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Posts published in “Apps and OS”

Facebook is now back online and explains the reason for the outage

October 5, 2021

Facebook is now back, together with Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger. After more than 6 hours of being down, the social media giant explained that the cause of the outage is a “configuration changes on the backbone routers that coordinate network traffic between our data centers caused issues that interrupted this communication. This disruption to network traffic had a cascading effect on the way our data centers communicate, bringing our services to a halt.”

Facebook with Messenger, Instagram and Whatsapp went down last night leaving billions of users unable to communicate and unreachable, especially those who only exclusively use the services by the social media giant.

Mark Zuckerberg also posted an apology;

Facebook’s explanation did not provide much details on the outage, which to most of its users won’t even care about, as long as the service is back online.

Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp are down

October 5, 2021

If you’re Instagram, Facebook and Whatsapp are unresponsive on your smartphone, then it you are not the only one, since all three services are currently down and Facebook already release a statement on twitter that they are aware of the issue and working to restore all three services.

A quick visit on Facebook.com, rather than the usual newsfeed, you will be greeted by a “Sorry, something went wrong.” message. While Instagram and Whatsapp, will give you the same “5xx Server Error.”

Here are the screenshots when I visit the websites.

On downdetector.com, it indicates that Facebook.com have been down for more than 2 hours now and the website received more than 125,00 reports at one time.

It’s unclear how long will the service be down and what is the caused of the downtime. I guess, we just need to wait and see.

Apple just release the iOS 15 and iPadOS 15

September 22, 2021

Apple just release the iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, which you can download today. Owners of iPhone 10 and later model will benefit the most, when they update to the iOS 15, as it offers new and enhanced features.

If you are using the iPhone 6s or later model, you can download the new iOS 15, while the iPadOS 15 will be available to users of the following ipads;

  • iPad mini 4 and later
  • iPad Air 2 and later
  • iPad 5th generation and later
  • all iPad Pro models

Owners of iPhone 10 and later model will benefit the most when they update to the iOS 15, as it offers new and enhanced features.

Since iPadOS is just an optimized version of iOS, we can assume that most if not all features of iOS 15 will also be on iPadOS 15.

Here’s a rundown on the new and enhanced features on iOS 15 and iPadOS 15;

  • Enhancements on Facetime calls
  • Focus, which Apple says will help reduce distractions
  • New redesigned Notifications
  • On-device AI like Live Text, Advanced Spotlight Search, and Memories
  • Redesigned Safari browser, where the tab bar will be located at the bottom of the screen, to easily access the tabs and the introduction of Tab Groups that organize the browser tabs.
  • New visuals and navigation features for Maps
  • Redesigned Weather app
  • More Privacy controls
  • and more…

To read more on the new iOS 15, you can go here and here for more on iPadOS 15.

If you have ‘Automatic Updates’ turned on, your device should have updated to the latest iOS or iPadOS, without you doing anything, just in case it did not update, you can go to SEETINGS > GENERAL > SOFTWARE UPDATE, from there you should see the notification regarding the latest iOS or iPadOS, then just tap the DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL to proceed with the update.

iOS 14.8 now available for iPhone 6s and later models

September 22, 2021

Apple just release the iOS 14.8, which is ‘probably’ the last update for iOS 14 before the iOS 15 becomes available.

The iOS 14.8 provides the usual “security updates” and is recommended for users using the following devices;

  • iPhone 6s and later
  • iPad Pro (all models)
  • iPad Air 2 and later
  • iPad 5th generation and later
  • iPad mini 4 and later
  • iPod touch (7th generation)

If you have ‘Automatic Updates’ turned on, your device should have updated without you doing anything but incase it did not update, you can go to SEETINGS > GENERAL > SOFTWARE UPDATE, from there you should see the notification regarding the iOS 14.8 update, then just tap the DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL to update to the latest version of iOS 14.8.

You can find more information on the iOS 14.8 update by going to https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212807.

