After US President Donald Trump banned Chinese-owned apps TikTok and WeChat, a group of WeChat users sued the government. The user group railed against the President’s executive order banning people from making transactions with WeChat. While the group does not represent WeChat, they want to block the order from taking effect.  

WeChat vs. The US Government

According to the Wall Street Journal, the ban takes effect later next month. In response, the WeChat user group said the ban violates due process and free speech. Moreover, the user group said that the ban discriminates against Chinese-Americans. Chinese-speakers in the US use WeChat to talk to each other and share news, and they spend hours every day on the app.

Trump’s Order Against WeChat and TikTok

Trump’s order charged WeChat and TikTok for working as tools of the Chinese government to threaten US national security. However, The Verge reports that both WeChat and TikTok stressed they were innocent. 

WeChat users group sues Trump administration over ban it says is unconstitutionalhttps://t.co/q1jiV9cqnQ

— The Verge (@verge) August 23, 2020

WeChat and TikTok’s Response

TikTok also confirmed Saturday that it was also suing the US government over the executive order. After Trump had ordered TikTok to sell to a US company, Microsoft, Twitter, and Oracle are now racing to buy the app.

On the other hand, companies like Apple and Disney have opposed the WeChat ban. According to them, banning WeChat would pose problems for their operations. Around 1.5 million users in the US use WeChat. 

Around 1 billion Chinese people use WeChat in China. They use the app to shop, make payments, and make deals. The WeChat user group wanted the government to reveal the full coverage of the WeChat ban. 

The post Wechat Users Sue US Government Over Ban first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

To protect you from phishing, Google is updating Chrome to inform you when you’re about to fill out unsecured web forms. Phishing attacks can grab your sensitive data from unsafe online forms. Once the attackers have your data, they can use your online accounts for purchases and other scams.

Google Chrome’s New Update

After you update Chrome, the browser can now warn you about forms that may look secure but are not. Some websites appear to be submitted as secure HTTPS pages but are not safe at all. Engadget says that if you provide details to these “mixed forms,” you are exposing them to lurkers. Lurkers can access your data and even change them.

How Google Chrome’s New Update Works

With the new update, Chrome removes the lock icon from HTTPS websites to alert you to suspicious mixed forms. The lock icon sits on your address bar. Previously, this icon was enough to tell you a site was safe.

Chrome will soon let you know if a web form is unsecure https://t.co/ZTvB4i8OEG pic.twitter.com/VItAmkYtnE

— Engadget (@engadget) August 17, 2020

In a blog post, Shweta Panditrao said the lock icon was not enough to convey the security of a web form. Panditrao is a member of the Chrome security team. 

With the new update, Chrome will now disable autofill on suspicious web forms. This move stops the website from getting your private information. You can still use Chrome’s password manager to submit log-in credentials. 

What’s Next for Google Chrome

If you still want to submit details on a mixed form, Chrome will warn you that it’s not safe. If you proceed to send the data, Chrome will show you a full-page warning about the risks. It will also ask you if you still want to continue.

Google hopes that this new update pushes web developers to use HTTPS for their online forms.

The post Google Chrome Will Now Alert You to Unsecure Forms first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Sam Arnold

Ahead of their holiday releases, Microsoft continues stoking the appetites of Xbox gamers all over the world. The company has released the dashboard and U for the Xbox Series X. While both might look like the Xbox One’s interface, Microsoft has also promised faster speeds and better design elements.

The Xbox Series X’s New Dashboard and UI

The Verge reports that while the Xbox Series X’s new interface looks pretty much the same as the Xbox One, the Series X’s home screen will load 50% faster. Microsoft has also reduced the latest Xbox’s memory load by 40% by shrinking the footprints of its Store, home screen, and guide. 

Microsoft’s Xbox Series X dashboard has a new rounded design and speed improvements https://t.co/qoJL4yJFm3 pic.twitter.com/FztGJUCTlT

— The Verge (@verge) August 20, 2020

In a blog post, Microsoft has also made Series X’s design easier on the eyes. They have made the text more readable. Also, they have made the design elements on screen easier to understand.  

What About the Speed?

