Instagram co-founders Systrom and Krieger leave Facebook

In a move that seemingly echoes the earlier departure of WhatsApp co-counder Jan Koum, Instagram co-founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger have announced their resignation from Facebook. First reported by The New York Times, the announcement was confirmed by Systrom in a blog post. While Koum reportedly left over apparent disagreements over user privacy and data-sharing, Systrom states they want to take time off “to explore our curiosity and creativity again.” Rumour has it though that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s meddling into how Instagram is run has resulted in the two leaving. But Systrom did not speak out about this in any way. Systrom wrote, “We remain excited for the future of Instagram and Facebook in the coming years as we transition from leaders to two users in a billion. We look forward to watching what these innovative and extraordinary companies do next.”

However, with Instagram being considered Facebook’s most successful acquisition, it seems Facebook is becoming increasingly reliant on Instagram to secure its future. It has been seen as a fast-growing and successful alternative to Facebook for teenage users who have become disillusioned by Facebook’s privacy violations and all the other issues the social network finds itself in, including crises surrounding election interference, fake news, and the perception that Facebook isn’t healthy for democracy or society. With its founders gone, it remains to be seen how independent Instagram will be from its parent company. And whether this would completely change how the app works.

Source: The Verge

Apple starts rolling out Mojave macOS update

If you have an early 2015 MacBook or later, mid-2012 MacBook Pro or later, a late 2012 iMac or later, or a mid-2012 MacBook Air or later, you’re eligible to get the latest version of macOS. Apple just released version 10.14, which it has codenamed Mojave. While considered a more minor software update, Mojave brings with it things like dark mode, Stacks file organization, better screenshot functionality, and a redesigned Mac App Store.

The beta has been out for a few months already but with a wider release, this signals that most of the kinks and bugs have been fixed now. The update also brings with it four ported versions of iOS apps: Apple News, Voice Memos, Home, and Stocks. This signals the convergence of the iOS and macOS systems. Apple has previously told developers it will be offering cross-platform tools for developers in the coming year. You can check if the update has made its way to you by looking for Mojave in the macOS App Store.

Source: The Verge

Waze finally comes to Apple CarPlay

On the heels of the announcement that Google Maps is available on Apple CarPlay, crowdsourced turn-by-turn navigation app Waze has finally been made available on Apple's smart infotainment system.

Waze, the platform bringing together communities on and off the road, today announced its integration with Apple CarPlay to further its mission of decreasing traffic on the road, and making driving safer and more convenient for everyone on the road. As one of the first navigation apps on the CarPlay platform, the Waze integration will bring the millions of users on CarPlay the opportunity to seamlessly use Waze features directly from their in-car display.

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New leak shows off Huawei Mate 20 Pro in full

Huawei is set to unveil its new Mate phones on October 16^th and as we near said date, we’re getting more leaks. This time around SlashLeaks shares renders of what looks like the Mate 20 Pro enclosed in a blue silicone case. The back shows the rumoured triple-lens camera setup and the front “confirms” the rumour that the Mate 20 Pro won’t be sporting the teardrop-style notch to make room for the enhanced face-scanning tech. The Mate 20 and Mate 20 Pro are said to include an in-screen fingerprint scanner, which this render somehow confirms with the lack of a cut-out for the rear fingerprint scanner. Some of the other rumoured specs include wireless charging support, and a new NM card, which is Huawei’s take on a standard memory card format.

Source: TechRadar