Facebook trying out Snapchat-like disappearing messages on Messenger

Facebook seems to be taking the cue from Snapchat and is testing out disappearing messages on its Messenger for iOS. The screenshots posted by Twitter user @iOSAppChanges show that users can set time limits for their messages, whether these be for a minute, after 15 minutes, an hour, four hours, or one day. This could appeal to users, especially the young crowd who use apps like Snapchat, who don’t want to have their messages stay online. It could also give its users more control over their private communications and even help deter Facebook from getting embroiled in its own Apple vs. FBI-like battle since it can no longer access these disappearing messages.

Source: MacWorld

Twitter introduces new accounts via Connect

A new feature on Twitter’s mobile app will make it easier for you to find people to follow on the social network. The new Connect tab shows you a list of accounts based on people you follow. It also shows popular accounts in your area. You can choose to automatically sync your contacts so you no longer have to look for them. It’s now available on both iOS and Android. This new feature is meant to help new users find people to follow on the service and hopefully keep them coming back to it.

Source: Twitter

Google partners with Chrysler to out self-driving minivans

Google’s road to releasing self-driving cars has been bumpy, to say the least. But that isn’t stopping them from developing the technology. Google is now collaborating with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) to put their technology into Fiat Chrysler minivans. According to Google: “FCA will design the minivans so it’s easy for us to install our self-driving systems, including the computers that hold our self-driving software, and the sensors that enable our software to see what’s on the road around the vehicle. The minivan design also gives us an opportunity to test a larger vehicle that could be easier for passengers to enter and exit, particularly with features like hands-free sliding doors.”

Don’t expect this to be available on showroom floors just yet though even if they plan to test it out on roads by the end of the year. At the moment, this just helps Chrysler leverage Google’s tech and Google find out how to integrate its technologies into the assembly line for future release of autonomous cars, or in this case minivans.

Source: Google | Via: The Next Web

Hot Docs features micro documentaries #shotoniphone

Micro Docs - #HotDocs4Life from HotDocsFest on Vimeo.

The yearly Hots Docs film festival is on the great draws of Toronto and features dozens of compelling documentary and independent films on a wide range of topics. This year, they are adding alumni-shot micro documentaries that are shot exclusively on Apple's iPhone and cover topics pertinent to the festival.

“With advances in mobile filmmaking, putting iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus into the hands of filmmakers will drive new movements in the short doc space, offering filmmakers the ability to create stunning, pro-level content easier and faster than ever.” says Elizabeth Radshaw, Hot Docs industry programs director.The films were shot on 4K using the Filmic Pro app. Hit jump for more details.

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