Microsoft’s upgrades mean that gamers can quickly switch games whenever they want. After all, the Xbox Series X’s home screen loads faster than current consoles by a third. The Xbox One’s dashboard has caused some speed issues over the years. But Microsoft’s tweaks to its interface could boost the Xbox Series X’s performance.  

Could Xbox One Users See These Updates?

While Xbox One gamers can see these updates, only Xbox Series X gamers can fully enjoy them. Microsoft plans to release its next-gen console in November, perhaps a month ahead of the Sony PS5.

The post Microsoft Tweaks Xbox Interface to Boost Speed first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Sam Arnold

Here’s some bad news for Huawei users in the US. The US Commerce Department has stopped giving Huawei a US license, which means the company might stop supporting its phones sold in the country.

Bad News for Huawei

The Commerce Department had given Huawei an extra 90 days before its license expired. Within those 90 days, the smartphone maker could still support its products in the US. However, the license has expired on August 13. After that day, it’s now illegal for US companies to deal with Chinese companies. 

Now, it’s illegal for Google, among others, to send updates to Huawei. Users who own the Huawei P30 cannot update to Android 11. You also can’t update if you own a Huawei phone “with full Google services.”

Huawei’s temporary general license has expired, possibly jeopardizing Google apps on older models https://t.co/6baF4eHq6b

— XDA (@xdadevelopers) August 14, 2020

No More Updates for Huawei

Engadget said that Google needed the license to send Huawei updates through legal means. For you to update, you need the P40 Pro or another phone without Google services. Huawei phones sold in China can also update. The Chinese company uses open-source Android to send out its updates.

The license had allowed rural phone carriers to phase out Chinese companies. Before, the US government had warned that Chinese companies threatened national security. 

Now, Huawei users will be unable to protect their phones. Without updates, their phones will become slow and unusable. Users concerned with updated phones may need to buy another one. 

Dark Times for Huawei

After the US government blacklisted Huawei, it’s now facing a shortage of smartphone chips. US vendors cannot sell Huawei the tech needed to make its high-end Kirin chips. Without new chips and new updates, Huawei is now looking at an even darker future.

The post Huawei’s US License Expires, Shutting Out Updates first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

Chinese smartphone maker Huawei is feeling the pinch of US sanctions. After getting blacklisted in 2019, the Chinese company has faced difficulty in sourcing parts from US vendors. Because of these sanctions, the company now says it could run out of smartphone chips by September.

The US vs. Huawei 

The Associated Press reported the effects of US sanctions on Huawei’s smartphone production. As they runs out of processor chips for its smartphones, the shortage could force the company to stop producing its advanced chips. 

In its escalating tech feud with China, the US has targeted Chinese companies as national security risks. US lawmakers have warned that these companies store user data and send them to the Chinese government for spying.

Huawei says it has about a month before it runs out of smartphone chips. https://t.co/CIRBHnvRt9 pic.twitter.com/9NQynCZy8U

— Gizmodo (@Gizmodo) August 9, 2020

Feeling the Pain

Gizmodo reports that Huawei might have to stop production of its “Huawei Kirin high-end chips” by September 15. At the China Info 100 conference, Richard Yu said ceasing production could be “a very big loss for us.” Yu is the president of Huawei’s consumer unit.

Huawei designs the Kirin chip, but its production relies on US manufacturing. Without US tech, the company will not be able to produce smartphones. Without its smartphones, Yu says company sales would fall below its 2019 mark of 240 million devices sold worldwide. 

Could They Survive the Sanctions?

Despite the sanctions and COVID-19, Huawei still posted revenues of $64.8 billion in the first six months of 2020. The company has also launched 15 phones in 2020, according to Forbes. 

However, Huawei could face more sanctions later in the year.

The post Huawei Could Run Out of Smartphone Chips by September first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

After getting banned in the US, TikTok will sue the Trump administration as soon as Tuesday. Earlier, US lawmakers have warned that TikTok sends user data to the Chinese government. On Friday, President Trump banned TikTok through executive order.

The President had also ordered US companies to buy out TikTok. Microsoft and Twitter have started merger talks with the company. 

