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  • Showing only topics in ~tech with the tag "messaging". Back to normal view / Search all groups
    1. Why does Google have nine messaging services?

      A sentence from this article on Ars Technica about the new Android Messages web interface really jumped out at me: Android Messages started as a simple SMS app, but, with the Web client, it is...

      A sentence from this article on Ars Technica about the new Android Messages web interface really jumped out at me:

      Android Messages started as a simple SMS app, but, with the Web client, it is turning into Google's ninth messaging service after (deep breath) Google Talk, Google Voice, Buzz, Google+ Messenger, Hangouts, Spaces, Allo, and the Slack-like Hangouts Chat.

      Nine different chat services from a single company is just wild. How did Google let such an important aspect of the Android platform become such a mess, and what should Google do about it?

      22 votes
    2. Instagram feed algorithm seems to take into account your WhatsApp correspondence.

      I've been trying to tame tracking from services like Facebook. I installed many ad blockers and tracker blockers on all of my browser, I don't install FB app on my phone, but I still install...

      I've been trying to tame tracking from services like Facebook. I installed many ad blockers and tracker blockers on all of my browser, I don't install FB app on my phone, but I still install Instagram app and WhatsApp.

      Something creepy (but totally expected) just happened to me. I haven't really been in contact with a friend of mine for quite some time, and we finally chatted again using WhatsApp. Not long after that I opened Instagram, and her photo was the first one I saw haha. It's funny because I don't think I've seen any photos from her in quite some time before this on my IG feed.

      Might just be a coincidence, but with all discussion about how creepy they're trying to make their platform as sticky as possible, I wouldn't be surprised if IG's feed algorithm do take into account your correspondence on WhatsApp as well (I live in a country where everyone uses WhatsApp).

      10 votes