Instagram is testing a new feature called ‘Favorites,’ giving you more control over your IG Feed

September 14, 2021

Your Instagram feed will soon look like it got some advice from Marie Kondo, since it is currently testing an new feature called ‘Favorites,’ which give you more control and better organize your IG feed.

You will no longer have to scroll endlessly in order for you to checkout your friend’s foodgram or watch the latest ‘House of Highlights’ post, since you now designate an account as a “favorite’ which tells Instagram these are accounts that are more important to you.

Instagram tested a similar feature back in 2017, by limiting the people who can view each of your post.

According to Alessandro Paluzzi, a mobile developer, Favorites will allow you to let Instagram know which of the accounts that you follow is more important to you, so their posts will appear “higher” in your feed.



Accounts that you tag as your “Favorites” will by pass Instagram’s algorithm, so that you’ll be able to see them first rather than later.

Of course it’s still not clear if Instagram will make this feature official and rollout to all its users. I guess we just have to wait and see.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft officially announce Windows 11

June 25, 2021

Microsoft has officially the next version of Windows, the Windows 11. Even though the company previously said that Windows 10 will be the last version of Windows, if unclear why the company branded the next version of their operating system to “Windows 11”.

Windows 11 will feature a new UI, updated window management system, and support for Android applications, which is a similar move that Apple made with the “Project Catalyst“.

Here’s a 2-min introduction video that Microsoft release for Windows 11.

Just like with Windows 10, Windows 11 will be a free update to all users running Windows 10 but there’s a caveat, you need to meet the system requirements of Windows 11.

Windows 11 minimum system requirements;

  • Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
  • Memory: 4 GB RAM
  • Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device
  • System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
  • TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
  • Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x
  • Display: at least 9” with HD Resolution (720p)
  • Microsoft account and internet connection is also needed to upgrade.

If you are unsure if your PC meets these requirements, you can use the PC Health Check app, which you can download here.

RuneScape releases mobile version of the game

June 22, 2021

RuneScape, a fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed and published by Jagex Games Studio, just release the mobile version of their iconic PC game, which was first released in January 2001.

In their official announcement, the company said;

Today is a significant moment in RuneScape’s history, ushering in the next chapter of our cross-play vision and our quest to bring RuneScape to everywhere we can. We have finally arrived on Mobile!

Moments ago, we finished our final pre-launch checks and they are all green. Deployment of RuneScape around the world has begun, marking June 17th as our official launch day for iOS and Android.

Before the release, Jagex launched a pre-registration campaign which has reached more than 1.8 MILLION registrations in all 5 tiers.

RuneScape can be downloaded on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

This article was first posted on Extradot.Net.

TV Patrol is now available worldwide on Youtube, Facebook, http://news.abs-cbn.com and ABS-CBN News app

November 10, 2020

ABS-CBN has lifted the geo-block of TV Patrol and can now be access worldwide.

Here are the direct links for the news program;

Source: Extradot

WhatsApp officially rolls-out payment service in India

November 7, 2020
WhatsApp officially rolls-out payment service in India

WhatsApp has officially roll-out their payment service in India. The payment service was initially available in beta in 2018 but concern in data storage and sharing delayed its official roll-out in the country.

Here’s the official announcement from WhatsApp;

Starting today, people across India will be able to send money through WhatsApp. This secure payments experience makes transferring money just as easy as sending a message. People can safely send money to a family member or share the cost of goods from a distance without having to exchange cash in person or going to a local bank.

WhatsApp designed our payments feature in partnership with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) using the Unified Payment Interface (UPI), an India-first, real-time payment system that enables transactions with over 160 supported banks. We’re excited to join India’s campaign to increase the ease and use of digital payments, which is helping expand financial inclusion in India.

To send money on WhatsApp in India, it’s necessary to have a bank account and debit card in India. WhatsApp sends instructions to banks, also known as payment service providers, that initiate the transfer of money via UPI between sender and receiver bank accounts. We’re delighted to be working with five leading banks in India: ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, the State Bank of India, and Jio Payments Bank. People can send money on WhatsApp to anyone using a UPI supported app.

