DuckDuckGo to block new ad-tracking tech of Google, but there’s a catch
Recently, Google introduced the FLoC (Federated Learning of Cohorts) tool to collect user browsing habits without relying on Cookies. And now the popular privacy protection search engine DuckDuckGo has also updated its anti-tracking plug-in developed for the Google Chrome browser and added the ability to block the Google FLoC tracker.
However, the tool does not tailor advertisements for each user but categorizes user groups, there is still a risk of privacy leakage. The FLoC shielding function will be launched in the browser plug-in version of DuckDuckGo 2021.4.8.
The official said that this update is still waiting for Google’s approval, but it is expected to be approved soon. If the user has already installed the DuckDuckGo extension, it will be updated automatically, otherwise, you need to visit the Chrome web store to install it.
Moreover, it is reported that the founder of DuckDuckGo said that FLoC is not conducive to privacy. This feature is enabled by default to track user behavior and does not respect user privacy. If Google decides to promote the FLoC function, it should be clearly notified to the user, and it can be turned off manually.
Furthermore, the report also suggests that as the practice of third-party cookies for user privacy collection has been increasingly criticized, the effectiveness of this method is not as good as before. Therefore, Google tries to divide the groups by classifying users, which is convenient for advertisers to push.
Commenting on the updated Chrome add-on and FLoC, Gabriel Weinberg, the founder of DuckDuckGo said:
“FLoC is simply not good for privacy. It does behavioral tracking by default, and there is no such thing as a behavioral tracking mechanism imposed without consent that respects people’s privacy. That’s why if Google insists on moving forward with FLoC, they should make it explicitly opt-in for all users (free of dark patterns). In the meantime we are offering users the ability to opt-out through our DuckDuckGo Chrome extension that has one single purpose: to provide holistic privacy protection in Chrome. It’s privacy, simplified.”
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WhatsApp has pushed a new beta update for Android users, which brings a camera shortcut directly to the gallery sheet to make it easier to access the camera while sending photos or videos. The fresh beta update arrives with version 2.24.24.23, available through the Google Play Beta Program.
Previously, WhatsApp improved the way users send photo and video albums. With that, users can select multiple photos and videos at once, and add captions to entire albums to make it simpler to share media with context.
The new update is adding even more improvements. The camera shortcut, which used to be in the chat bar, is now available directly inside the gallery sheet. It saves time and makes it easier to capture something new without navigating through multiple steps.
Now, when you’re selecting photos or videos to send, you can quickly switch to the camera without leaving the gallery. This new change might feel like an extra step for some users who were used to accessing the camera with a single tap from the chat bar. However, the update aims to combine both the camera and gallery functions into one place.
Notably, not all users will see this new camera shortcut. If you still have the camera shortcut in the chat bar, you won’t see the one in the gallery sheet. This is to avoid clutter and make the app more organized.
This feature is currently available to a limited number of beta testers, and it will be rolled out to more users in the coming days or weeks.
Google Messages introduces a new Backup and Restore feature to make it easier for users to back up and restore their text messages, media, and settings directly within the app. This feature’s strings have been spotted in the Google Messages 20241118_02_RC00 beta version.
Currently, Android users back up their messages through Google One at the system level, but this new update lets users manage backups from within Google Messages itself.
The backup system will offer end-to-end encryption, ensuring that your messages are fully secured. Only you will be able to access the backup, with protection provided by your device’s screen lock.
When signing into the app on a new device, your conversations will automatically restore, providing a seamless transition. However, some devices without a screen lock may not be eligible for encrypted backups.
The backup feature is closely associated with your Google Account and Google One storage, which means you’ll need some extra storage space for backups. While users can choose to turn off backups at any time. Turning off the backup will permanently delete your conversations from your Google Account, although they will still be on your device.
You can also choose to back up media only over Wi-Fi, which can help save mobile data. Additionally, Google Messages will allow you to sync messages across different devices as long as you’re signed into your Google Account.
Aside from this, Google Messages recently rolled out the “Double tap heart ‘feature for Android users. This makes it easier to send a red heart emoji in response to messages.
Google Messages rolls out ‘Double tap to heart’ for easy reactions
Samsung has pushed a fresh update for its Daily Board app, version 15.0.51.1, which brings new features and improvements to enhance the user experience. This update is available on the Galaxy Store with a package size of 19.09MB.
The new update introduces Night Clock Mode, which is designed to make using the app easier and more comfortable in low-light conditions. With this update, the clock interface now automatically switches to a more dimmed color scheme when the lighting around you dims.
It ensures that the clock remains easily readable on the Daily Board without causing eye strain in dark environments. This feature automatically activates when the Adaptive Brightness setting on your Samsung device is turned on.
Along with the new Night Clock Mode, this update also includes some bug fixes. These fixes help improve the overall performance of the app to make it run more smoothly and reliably.
Overall, the Samsung Daily Board 15.0.51.1 update brings a helpful new feature and bug fixes to make it a better and more user-friendly tool for Samsung users. You can install the via Galaxy Store >> Menu option >> Updates.
Also, you can download the update from the third-party app link mentioned here. Install the latest update now to enjoy new features.