Google: Keeping everyone honest
Google plans to add a new section on the Chrome Web Store where extension developers can disclose what user data they’re collecting and what they plan to do with it, reports ZDNet. The new section was set to go into effect on Jan. 18, and will appear as a “Privacy practices” button on each extension’s Web Store listing. Google’s new “data usage” dashboard will ship with a limited set of preset options, which will effectively prohibit Chrome developers from certain data practices, such as: 1) the bulk sale of user data, 2) the use or transfer of user data for personalized advertising, and 3) the use or transfer of user data for creditworthiness or any form of lending qualification and to data brokers or other information resellers.
‘Alexa start my run’
At press time, Amazon was preparing to roll out fitness-tracking features to its Echo Buds headphones, reports CNBC. Echo Buds can track the duration of a workout, the number of steps taken, estimated calories burned, and how fast or how far you walk or run. It also takes into account a user’s height, entered into the workout profile. Echo Buds owners can start a workout by saying “Alexa start my run.” Alexa can also pause a workout, end a workout and update your pace on request.
Instagram search upgrade
Instagram users’ ability to search is getting an upgrade, reports The Verge. The company announced in November that English-speaking users in six countries, including the UK, US, Ireland, and Canada, would be able to search the platform using keywords. Before, they could only search for hashtags or accounts. Instagram said only certain terms will be searchable, though. “The search is limited to general interest topics and keywords that are within Instagram’s community guidelines,” a spokesperson said.
iPad Air is a winner: Reviewer
A SlashGear reviewer writes that he is struggling to figure out why people would pass up the new iPad Air (2020) in favor of the iPad Pro. “The middle ground between the entry-level iPad and Apple’s Pro series has always been a tricky one, but this latest Air nudges so close to what 90% of users are likely to need, it makes an instant case as the go-to Apple tablet right now,” writes Chris Davies. It starts at $599 for the WiFi 6-only model with 64GB of storage; there’s a 256GB version for $749, while integrated 4G LTE cellular is $130 extra.
Echo Frames for anyone!
Amazon’s Echo Frames glasses are available for anyone to purchase, reports CNBC. The new Echo Frames – which were previously available on an invitation-only basis – cost about $250. The lenses are clear but Amazon said customers can get prescription lenses put in at a LensCrafters store. Among the updates are up to 40% longer battery life; an auto off feature to maximize battery life when the glasses aren’t in use; an upgraded “VIP Filter,” which not only lets users prioritize notifications from certain apps and contacts, but also calendar alerts and group messages; as well as an “Auto Volume” feature that automatically adjusts the device’s volume based on the noise level of a user’s surrounding environment.