WhatsApp gives Android users encrypted messaging

WhatsApp has just rolled out encrypted messaging to its Android users, which means only the account user will gain access to the messages and neither WhatsApp or law enforcement agencies can see what you’ve been saying on the messaging app. End-to-end encryption on WhatsApp is brought by Open Whisper System’s TextSecure code. If you haven’t noticed any changes, well, this has been happening in the backend for the past week or so already. So far this encryption feature is available for Android only. There is no word yet on an iOS rollout.

Speaking of the iOS app, it gets iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus support already and has squashed a few bugs in the system. Hopefully, WhatsApp gets to rolling out encryption to the Apple counterpart as well.

Source: The Verge | Via: SlashGear | Download: Google Play Store (Free)

Microsoft tipped to sell off Nokia MixRadio

Part of Microsoft’s acquisition of Nokia’s devices and services business is the Finnish brand’s music streaming service MixRadio. It works similarly to Pandora and is also alike Microsoft’s own Xbox Music service. It doesn’t come as a surprise then that the Redmond-based company is reportedly planning on spinning off and selling MixRadio as separate entity. Microsoft is supposedly looking into investors interested in buying MixRadio on its own. And process is said to be making “good progress” but there is no word on who Microsoft is talking to about the possible sale.

Source: TechCrunch | Via: Ubergizmo

Facebook encourages micro-sharing with Groups app

Facebook is introducing a new app to bring more focus to its Groups section. The good thing for those who don’t want to download yet another Facebook app is it won’t be completely unbundled from the main Facebook app. What it does is it gives you the option to share and see updates on a more granular level. It’ll let you create new groups (like Family, Co-Workers) or join groups based on interests. Think of it as a more controlled News Feed or how Facebook used to be before it blew up. Facebook won’t say yet if it’ll eventually have ads but if you want go back to the days of social media being about those that really matter to you, this might be a good thing to check out. It’ll be available for both Android and iOS users.

Source: Facebook Newsroom | Via: The Verge

Sony debuts smartphone camera sensor with DSLR-like autofocus

Further encroaching on the camera space, Sony has just released a new “stacked CMOS sensor” that will reportedly place an effective 21 megapixels into a 1/2.4-inch-sized form factor. The Exmor RS IMX230 comes with a built-in 192-point phase detection autofocus, which means it can keep fast-moving objects sharp, as well as HDR and 4K video. This new sensor will debut in April 2015 and will most likely be seen in Sony’s new flagship.

Source: Engadget