A fix for the ChaiOS bug that lets pranksters freeze iPhones, iPads and Macs by sending a maliciously crafted link as an attachment in a text or iMessage will be delivered next week.
A fix for ChaiOS Messages bug will arrive next week
IM
WhatsApp unveils accounts for businesses
The WhatsApp messaging platform appears to be inching closer to a viable revenue plan with all-new accounts for businesses available starting today via the new WhatsApp Business app.
Messenger bug prevents some iPhone users from typing, Facebook is investigating
A weird bug has hit Facebook's mobile Messenger app, preventing some iPhone and iPad users from typing their messages altogether or only allowing them to type a few words at a time.
iOS 11.2.5 beta 6 fixes the ChaiOS “text bomb” Messages bug
Earlier this week, an iOS developer discovered that a malicious link texted to iPhones, iPads and Macs can cause freezes and restarts by overloading Mac and iOS's text rendering engine with several megabytes of text, consisting mostly of Unicode cascading accent marks.
Microsoft is bringing Xbox party chat to iPhone
Software giant Microsoft is planning to bring Xbox party chat functionality to its iPhone app, and you can test the official beta right now ahead of its official debut.
Another Snapchat-like feature is coming to Facebook Messenger
Facebook yesterday unveiled another Snapchat-like feature in the mobile Messenger app for iPhone and iPad.
Facebook rolls out Messenger for kids with parental controls
Facebook on Monday announced it's releasing a preview of a brand new children-focused Messenger app in the United States which parents can remotely monitor and manage using a set of appropriately designed parental controls.
WhatsApp adds inline YouTube playback with PiP support & other perks
Aside from other enhancements, the popular messaging app WhatsApp for iPhone has gained the ability to watch received YouTube videos inline or in a handy Picture-in-Picture mode.
Chinese authorities force Apple to pull Skype from App Store
Skype is the latest app to run into problems in China.
Skype rolling out revamped desktop app with cloud file sharing, customizable themes & more
A major redesign of Skype's desktop app, previewed in mid-August, is rolling out today.
According to Microsoft, Skype for Mac includes themes with customizable colors, the ability to organize your chats by time, unread or status, pin people or groups, standard/compact view, cloud-based media sharing (up to 300 MB per file) and cross-device functionality.
From the Skype blog:
With the new Skype, you can get more done on your PC. We know that changing devices interrupts your flow—no one wants to switch from their computer to their phone just to have a better conversation experience. Now you can send and receive Skype messages in real-time, answer calls directly from your PC and share your screen to present your latest ideas to colleagues.
Other features in this release include reactions for messages and video calls, @mentions, status updates (with mood messages), chat bots and more.
Desktop Skype now includes a bell icon that you can click to reveal an all-new notification panel (this is where you'll also see reactions to your messages, @mentions in group conversations or if someone quoted you). With a new chat media gallery, all your shared content like media, links and files is available in one central place, and you can even sort items by type.
Lastly, Microsoft announced that Skype add-ins are now available now to Skype Insiders.
“It’s now easier than ever to complete everyday tasks in Skype. From sending a Giphy, scheduling an event or sending money to pulling up the latest in the news—our add-ins help you get more done within Skype,” notes the firm.
The Windows maker revamped its mobile Skype apps for iPhone and iPad in June 2017 which, among other enhancements, brought a Snapchat-like Highlights feature that allows users to share auto-vanishing photos and videos that can be decorated with emoji and text.
Highlights is not part of today's update to the desktop app.
Skype for Mac can be downloaded from skype.com/download.
Microsoft is starting to roll out Cortana inside of Skype
Microsoft has begun rolling out Cortana inside of its Skype apps, the company said yesterday.
Instagram launches new ways to reply with photos and videos in Direct
Instagram on Thursday announced new ways to reply with photos and videos in Direct that the company hopes will help users conduct fun conversation with their friends in a more visually appealing manner, including one feature that permits you to send a split-screen reply.