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

Anonymous calls out Donald Trump, declares ‘total war’ on him

Hacktivist group Anonymous have set their sights on Donald Trump once again. The group posted a new video recently declaring “total war” against the U.S. presidential candidate. They want to put a stop to his presidential bid by uncovering and exposing embarrassing information. Anonymous targeted him because according to the masked activist, “your inconsistent and hateful campaign has not only shocked the United States of America, you have shocked the entire planet with your appalling actions and ideas.”

The collective is asking for help to bring TrumpChicago.com on April 1^st. They’re using the hastag #OpTrump. And are also planning on taking down other personal and business sites owned by the tycoon as well as his online sites for his campaign. Anonymous has already posted unverified personal information on Trump and his staff, including his social security number.

Source: Engadget

Placeboard for iOS saves your favorite spots in a single place

Hoping to keep track of places to check out on your trip? Placeboard wants to make it easier for you to keep them in a single app. The iPhone app is a simple bookmarking app for locations. You just need to type in a place and add it to Placeboard. To help you organize, you can use tags. The app lets you search by city or even just look at what's around you at the moment. You can also send out lists to friends over SMS or email.  

Source: Lifehacker | Download: Apple App Store ($6.99) 

Portable hydroelectric plant can charge your smartphone

Michael Franco/Gizmag

South Korean company Enomad made news a couple of years back when it placed mobile phone charging stations along the country's manmade Cheonggyecheon River. What was special was these stations used the force of the river to turn turbines and generate electricity. Enomad has been able to shrink that concept to fit it into a backpack. The company demonstrated it at SXSW and its also called Enomad. The bullet-shaped device is as large as a thermos and comes with a white translucent cover that hides four propellers you can place into flowing water to charge it up. You can also have it be towed by your kayak or other water vessels. You just need to get the propellers to spin and turn the internal turbine that'll charge the 5,200mAh battery. It supposedly takes about two hours to charge the device in a normally flowing stream.  

When you're finished charging you can take out the rotor section to get to the USB charging ports. It can supposedly charge an iPhone 6 roughly twice. The other use for it is you can put the cover back on and press a button to turn it into a lantern, making it the perfect companion for your outdoor adventures. Enomad plans to launch a Kickstarter project for this in early July with an expected retail price of $180 USD (around $230 CAD). 

Source: Gizmag