Lifehacker: Facebook’s Messenger Kids App Now Has More Parental Controls. “Facebook has announced the launch of some new tools in its Parent Dashboard that should make it easier to monitor your child’s chat history, remove and report inappropriate images or videos, and log them out remotely.”
messaging
CNET: You soon will be able to Instagram DM from the web
CNET: You soon will be able to Instagram DM from the web. “After years of limiting direct messages to its mobile apps, Instagram is finally opening up. On Tuesday the Facebook-owned site announced that it is in the process of testing direct messaging from its website, giving those who want to message friends on the platform from a computer a new way to do so.”
BGR: Sadly, you now need a Facebook account to start using Facebook Messenger
BGR: Sadly, you now need a Facebook account to start using Facebook Messenger. “A few years ago, Facebook made it possible for new Messenger users to start talking to their friends and family without registering for Facebook. That was actually a great way to stay off Facebook for anyone not happy with the intrusiveness of the world’s biggest social network, without giving up one of the best things about Facebook. Going forward, however, new Facebook Messenger users will have to register for a Facebook account to actually use the chat service.”
The Next Web: FTC might put the brakes on Facebook’s plans to merge messaging apps
The Next Web: FTC might put the brakes on Facebook’s plans to merge messaging apps. “A new report suggests the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) might file an injunction against Facebook, to keep it from integrating its messaging apps together. Doing so might make it harder to break up the company — which the FTC is reportedly considering.”
9to5 Google: Latest Google Messages beta rolling out ‘Verified SMS’ to cut down on SMS spam
9to5 Google: Latest Google Messages beta rolling out ‘Verified SMS’ to cut down on SMS spam. “The latest Google Messages beta is now rolling out ‘Verified SMS’ which is aimed at protecting you from unwanted spam text messages or potential phishing attempts.”
CNET: Instagram could soon let you send direct messages on desktop
CNET: Instagram could soon let you send direct messages on desktop. “You may soon be able to use Instagram Direct to ping one or more people on desktop. Tipster Jane Manchun Wong tweeted about the rumored feature on Tuesday, along with screenshots of what Direct for desktop could look like.” Jane Wong strikes again!
The Next Web: Instagram spins out Threads, its version of Messenger
The Next Web: Instagram spins out Threads, its version of Messenger. “Instagram today revealed it’s launching Threads, an Instagram spin-off app specifically for private messages between friends — similar to Facebook’s Messenger. Whether it’ll actually last as long as Messenger has remains to be seen.”
