WhatsApp on Friday said it was postponing an update to its privacy policy following concerns and calls from users to switch to other encrypted apps like Signal and Telegram. The Facebook-owned app is now giving users until May 15 to review and accept its new policy, which relates to how businesses access user information.  “No …

This story is part of CES, where CNET covers the latest news on the most incredible tech coming soon. A digital translator is probably pretty low on your pandemic shopping list, if it’s on there at all, given travel restrictions. But the company behind Pocketalk, a voice translator that easily fits in, well, your pocket, saw the COVID-19 pandemic as …

Worldwide shipments of used smartphones is expected to reach 225.4 million units for 2020, according to a forecast released Thursday by market researcher IDC. That’s an increase of 9.2% compared with 2019, the firm says. Additionally, IDC predicts used phone shipments will hit 351.6 million units in 2024.  These numbers include officially refurbished as well as used smartphones. IDC says …

Apple could be looking to someday build a MacBook that wirelessly charges other devices such as an iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, according to newly granted patents for two-way charging, Patently Apple reported Tuesday. Attached images illustrate the placement of several inductive charging coils placed under the frame of the laptop that allow users to charge multiple devices at once. …

Facebook is working on a new video platform that lets users pay to interact with content creators or celebrities during live broadcasts, according to a Tuesday report by Bloomberg. The product, reportedly called Super, gives viewers of live, interactive video events the chance to tip creators by purchasing digital gifts for them, or they can pay to show up next …

Reddit on Sunday said it has acquired short-form video app Dubsmash, a rival to video-sharing giant TikTok. As part of the purchase, Reddit will integrate Dubsmash’s video creation tools into the site, “which will empower Reddit’s own creators to express themselves in original and authentic ways,” the company said in a blog post. It didn’t share financial terms of the deal. …

Google on Thursday launched an update to its Voice Access app, which debuted in 2018 to let people navigate their phones with their voice. Initially available on Android 11, the updated version of Voice Access is now available in beta worldwide on devices running Android 6.0 and up. Machine learning and a new interface make Voice Access easier to use, …

This year was rough, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic and no shortage of other tragedies. But one bright spot was the endless supply of funny, insane, inspirational and comforting videos on TikTok. The short-form video platform on Wednesday unveiled its picks for the top 100 TikTok videos, creators, trends and songs in the US, where it has about 100 million …

Short-form video app TikTok is reportedly looking to make its content a little longer. Social media commentator Matt Navarra shared a tweet Wednesday featuring a message from TikTok saying some users now have “early access to uploading videos up to 3 minutes long.” 😮 TikTok is rolling out ability to upload longer videos of up to 3 minutes long 🤳🏻 …

Amazon on Monday unveiled new fitness features for its Alexa-powered Echo Buds. You can say “Alexa, start my workout” when you have your earbuds on, and Alexa will track information including calories burned, workout distance, step count, average pace and overall time. The features are available for customers in the US and UK. To enable tracking, open the Alexa app, tap More, …