In the long run, we believe the combination of WhatsApp and UPI’s unique architecture can help local organizations address some of the key challenges of our time, including increasing rural participation in the digital economy and delivering financial services to those who have never had access before.

Just like every feature in WhatsApp, payments is designed with a strong set of security and privacy principles, including entering a personal UPI PIN for each payment. Payments on WhatsApp is now available for people on the latest version of the iPhone and Android app.

WhatsApp to introduce disappearing messages

November 5, 2020

WhatsApp will introduce disappearing messages, a new feature that will allow users to automatically delete messages that are more than 7 days. The new feature will be rolling out to all WhatsApp users this month.

Here’s the full text of their announcement;

Introducing disappearing messages on WhatsApp

Today, WhatsApp messages often live on our phones forever. While it’s great to hold onto memories from friends and family, most of what we send doesn’t need to be everlasting.

Our goal is make conversations on WhatsApp feel as close to in-person as possible, which means they shouldn’t have to stick around forever. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the option to use disappearing messages on WhatsApp.

When disappearing messages is turned on, new messages sent to a chat will disappear after 7 days, helping the conversation feel lighter and more private. In a one-to-one chat, either person can turn disappearing messages on or off. In groups, admins will have the control.

We’re starting with 7 days because we think it offers peace of mind that conversations aren’t permanent, while remaining practical so you don’t forget what you were chatting about. The shopping list or store address you received a few days ago will be there while you need it, and then disappear after you don’t. You can read more, including how to enable disappearing messages here.

We hope people enjoy disappearing messages, which will be rolling out to users everywhere this month.

Grab partners with Marriott International to offer “Premium” Hospitality service in Southeast Asia

October 29, 2020

Grab announces its partnership with Marriott International that will allow both parties to offer what they’re calling “Premium” hospitality service in six Southeast Asian countries; Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand.

The hospitality services will include multiple verticals including food delivery, advertising, loyalty and rewards, payment and transport services.

Here’s a full text of the announcement;

SINGAPORE, 29 October 2020 – Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading super app and Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR), today announced a wide-ranging strategic partnership that will see both companies integrating their offerings to bring the premium hospitality experience into the hands of millions of consumers in Southeast Asia. This is Marriott International’s first extensive integration with a super app platform in Southeast Asia, and Grab’s most comprehensive agreement with a hospitality group to date.

Under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Marriott International will integrate into Grab’s platform in phases across food delivery, payment, transport, loyalty and rewards, as well as advertising. Marriott International will have access to Grab’s sizable customer base via GrabFood, GrabPay, and GrabAds, enabling them to serve a growing pool of customers who are increasingly transacting online.

GrabFood will feature approximately 600 restaurants and bars from Marriott International’s portfolio in six different Southeast Asian markets. In addition, customers will be able to conveniently pay for their dining experiences through GrabPay at selected Marriott International hotels. Customers will earn GrabRewards points for all transactions on the Grab platform, which can be converted to Marriott Bonvoy points (and vice versa). Marriott Bonvoy is the award-winning travel program of Marriott International that encompasses the company’s global portfolio of 30 hotel brands and premium home rental offering, Homes and Villas by Marriott International. Once in place, Grab customers will be able to redeem their converted points for exclusive member benefits at over 7,400 hotels and resorts in 135 countries and territories.

Through this partnership, Marriott International and Grab seek to digitally enhance the premium hospitality experience by making it more accessible, relevant and rewarding for their customers in the new normal.

“Marriott International is constantly looking for ways to innovate and bring value to travelers and Marriott Bonvoy members as part of our partnership strategy,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International. “Our collaboration with Grab is one way we are designing a more seamless travel experience by leveraging the expertise of a super app in the region.”

Russell Cohen, Group Managing Director – Operations, Grab said: “We are excited to partner with a world-renowned hospitality group like Marriott International that is at the forefront of delivering customer-first hospitality experiences. The breadth of our collaboration reflects our value as a platform of choice in supporting global brands on their digitalisation journey in the new normal, and in particular represents a milestone for our fast-growing GrabAds business.”

