Here are the top trending news from the world of technology. News that every tech enthusiast should keep a tab on.
1)
Google Chrome is testing ‘IP Protection’ feature that will hide your IP Address
To increase the privacy and security of Chrome browsers, Google Chrome is currently testing a new feature called ‘IP Protection’ feature. This feature will mask browsers’ ‘IP address’ with the help of proxy servers. As a result, websites and online services cannot track browsers’ activities across the websites. As and when the IP Protection feature is launched it could prove to be a big game-changer for online privacy. Moreso because unlike third party cookies, browsers currently cannot stop websites from accessing their IP addresses. Apart from privacy, IP Protection feature can also help in reducing the risk of fingerprinting, hacking and avoid geo-restriction.
2)
Amazon goes Password-Free on IOS and Web
Amazon has started rolling out passkey support for its website and IOS shopping app in selected countries. This means now Amazon customers can log-in to their accounts without typing their username and password. Instead they can use biometric security like Touch ID, Face ID or PIN. To use passkey, Amazon customers will have to first enable it by going into their account settings. Amazon will probably launch passkeys on its Android app in coming weeks. As compared to traditional passwords, passkeys are considered to be safer & secure against hacking and other types of cyber security threats. By all means, we are probably heading towards a passwordless future.
3)
Tinder Rolls out Matchmaker Feature in Select Countries
Tinder has rolled out a new feature called ‘Tinder Matchmaker.’ This feature will allow your friends and family members to suggest best matches for you. These friends and family members can be anyone, right from your grandmother to your ex-boyfriend. This feature is currently only available in select markets and you can invite up to only 15 individuals to play matchmaker for you. It is important to note that your friends and family cannot see who you’ve swiped on or who you’ve matched with. They also can’t message anyone on your behalf. Matchmaker also don’t need to have a Tinder profile to view or suggest best possible match.
4)
TikTok is testing 15-minute Videos with Select Users
Popular short video app TikTok is currently testing 15-minute videos with select users. This is a major increase from the existing 10-minute limit set by TikTok. 15-minute videos will give lot of flexibility to creators in creating longer content like cooking recipes, beauty tutorials, educational content and comedy sketches. Over the years, TikTok has been steadily moving towards longer content. Till 2022, it allowed only 3-minute video before increasing the limit to current 10 minutes. The Chinese app would be hoping that increasing the time limit will help in attracting new users. More importantly, it will increase opportunities for advertising and monetization.
5)
Instagram is testing Meta verified only Feed
Instagram currently is beta testing a verified-only feed that would allow users to see posts only from verified accounts. This feature is currently being tested with a small group of users, and it is not certain when or if it will be rolled out to all users. Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri said that the company is testing the verified-only feed as a way to give creators and brands more visibility. He also said that the feature could help users to discover new content from accounts that they might not be following yet. For instance, some users are concerned that it could make it more challenging for emerging creators and small businesses to be seen and discovered.