Facebook reportedly thinking of using end-to-end encryption for Messenger

Facebook-owned WhatsApp already has end-to-end encryption activated by default on its messaging platform. And it looks like Facebook itself is mulling over the idea of bringing this into its own Messenger app. But unlike WhatsApp, end-to-end encryption will be a separate mode that users need to enable. The Guardian reports the opt-in approach is being taken with Messenger because having messages encrypted means Facebook will interfere Facebook’s machine learning, which is needed for its recently launched chat bots.

Source: The Guardian

Facebook tests more customizable categories for your news feed

If you feel like you're not getting the stories you want on Facebook, there's a possibility you'll get a highly customized news feed in the future. The social network is helping you refine your news feed further by separating it with categories, including things like travel, music, TV and movies, science, and food, to name a few. These get refined further by specifying, for example, animated films in the entertainment category. If you find it tedious to look at all categories, tags will appear under the posts on your news feed. Facebook continually refines its UI so if this does become an actual feature, it might not appear the same way it does now.

Source: The Next Web

Facebook shows off first video using its Surround 360 rig

Curious about what kind of videos are possible with Facebook’s Surround 360 camera rig? Mark Zuckerberg posted the first video shot and produced with the Surround 360. It shows what’s possible for virtual reality movies and what the camera is capable off. The clip is a 3.5 minutes and has you sitting in New York City’s Grand Central Terminal watching people as they pass by. It makes you feel like you’re right there in the midst of everyone. The great thing is you don’t need a VR headset to see the video. We’d suggest using your phone since it lets you change views by just tilting the device.

Source: Mark Zuckerberg | Via: Engadget

Facebook tries out temporary reactions starting with a flower for Mother’s Day

We’re not sure if this’ll show up on your feed but if you suddenly find a flower there, that’s Facebook way of helping you commemorate Mother’s Day. The social network giant is supposedly testing out temporary reactions to add to the six existing ones just for Mother’s Day. These digital flower reactions are said to be coming to a few markets in time for the special occasion. Facebook won’t say though which markets will be seeing the feature. But better keep your eye out on the 8^th and also if you can, please buy actual flowers for your mom or at least something she’d appreciate.

Source: Sreedev Sharma @ Twitter | Via: The Verge