Facebook and WhatsApp pull support for BlackBerry OS devices

Social network Facebook and its WhatsApp messaging subsidiary have pulled their support for BlackBerry OS and BB10 devices and have even gone so far as to suggest users 'move to a newer device from Apple, Android or Windows phone by the end of 2016.' WhatsApp's statement is as follows.

As we look ahead to our next seven years, we want to focus our efforts on the mobile platforms the vast majority of people use. So, by the end of 2016, we will be ending support for WhatsApp Messenger on the following mobile platforms:

• BlackBerry, including BlackBerry 10
• Nokia S40
• Nokia Symbian S60
• Android 2.1 and Android 2.2
• Windows Phone 7.1

This isn't really surprising since developer support for BB10 has been dwindling due to lack of interest in a platform that is no longer profitable on a scale that competing platforms currently offer. BlackBerry, whose biggest launch last year was an Android-powered flagship smartphone. BlackBerry has reiterated their support for BB10 and for the devlopers that are continuing the good fight. 

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Facebook now lets you play basketball on Messenger

Here's another potential time waster on Facebook Messenger. The app will now let you play a simple pop-a-shot game. All you need to do to start playing is send a basketball emoji to a friend and then tap it. To shoot you just need to swipe. When you make 10 consecutive shots, the basket starts moving.

Facebook released a mini-game before. In case you didn't know, the app lets you play chess with friends. Just type @fbchess play to begin a match.

Source: BuzzFeed News

WhatsApp, Facebook, Snapchat reportedly working on boosting encryption

Following the ongoing battle between the FBI and Apple, it seems some tech companies are looking to boost their encryption. Reports claim the likes of WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Facebook are looking for ways to protect user data. WhatsApp is said to be preparing to offer encrypted voice calls. Back in 2014, WhatsApp brought end-to-end encryption to Android users. Now the reports claim the service will be bringing encrypted calls and group messaging to its over one billion users. Snapchat is said to be working on its own secure messaging platform, and Facebook is supposedly looking into boosting the security of its Messenger app.

Google is reported to be also putting its encrypted email technology to use elsewhere but a source claims this isn’t entirely a sure thing but it has been “an ongoing effort for a long time.” Google has to find the balance between securing data and maintaining its business model of targeting advertisements based on messages. It’ll get tricky when encryption comes to play.

Source: SlashGear

Facebook buys face-swapping app Masquerade

Snapchat isn't the only one with face-swapping capabilities. Facebook wants to offer the experience to its users so they've bought face-swapping and live filter app Masquerade. You probably know them more as MSQRD on both Android and iOS worlds. The standalone apps won't go away but what Facebook is looking to do is bring the feature into its app (we're guessing to Messenger).

According to Masquerade CEO Eugene Nevgen, the purchase will help them reach a wider audience. "Within Facebook, we're going to be able to reach people at a scale like never before." As of December 2015, there are over a billion daily active users on Facebook, so they do have the potential to reach a much larger audience.

Source: SlashGear