who you really are. If they're enamored, they can send a Like to (hopefully) get the sparks flying.
Abode’s DIY home security system is now compatible with HomeKit
Abode's Iota smart home security device is now compatible with Apple HomeKit. If you're an iOS users, that means you'll be able to control your Iota through the Home app on your iPhone or iPad. You'll also be able to control any Abode-branded motion, door and window sensors through the Home app if they're connected to the Iota gateway.
Uber will test an audio recording safety feature in Brazil and Mexico
A couple months ago, we learned that Uber was testing a feature that would allow riders to record audio through the app if they felt unsafe during a trip. Now, Uber is launching a pilot of that audio-recording feature in select cities in Brazil and Mexico, The Washington Post reports.
Apple commits to making new media apps for Windows
It seems that Apple is finally turning its attention to its Windows users. A new Apple job listing reveals that the company is hiring software engineers to build "the next generation of media apps for Windows," with the blurb suggesting the company could be looking to introduce Windows apps akin to those already offered on Mac.
'Catan' AR game could ride on Niantic's tech
If you're Niantic and you're planning a follow-up to augmented reality hits like Pokémon Go and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, what famous property do you work with next? Apparently, the answer is a hardcore board game. A product page, source code sleuths and TechCrunch tipsters suggest that Niantic is partnering on Catan: World Explorers, an AR title based on the classic colony-building game Settlers of Catan. While the game's mechanics aren't completely clear, it looks like it really is an attempt to squeeze Niantic's basic formula into Catan's world of hexagonal grids, road building and resource trading.
7-Eleven now offers voice ordering through Alexa and Google Home
For the days that leaving your house to get snacks and supplies is just too unfathomable, there's 7-Eleven delivery. Now, for the days when looking at a screen is equally as taxing, there's 7-Eleven voice ordering.
Google Maps will help you discover cities by following Local Guides
Google has a new strategy for helping you discover new restaurants: it's getting some of its most active contributors to show you around. The search firm has unveiled a test feature that will let you follow top Local Guides to see where they're going and what they recommend. Tap "follow" and you'll see their recommendations both in the For You tab as well as in the map view. If all goes well, you could find the best place to eat in an unfamiliar city by following a local who knows all the out-of-the-way eateries.
Cortana app will stop working on phones in some countries (updated)
Microsoft's changing Cortana strategy is about to have consequences for some phone users. The company has revealed that the Cortana app will stop working after January 31st, 2020 for people in Australia, Canada and the UK. Lists, reminders and other Cortana content won't pop up in either the app or Microsoft Launcher, and a version of the Launcher will arrive after January with Cortana removed. You can still expect Cortana material to show up in the To Do app, but you won't have a central place to create it on your phone.
Google's Files app now streams local media to your Chromecast
Google just made it decidedly easier to beam your personal media collection to your Chromecast device of choice. An updated version of the Files by Google app includes long-in-the-making support for playing your audio, photos and videos on any Chromecast-capable device, whether it's a speaker, smart display or TV. You only have to dive into a section containing media and choose a target. After that, you'll have on-screen playback controls to steer the action from your phone.
Pre-installed apps on low-end Android phones are full of security holes
In what has become an annual reckoning, security research company Kryptowire recently published its 2019 report on the state of manufacturer-installed software and firmware for Android devices and, to no one's surprise, they found more than 140 bugs which could be exploited for malicious purposes.
The latest Xbox One update adds Google Assistant voice controls
Xbox One's November update is here, bringing with it a bunch of new features and tools designed, as always, to improve your gaming experience. First up, and probably most notable, is the roll-out of Google Assistant voice controls. We've known this was coming for a while, and after a brief spell in beta, it's now available to all Xbox users. If you've got a Google Assistant Home-enabled device, you'll be able to turn your console on and off, launch games and apps and control videos using your voice, and the usual "Hey, Google..." command.
Google Maps can pronounce place names in local languages
Navigation apps can be helpful for getting around an unfamiliar country... up until you need to ask someone for directions and can't say a place name. Google thinks it can help. It's rolling out an update to Google Maps on Android and iOS that can speak place names in the local language. You can point a driver to a Japanese cultural center or a Spanish tapas bar without having to point frantically at the screen. And if you do need more than that translation to get around, there's a direct link to Google Translate if you have it installed.
Facebook is fixing a bug that turned on phone cameras
Early this month, some Facebook users began to notice a glitch when they were using the iOS app. Users shared on Twitter that when they were watching videos or looking at photos, their cameras were activated behind the Facebook app, CNET reports. Facebook has acknowledged the bug and says it is submitting a fix to Apple today.
Pandora adds podcasts to its web player and desktop app
Last year, Pandora introduced a library of podcasts which has grown from hundreds of shows to thousands. While the service offered many of the most popular series, the sticking point was that support was limited to the company's mobile apps. To make it easier for listeners to catch up with their favorite podcasts, Pandora has added the episodic content to its desktop app and web player, which is available to both free and paid users.
Twitch makes it easier for first-time streamers to get started
Twitch wants to make streamer easier for newbies. Launching today, the Twitch Studio is a new streaming app designed to help gamers go live for the first time with minimal fuss or to up their game if they're still new to the scene. Features include a guided setup, where mics, webcams, monitor resolution and bitrates are detected automatically for the best sound and display, and customizable templates, where streamers can choose from loads of starter layouts and pre-built overlays.
Facebook lets you get rid of those annoying notification dots
Facebook's red notification dots may feel like they exist more to keep you hooked than to keep you informed, but there's now a proper way to deal with them. The social network has confirmed that it's rolling out a Shortcut Bar Settings feature on iOS (coming to Android in the weeks ahead) that gives you control over what you see at the bottom of its mobile app. Press and hold on any of the buttons in the bar and you can remove a tab or simply silence its notifications. If Marketplace keeps bugging you to look at items you don't want, you can silence those alerts forever. You can also manage the bar to customize it to your liking.
Apple removes Instagram stalking app Like Patrol from the App Store
Like Patrol -- an app that scrapes Instagram data to let users keep tabs on any Instagram account's interactions -- is in hot water. Instagram sent the app's developers a cease and desist notice last week for violating its terms of service, and on Saturday, Apple completely removed the service from the App Store. A quick search of the App Store confirms that it's no longer available as of this writing. According to CNET, Apple pulled Like Patrol after deciding it violated the App Store guidelines. Though it's not clear which rules were broken, it's a safe bet that they revolve around data collection and privacy violations.
Weather Channel app uses Watson to tell you when flu season is coming
Are you the sort who grows wary around other people when flu season hits? You now have another tool in your (slightly anti-social) arsenal. The latest version of the Weather Channel app for Android and iOS now includes a Flu Insights feature that uses IBM's Watson to warn you when influenza is likely to be on the warpath. The team-up wields machine learning to provide a 15-day flu forecast as well notifications that pop up at key moments, such as the start of flu season or confirmed outbreaks. Ideally, this will keep you from going to a house party full of soon-to-be-sick virus carriers.
Roku app for Apple Watch can control your device from your wrist
Roku is putting a remote control on your wrist -- the one that's wearing an Apple Watch, that is. The company's app is now out for Apple's wearable, and you only need to update your iOS app to version 6.1.3 to be able to get the free application. Like Roku's mobile apps, you can use the Watch application as a remote control for your device. You can launch channels, listed in order of most recently launched, on your TV by tapping on your Watch screen. And you can even control the volume with your Watch's circular crown.