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  • Google Escalates Roku Dispute, Adds YouTube TV to YouTube App

    Google Escalates Roku Dispute, Adds YouTube TV to YouTube App

    Google is escalating its conflict with Roku, adding YouTube TV streaming to the standard YouTube app.

    Roku pulled the YouTube TV streaming app at the end of April, following a dispute with Google over contract terms. Roku was not asking for any additional money, only asking that Google respect its data practices, not require more expensive hardware and not engage in anticompetitive behavior. When an agreement could not be reached, Roku pulled the YouTube TV app from its platform.

    It appears Google is determined to go around Roku, rather than working with them, and has bundled the streaming service with the standard YouTube app. The company detailed its plans in a blog post.

    Today, we’re introducing a new feature that gives you access to YouTube TV from within the YouTube app, making it easier to enjoy all the content you love. Existing members can easily access YouTube TV by clicking on “Go to YouTube TV” in the main YouTube app. This update will be available to all YouTube TV members on Roku over the next few days, and we will expand to as many devices as we can over time.

    The company says it is continuing to negotiate with Roku, and that this measure is simply a way to ensure its customers continue to have access to its content. Similarly, Google says it is working to make sure Roku’s devices meet its technical specifications.

    In the event no agreement is reached, it appears Google is working on a long-term solution.

    We’re also in discussions with other partners to secure free streaming devices in case YouTube TV members face any access issues on Roku.

  • Twitter Introduces Tip Jar for Contributing to Favorite Tweeters

    Twitter Introduces Tip Jar for Contributing to Favorite Tweeters

    Twitter has unveiled Tip Jar, a new featured designed to allow users to financially contribute to their favorite tweeters.

    The social media platform has been exploring ways of increasing engagement and driving growth, especially as it has been eclipsed by some newer rivals. Tip Jar is a new feature aimed at doing just that, albeit in a tangible way beyond following or retweeting.

    Senior Product Manager Esther Crawford made the announcement via a blog post.

    Tip Jar is an easy way to support the incredible voices that make up the conversation on Twitter. This is a first step in our work to create new ways for people to receive and show support on Twitter – with money. 

    Starting today, everyone using Twitter in English can send tips to applicable accounts on Twitter for iOS and Android. For now, a limited group of people around the world who use Twitter in English can add Tip Jar to their profile and accept tips. This group includes creators, journalists, experts, and nonprofits. Soon, more people will be able to add Tip Jar to their profile and we’ll expand to more languages. 

    Accounts with Tip Jar enabled will have a Tip Jar icon next to the Follow button. Twitter currently supports Bandcamp, Cash App, Patreon, PayPal and Venmo, and will not take a cut from the tip.

    At the same time, there is a need for caution, as some users are warning that using PayPal with Tip Jar could lead to a person’s home address being revealed.

  • Ignoring WhatsApp’s New Privacy Policy Will Limit Functionality

    Ignoring WhatsApp’s New Privacy Policy Will Limit Functionality

    Facebook is backtracking once again, saying it will not lock WhatsApp users out if they don’t accept new privacy terms.

    Facebook sparked international furor when it announced in January that it would start sharing WhatsApp user data with other Facebook-owned companies. As part of the change, Facebook said users would be required to accept the new privacy policy or be locked out of their account. In response, users started abandoning the platform in favor of alternatives, and counties started coming out in opposition to the plans.

    After pushing the deadline back, Facebook is charting a new course — although one that will likely still leave many users unhappy. According to a post on the company’s site, users that don’t accept the new terms won’t be locked out, but will be hampered by limited functionality.

    You won’t be able to access your chat list, but you can still answer incoming phone and video calls. If you have notifications enabled, you can tap on them to read or respond to a message or call back a missed phone or video call.

    After a few weeks of limited functionality, you won’t be able to receive incoming calls or notifications and WhatsApp will stop sending messages and calls to your phone.

    While WhatsApp won’t be closing individuals’ accounts, the limited functionality may not be much of an improvement for many users.

  • Google Bringing Its Own Version of Privacy Labels to Play Store

    Google Bringing Its Own Version of Privacy Labels to Play Store

    Google is adopting a major feature from iOS, implementing its own version of app privacy labels.

    Apple introduced privacy labels late last year, requiring developers to disclose what information they collect and link to a user. The feature has shed a spotlight on the data practices of popular apps, with Facebook and Google drawing sharp criticism for the amount of data collected.

    Google appears to be following Apple’s lead, informing developers it is rolling out a safety section in the Google Play Store, designed to help consumers understand an app’s data and security practices. The information presented includes an app’s security features, such as encryption; whether an app follows Google’s Families policy; whether data collection is required or optional; if the app’s safety section has been verified by an independent third-party; and whether the app allows users to request data deletion upon removal.

    Google makes it clear its own apps will be subject to the new safety section, along with third-party apps.

    All apps on Google Play – including Google’s own apps – will be required to share this information and provide a privacy policy.

    We’re committed to ensuring that developers have plenty of time to prepare. This summer, we’ll share the new policy requirements and resources, including detailed guidance on app privacy policies. Starting Q2 2022, new app submissions and app updates must include this information.

    Google’s announcement is good news for Android users, and should be a significant step forward in protecting their data and privacy.