Grab and Marriott International’s initiatives to bring customer experiences to a new level include:

  • GrabFood: Starting from November, customers will progressively be able to enjoy food delivery from approximately 600 different Food and Beverage (F&B) outlets across Marriott International hotels in six of Grab’s operating markets, which will be made available on the GrabFood platform in phases. This offers Grab customers access to a wide variety of premium dining options that they can enjoy from the comfort of their homes.
  • GrabPay: Piloting in Q1 2021 first in Singapore, travellers will be able to make cashless payments through GrabPay at participating Marriott International hotels. F&B outlets that accept GrabPay can soon also access Grab’s Merchant Discovery feature to notify guests in the vicinity of participating hotels about ongoing promotions and events. This will help businesses increase sales, grow customer loyalty and drive more foot traffic to physical outlets.
  • GrabAds: Grab and Marriott International will jointly create impactful marketing campaigns that are relevant and personalised to customers. With GrabAds’ solutions, Marriott International can connect with customers in a targeted way through audience data, integrate marketing communications across touchpoints, and track campaign performance in real-time.
  • GrabRewards: Grab and Marriott will link their respective loyalty programmes to offer expanded benefits to Marriott Bonvoy and GrabRewards members. Starting in Q1 2021, Grab customers and Marriott Bonvoy members will be able to enjoy two-way points transfer. This will allow consumers to convert GrabRewards points to Marriott Bonvoy points and vice versa, enjoying flexibility and benefits on GrabRewards, Southeast Asia’s largest rewards platform by users, with nearly 800 merchants.

Both companies will also launch more loyalty initiatives in the coming months, including dining rewards at Marriott’s F&B outlets. 

The strategic partnership will begin in Singapore in November 2020, with Marriott International and Grab to roll out more products and services across Southeast Asia in multiple phases.

Microsoft updates Xbox App to introduces remote play feature and more

September 28, 2020

Microsoft has updated the Xbox App, for both the iOS and Android, to introduce a number of cool features like “console remote play, remote game installs, chat and more.”

The announcement was made by Harrison Hoffman, Senior Program Manager for Xbox;

The Xbox App is currently in beta test and will probably launch the same time the new Xbox Series X and Series S becomes available.

Angkas introduces Angkas Food, a food delivery service to help their riders

March 25, 2020

Angkas, the ride-sharing motorcycle company, just introduced Angkas Food, a food delivery service wherein the riders will keep 100% of the delivery fees. Angkas said that this is their way of helping their drivers earn a living in this time of COVID-19.

The delivery fee will be Php60 on the first KM and Php10 in the succeeding kilometer up to 5 km.

The service will initially be available in Metro Manila area and will deliver from 10:00 in the morning until 5:30 in the afternoon. You can go here to checkout the list of restaurants and menus.

WhatsApp now with Dark Mode

March 4, 2020
WhatsApp now with Dark Mode

WhatsApp just announce that Dark Mode feature is available in the latest version of the app. The new theme is available to both iOS and Android users.

Here’s the full text of WhatsApp’s announcement;

We are very excited to update WhatsApp with the most requested feature from our users everywhere – dark mode.

Dark mode for WhatsApp offers a fresh look on a familiar experience. It’s designed to reduce eye strain in low light environments. And we hope it helps prevent those awkward moments where your phone lights up the room.

When designing dark mode we spent time researching and experimenting with a focus on two particular areas:

Readability: When choosing colors, we wanted to minimize eye fatigue and use colors that are closer to the system defaults on iPhone and Android respectively.

Information Hierarchy: We wanted to help users easily focus their attention on each screen. We did this by using color and other design elements to make sure the most important information stands out.

Users on Android 10 and iOS 13 can use dark mode by enabling it in system settings. Users on Android 9 and below can go into WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Theme > select ‘Dark’.

We hope everyone enjoys dark mode, which is rolling out in the coming days on the latest version of WhatsApp.