Software : Facebook out to nullify Pocket and Instapaper 'save for later' feature? |
- Facebook out to nullify Pocket and Instapaper 'save for later' feature?
- Microsoft may be skirting Chinese censorship with new Skype
- Xbox Video website goes live missing HD video
| Facebook out to nullify Pocket and Instapaper 'save for later' feature? Posted:  Facebook is reportedly testing a feature that would allow users to save web links to catch up with at a more convenient time. The feature, spotted by the MyTechSkool blog, mimics popular mobile apps like Instapaper and Pocket, by allowing users to place interesting articles or posts in a folder to pick up again at their convenience. It is apparently being a limited number of mobile app users, who're required to click a bookmark next to stories on the News Feed in order to save them to a folder within the Facebook apps menu. Presumably the saved file would be synced back to the Facebook.com website and the user's other mobile apps where they can pick up the saved articles, regardless of which device they're using. Keep 'em coming backFacebook is always looking for ways to keep users coming back to the site and engaging for longer while they do. Allowing users to save popular items, rather than opening them in the web browser and bookmarking or sending to Pocket and Instapaper seems to be an easy win in that department. When asked to comment on the existence of the feature, a Facebook spokesperson told AllThingsD: "We're constantly testing new features, but we have nothing further to share at this time." |
| Microsoft may be skirting Chinese censorship with new Skype Posted:  China isn't exactly known for its free and open internet policies, but it looks like the new version of Skype may be circumventing Chinese government snooping. The Microsoft-owned service is under new management in China, having ended its partnership with TOM Online and begun anew with a company called Guangming Founder (GMF). The Chinese version of Skype previously required all information to be processed by TOM and stored on Chinese servers, but that's no longer the case, according to a report by Chinese web monitoring service GreatFire. With the latest update to Skype in China, the service says, Skype data is encrypted and sent directly to Microsoft, and with reportedly no more censored keywords (ZDNET cited earlier this year that the Chinese government was monitoring as many as 1,168 keywords on Skype). The right directionAnother big change is that the Chinese Skype is now using servers located outside the country - but it isn't a guarantee the Chinese government still can't access them. GreatFire also said that it would be impossible for Chinese authorities to circumvent Microsoft and propagate a counterfeit version of Skype that reinstated its spying mechanisms, since "the software is digitally signed by Microsoft." All signs point to Microsoft attempting to yank Skype out from under the Chinese government's thumb, but it's unclear how long this will last before authorities take notice. But for now GreatFire is praising Microsoft. "We hope this is a harbinger of change to come not just from Microsoft but from all major internet players," the service said in its report. "It appears that Microsoft is indeed fighting back against censorship in China. We have been very critical of Microsoft and Skype in the past but today we applaud this development." The latest version of Skype in China will reportedly be available for Windows 8.1 and earlier versions of Mac OS X, Android and iOS. |
| Xbox Video website goes live missing HD video Posted:  Just in time before everyone in America overeats their Thanksgiving fixings, Microsoft has rolled out its Xbox Video service on the web. Holiday feasters stuck on the couch uninterested in football games will be able to log on to the Xbox Video web service at video.xbox.com. The service provides the same access to TV Shows and Movies as the current Xbox Video app for Windows 8.1 desktops, as well as the Xbox One and Xbox 360. Keeping with its "to the cloud" initiatives, any content bought on one Windows device may be seen on another. The web portal does not add any new features, and instead mirrors what's already available on the Windows 8.1 desktop app as well as Microsoft consoles. No HD for you!
Not everything is quite the same though. One crucial feature left out on the web version is HD playback. Content streaming through web browsers with Silverlight will only show up in Standard Definition. Viewers who want to see all the glossy high-definition pixels will have to tune in from a dedicated Xbox Video app on an official Microsoft device. The software maker plans to roll out a Windows Phone version of Xbox Video shortly, however this will also lack HD streaming support. That said, there's still a likely chance that Microsoft will update the website and its future app for high-def. Until then, you can look towards Netflix and Hulu Plus or the à la carte options on Amazon Instant. |
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