#010 The Design Insider: Digest
Facebook redesigns settings, Whatsapp adds "view once" feature, Apple takes aim at CSAM imagery and much more.
🗞 In the news 🗞
Apple takes aim at CSAM imagery
Apple will roll out several new technologies on iOS to combat the spread of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). These include;
Explicit image warnings: This feature will use AI to analyse content sent and received in the messages app. Any graphic or CSAM material found will be flagged with a warning label to inform users before they proceed.
Neuralhash: This new technology will be used to scan photos on a users device for CSAM. Any such images found will be labelled with a cryptographic tag known as a "Safety Voucher" before storing them in iCloud. Apple can only interpret this "Safety voucher" content once the number of tagged photos exceeds a certain threshold.
Siri & Search Update: With this update, when users search any CSAM related terms, they'll be warned about the dangers of their actions and pointed to where they can get help. Also, if you want to report any CSAM related content, ask Siri, and you'll be shown resources on how to do so.
App store events now being tested
Apple is testing a feature that will allow creators to showcase timely in-app events, such as competition and live-streamed experiences, with users directly on the app store for iOS and iPadOS. The full launch of the feature will come this fall as part of the iOS 15 update.
Three new features added for Google Maps on iOS
Google Maps is rolling out three new features to help users stay informed about and better navigate their surroundings to reach a destination. These include;
Share live location in iMessage: This feature will allow users to share their live location with users in iMessage. By default, the location will be shared with users for one hour but can be adjusted to three days.
Search & Traffic widget: You’ll soon be able to search for places you like and get accurate and updated traffic information in your area from the home screen.
Dark Mode: This will begin rolling out to iOS devices in the coming weeks. To switch it on, head to settings and select the dark mode option in maps.
Whatsapp adds “View once” feature
In a bid to give users more control over their privacy, Whatsapp will allow users to send photos and videos that disappear after a single viewing. When it goes live, users will be able to activate the feature by tapping the small circle button located on the right-hand side of the captions field.
Tik Tok testing stories
TikTok confirmed that they're currently testing their stories product. This will allow users to share, view, and comment on TikTok stories from a left-hand sidebar. A timeline for the rollout of this feature is still to be confirmed.
Facebook redesigns settings
Facebook is re-organising its settings page once again to make it easier for users to navigate. In the new layout, the settings are grouped into six broad categories, including all the relevant settings that were previously there. The updated settings design will roll out for Android, iOS, mobile web and FB Lite on August 4th.
Yelp unveils new logo and icon design
The business review platform caused outrage on social media after unveiling their new logo and icon set this week. In an announcement on their blog, Yelp said the new logo, designed to look "simple, modern, and cohesive", was part of a broader goal of modernising the brand and platform. However, with lighting, embossing and shadows used, the logo is more reminiscent of the 90's trends.
Telegram expands video call feature
Telegram is continuing its efforts to go beyond messaging with the expansion of its video call feature. With this latest update, the number of people who can join the group video call will increase to 1000, while the number who can broadcast from their camera and screens will remain capped at 30.
Netflix adds ‘New & 🔥’ tab
Netflix has now made it easier for viewers to find new and hot content on its platform with the 'New & 🔥' tab. Many users have had this option for some time, while others have just got it or await its appearance. The image above shows how the tab appears on iOS devices.
Coinbase lets users by crypto via Apple Pay
You can now purchase cryptos on Coinbase with Apple Pay. All you need is a Visa or MasterCard debit card linked to your Apple Wallet, an Apple Pay-supported iOS device, or Safari web browser. If you have these, the option to purchase crypto via Apple Pay will be automatically shown. This is just the beginning, with the opportunity to buy cryptos via Google Pay expected to roll out this fall.
Co-hosting option added to Twitter spaces
Twitter is making the process of managing spaces much easier with the introduction of a new co-hosting option. So, in addition to one primary host, each space can now have two co-hosts and ten speakers. Each co-hose can invite speakers, manage requests, remove participants and much more.
Audio and video chat coming to Tinder
In its Q2 earnings call, The Match Group announced they are developing video, audio, live-streaming and group video chat features for several of their dating apps. These features will begin rolling out over the next 12-24 months and will likely be powered by Hyperconnect, the Korean App maker behind popular apps such as Azar, which the Match Group recently acquired.
📖 Recommended reads 📖
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How to interpret and analyse your user interview data: . In this article, the author shares the processes and approach they take for effectively analysing and interpreting rich data received from user interviews to get actionable insights.
🛠 Useful tools & resources 🛠
Book of the Week - Good Services: How to Design Services That Work
Material Colour Palette Generator: A free tool that generates aesthetically pleasing palettes based on a single colour input.
Design Junction: An excellent collection of the best design tools and resources from across the web.