third-party
Latest
WhatsApp tests feature that could open it up to other messaging apps
The latest WhatsApp beta contains a new screen called Third-party chats that may allow it to work with other messaging apps.
Some third-party Twitter apps aren't working right now
Affected third-party clients include Tweetbot, Twitterific, Fenix, Echofon, Feather and Talon.
'Buy with Prime' lets third-party retailers use Amazon's shipping service
Amazon has unveiled "Buy with Prime," a service that let's other online retailers use its vast delivery network to fulfill orders on their own websites.
Google Assistant can now play Spotify podcasts on your Nest speakers
Users around the world can now use Google’s Assistant to play and control Spotify podcasts in English.
Apple will give third-party Mac repair shops its stamp of approval
Apple will verify third-party Mac repair shops, too.
Snapchat’s third-party ‘Mini’ apps are live
Snapchat's first four 'Mini' apps offer meditation, studying and more.
Google’s Advanced Protection Program will block third-party Android apps
Google's latest changes to its Advanced Protection Program could create a headache for Android users who were downloading apps outside of the Play Store. Aside from a few exceptions, program participants will no longer be able to install third-party apps, TechCrunch reports.
Amazon is removing listings for products that claim to cure coronavirus
Amazon is removing listings for any products that claim to prevent, treat or cure the coronavirus, CNBC reports. The company began notifying third-party merchants of the change this week, and it says it will consider reinstating flagged listings if sellers remove the "prohibited medical claims."
Apple may be open to letting users set their own default apps
Apple's insistence on gatekeeping certain actions of rival apps on iPhones and iPads has long been a source of contention among users. Clicking on web links or email addresses, for example, automatically takes you to Safari or Apple Mail, even if you've got other alternatives installed. But this may be about to change. According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, the company is considering letting users switch from Apple's default apps to those of its rivals.
Amazon reportedly lists some toys before confirming they're safe
Some toys may appear on Amazon without being vetted for safety. According to a CNBC report, multiple third-party sellers say they were only asked for proof of safety compliance weeks after their products were listed for sale. While the practice might help speed up the listing process, it could also lead to unsafe products being sold on Amazon.
Apple re-fixes a bug that let users jailbreak iPhones
Apple fixed a vulnerability that temporarily allowed hackers to jailbreak iPhones. The bug was first fixed in iOS 12.3 but reintroduced in iOS 12.4. Hackers discovered the flaw earlier this month and shared a free public jailbreak just for the fun of it. Today, Apple released iOS 12.4.1, which should take care of the vulnerability once and for all.
An independent report on Facebook’s alleged liberal bias tells us nothing
Conservatives have long lamented that Facebook has a liberal, or anti-conservative, bias. Since the 2016 election, the company has been grilled on the issue by the White House more than once. In an attempt to clear the air, Facebook enlisted an independent third-party to decide once and for all if it does indeed have an anti-conservative bias. Last year, it asked former Republican Senator Jon Kyl and his team at Covington & Burling LLP to conduct a review of the company's policies. The results are in, and for the most part, they tell us nothing.
Hackers make jailbreaking iPhones a thing again
In the iPhone's early days, hackers would "jailbreak" the iPhone in order to install third-party apps that weren't available through the App Store. It's been a while since anyone seriously needed to jailbreak their iPhone, as there are plenty of apps and more customizable operating systems to choose from. But this weekend, hackers dusted off their jailbreaking skills when a vulnerability was discovered in iOS 12.4. Security researcher Pwn20wnd released the first free public jailbreak for a fully updated iPhone in years.
Instagram users can now flag false content
Beginning today, Instagram users can report content that they believe to be false. Instagram will use those flags to better understand misinformation on the platform and to train its AI to spot false content. In time, Instagram will use the feedback, as well as other "signals" -- like how old a post is and the account's previous behavior -- to determine if a post needs to be reviewed by third-party fact checkers. This is slightly different than the pilot program Instagram launched in May, which allows users to flag false content for review by fact checkers. For now, that will remain a pilot.
New Amazon donation program gives unsold products to the needy
Following reports that Amazon often destroys unsold and unwanted products stored in its warehouses, the company is launching a donations program that will help distribute goods to people in need, according to a report from CNBC. The program, called Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) Donations, will distribute products to non-profit organizations through Good360 in the United States and Newlife and Barnardo's in the United Kingdom.
EU opens Amazon probe to see if it used merchant data to gain an advantage
On the same day that Amazon announced plans to overhaul its business terms for its third-party sellers, the European Commission (EC) has opened a formal antitrust investigation into the retailer, designed to assess whether its use of sensitive merchant data is in breach of EU competition rules.
Amazon will change its rules for third-party sellers following backlash
Amazon doesn't have a shining reputation when it comes to the way it handles its third-party sellers. Merchants have reported restrictions on where they can sell, being kicked off the site for no obvious reasons and issues with counterfeiting. But Germany has forced Amazon to change its attitude, and the retailer will now be overhauling its terms of service for third-party sellers worldwide.
Facebook will offer more info on the ads you see
There's a good chance some strange ads have popped up in your Facebook News Feed. Now, the company wants to give users more clarity about why they're seeing specific ads. In the past, users could click "Why am I seeing this ad?" But the answers were fairly vague. Now, Facebook will share more detailed reasoning, like which of your interests matched you with a specific ad.
Court says Amazon could be liable for third-party vendors' products
Amazon faced lawsuits over third-party sellers in the past, but it always came out unscathed. Now, though, a federal appeals court in Philadelphia has decided that the e-commerce giant can be held liable for products sold by third-party vendors doing business on its website. As Reuters noted, the decision could lead to an onslaught of lawsuits against Amazon from buyers who end up with defective products from sellers using the platform.
Netflix tests an Instagram-style scrolling feed in its mobile app
One of Netflix's biggest challenges is helping users discover content. To address that, it's testing an Instagram-like scrolling feed that will show trailers, photos and alerts for shows and movies. The feature also encourages users to share those posts on third-party apps.
