Facebook Portal devices get support for Netflix, Zoom

Source: Facebook

Facebook is updating its Portal devices to add Netflix and Zoom as supported apps. Netflix will only come to the Portal TV, joining other streaming services like Amazon Prime Video and Crave already available on the device. Facebook will be launching a new remote that gives you easy access to Prime Video, Facebook Watch, and Netflix, similar to what Google did with the new Chromecast.

As for Zoom, it'll be launching on the Portal smart displays (Portal Mini, Portal, and Portal+), with support for the Portal TV coming in the future. Zoom can even take advantage of its smart AI camera, which can keep the focus on you even if you move around.

Source: Facebook

Zoom brings two-factor authentication to all users

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Zoom is bringing two-factor authentication (2FA) to all its users, which can help stave off security breaches and "zoombombing." It can keep potential attackers away from taking over your account with stolen or recycled credentials since they need to have control of your mobile device, too. You can use 2FA with Zoom's web portal, desktop client, Zoom Room, and mobile app. It supports the time-based one-time password (TOTP), which means it works with apps like Google Authenticator, FreeOTP, and Microsoft Authenticator. It also works with different authentication methods like OAuth, password-based authentication, and SAML.

When you enable 2FA, the video conferencing app will require you to enter a one-time code from a mobile authenticator app, phone call, or SMS. There are slightly different procedures on enabling 2FA, depending on whether you're a business admin or individual user. You can view the detailed guide over at this link.

Source: Engadget

Zoom to support Facebook, Amazon, Google smart displays this year

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Zoom is bringing its video conferencing app to smart displays this year. The company will start rolling it out to Facebook Portal first in September, with Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub Max getting support before the year ends. 

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Zoom clarifies statements on why free users won't get end-to-end encrypted video calls

A few days ago, we heard from Zoom's security consultant Alex Stamos that the company plans to offer end-to-end encryption to its paying users. The company's CEO Eric Yuan confirmed this plan a few days later, but the way he worded the confirmation made it seem like it was to allow law enforcement to intercept video calls. A Twitter user then chastised him for using language that suggests he's "kowtowing to the police."

In the company's latest financial results announcement, Yuan said, "Free users, for sure, we don't want to give that [end-to-end encryption]. Because we also want to work it together with FBI and local law enforcement, in case some people use Zoom for bad purpose."

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