WhatsApp blocked links to the competition App Telegram

The popular chat program WhatsApp blocked apparently at least Android links to much smaller competitors Telegram. Users now have noticed that WhatsApp addresses to Telegram.me indeed shows this not turned into clickable links.

The links to Telegram in the Android version of WhatsApp not only no hyperlinks, users can corresponding addresses not copy them into other Apps. In fact thus treated the communications giant WhatsApp with worldwide approximately one billion users a smaller competitor, as if these harmful malware or unwanted advertising is. This behavior was not observed on any Android device, but if it occurred, the strange effect was consistently available, reports The Verge, citing on posts Reddit forum. On the affected equipment both the names of the users as well as links were blocked to individual messages and chat rooms. In the iOS version of WhatsApp the link blockage in short TECH TECH check could not be found.

Telegram confirms the blocking of links by WhatsApp
The little chat provider Telegram confirmed the strange phenomena that apparently began with an unnoticed update. The latest version of WhatsApp 2.12.367 was simply delivered again, declared a user, but has apparently not yet reached any installation on any smartphone. Affected by the measure is also the address telegram.com a completely uninvolved newspaper in the US state of Massachusetts.

Such blockages are quite typical for the WhatsApp owner Facebook - but also very controversial. So Facebook had already in 2010 links to piracy platform Pirate Bay not admitted in his Messenger, as well as any mention of the social network Tsu.com which each user pays for posting a share of the profits. But at WhatsApp the current barrier is the first such action.

It now remains to be seen whether the action rather was a mistake or an attempt to keep the competition small. Telegram sees things left: "After an appropriate Medienecho Facebook backtracked and makes the intelligent filter system responsible for the problem," said a company spokesperson, not without irony. "We expect that this will happen again now." A statement from Facebook or WhatsApp does not exist yet.

How Facebook: Twitter is testing Emoji reactions

Emojis everywhere. Even with the little Twitter could soon become even more important smileys. In a trial version of the app can be held Likes now Emojis use as responses to tweets. It is still unclear when the feature officially comes.

At Emojis apparently no one comes by. Even with Twitter could the small icons and symbols soon play a greater role. After the short message service had until early November Favorites Star through the "Like" -Herz replaced, the service is testing according to The Verge apparently Emojis as possible responses to tweets.

So far there is only one development version Emojis
Was discovered the feature of Twitter users _Ninji who uses a still unfinished development version of the Twitter app by its own account. According to him, users get with the trial version, the ability to choose when tapping the heart icon of a series of emoji, to bring their views to a Tweet expressed.

Twitter could be more lively and complex
Twitter itself was so far not comment on possible plans to put the emoji in the official version of the Twitter app available. Integrating Emojis could make the discussions at the short message service equally lively and complex. In addition, users would then have the ability to respond to differentiated tweets. After all, is a "Like" button on each message is not the appropriate response. A similar Reactions feature is currently on Facebook already in the test phase. Users in Ireland and Spain may react with Emojis on status messages and thus have more choices than the simple "Like" button.

Facebooks controversial DATR cookie: Court threatens punishment

Facebook is criticized, because it even on computers by non-members saves a file and thus can collect data. A Brussels court now provides an ultimatum - the Group defends itself.

A Belgian court has banned Facebook to collect data from non-members - under threat of punishment. If Facebook does not respond within 48hrs, a penalty of 250,000 Euro per day will mature, a Brussels judge ruled on Monday. Personal data should be recorded by Internet users in Belgium only after clear consent of those concerned.

Facebook announced immediately, wanting to lodge an appeal against the judgment.
In addressing it comes to the long-standing controversial identity cookie called DATR - a small file that stores Facebook in the browser of the user. The Belgian Privacy Commission wants to prohibit the use of cookies DATR Facebook, which collects some information about the behavior of users on pages with the Like button.

Facebook rejects the criticism
Data protectionists criticize that even non-members get installed the cookie, if you visit the Facebook site. The privacy advocates disturbing by the fact that the DATR cookie remain for two years on the computer when a user deactivates his Facebook account.

Facebook rejected criticism back repeatedly. Security Chief Alex Stamos argued recently that cookie DATR help filter out false profiles and prevent cyber attacks. For example, if a Web browser, visit the hundreds of pages in five minutes, it was a clear sign that the computer had been well captured by online criminals. The data that is racking up the cookie would not attributed to individuals and would not be associated with them.

Animated profile photos: Facebook allows video as an avatar

Facebook is alive: On Wednesday, the social network announced, to test animated profile pictures as a new feature. Instead unmoved photos User will be able to use video clips as seven-hour Avatar.

More personality and greater creativity - that wants to see claims to its network Facebook. Therefore, the company is testing a new feature that allows GIF or Vine-like clips than Avatar. Instead of a rigid profile photos to members soon also set short videos. This may be up to seven seconds - and included an audio track.

Profile videos, temporary Profile Photos & more
Including sound profile video but only played when a visitor clicks on the avatar profile and starts the video so in full view. Otherwise, get the clip without sound profile visitors in loop display. And in the news feed of other Facebook members a selected user from the still image will be seen from the video.

In addition to this new feature, which is strongly reminiscent of Apple's new 6s Plus Live pictures on the iPhone 6s and iPhone, Facebook will allow for even the temporary change of profile pictures. So the user can decide that he wants to apply the Celebrate Pride filter as for the period of one week. Following is automatically switched back to the old profile picture.

In addition, Facebook will introduce a customizable empty space above the profile. Members can use it to define for themselves what is over the page displayed and on request about a new single-line "Bio" field with information on the person filling.

New Facebook Feature initially in the US and UK

First, a small number of Californian and British Facebook members can let off steam at the new features. Gradually, the company will profile video and Co. then roll out worldwide. That you can create an animated profile, you recognize when you "Update profile picture" on click, and you "Record Video" options or "Submit a Video" will be displayed. Then you can, for example, the front camera of your mobile phone to film a Siebensekünder, upload and view a preview. Facebook will automatically apply the known profile of square format images.