TikTok vs. the US Government

NPR reported TikTok’s plans to sue the US government. Moreover, Gizmodo says that TikTok plans to challenge Trump’s claim against ByteDance, its parent company. Trump had said ByteDance was sending user data to Beijing. Next, TikTok noted that President Trump pushed them out without giving them a chance to answer the charges.

TikTok will file the suit in California, the center of its US operations. The US District Court for the state’s Southern District will hear the case.

TikTok's reportedly planning to sue the Trump administration over its recent ban. https://t.co/C1ohbONbUH pic.twitter.com/wXlpnkqQ5k

— Gizmodo (@Gizmodo) August 9, 2020

The US Government’s Threats Against TikTok

President Trump had blacklisted TikTok, along with other Chinese-owned apps like WeChat, on Thursday. Another Chinese company, Tencent, owns WeChat, which is a popular messaging app. With the blacklists, no American can make deals with these banned Chinese companies.

This ban could cripple TikTok and other apps. Kicking out Chinese companies could prevent companies from buying ads on TikTok. Without paid ads, TikTok and its popular creators will lose money. 

TikTok’s Response

TikTok had agreed to talk with Microsoft for a deal. To appease its critics, TikTok has also said that it stores user data on servers in the US and Singapore.

The post TikTok to Sue Trump Administration Over US Ban first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Sam Arnold

Now it’s not just Microsoft that’s planning to buy TikTok. Social media giant Twitter has put its hat in the ring, starting merger talks with the video-sharing app. Both companies have expressed a desire to buy TikTok after US President Donald Trump said he wants to ban the app or else sell it to US firms. Earlier, US lawmakers have warned that TikTok is a risk to national security.

Notably, Twitter had already canned Vine, its short-form video app, in 2017.

Twitter Talks Merger with TikTok

Gizmodo reports that Twitter began talking with TikTok about a possible merger. Unlike Microsoft, Twitter plans to acquire TikTok’s US division, instead of its overseas branches in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

If Twitter’s plans push through, the company would need to figure out the total value of TikTok. According to Fortune, TikTok’s US business could be worth around $20 billion to $50 billion.

Haunted by regret over killing Vine, Twitter purportedly eyes acquiring TikTok. https://t.co/7emFuwPahb pic.twitter.com/avuMDbesXm

— Gizmodo (@Gizmodo) August 10, 2020

Microsoft vs. Twitter: Tale of the Tape

In terms of market capitalization, Microsoft leads Twitter by miles. Twitter’s worth reaches only $29 billion compared to Microsoft’s $1.6 trillion. The software giant also leads Twitter by billions in investments, both cash and short-term. Microsoft received $136 billion, while Twitter only had $7.8 billion in June. In the latest quarter, Twitter also posted a loss of $1.23 billion. 

The US Plans to Sell Off TikTok

President Trump has given TikTok a deadline of September 15 to get out of the US or sell to a US company. Earlier, US lawmakers have claimed that TikTok, and its parent company ByteDance, stores user data to send to the Chinese government. ByteDance is a Chinese-owned company.

ByteDance and TikTok have denied these claims.

The post Twitter Joins Microsoft In Race To Buy TikTok first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

Despite facing a possible US ban, TikTok continues to put out new features. The video-sharing app has announced that it is launching a Fire TV app called “More on TikTok.” By offering a TV app, TikTok is branching out of its mobile market and entering home streaming. 

TikTok on TV

Engadget reports that TikTok users can watch both popular videos and creator interviews on the Fire TV app. Moreover, the videos you see on your phone might be different from the videos you see on “More on TikTok,” since no existing user account link to the TV app.

The TV app also helps TikTok attract more users who don’t want to download the mobile version because US lawmakers told them it threatens national security. ByteDance, a Chinese corporation, owns TikTok. Lawmakers have accused TikTok of storing user data and sending them to the Chinese government.

TikTok launches an app for Fire TV https://t.co/m0KnjL7qQr pic.twitter.com/wZ7aiY6Hv4

— Engadget (@engadget) August 6, 2020

TikTok in Danger

Aside from lawmakers, President Donald Trump has also expressed plans to ban TikTok in the US. He has also signaled US companies to try buying out TikTok from ByteDance. So far, Microsoft has made attempts to close a deal.

Sensing TikTok’s trouble as an opportunity, Facebook and Snapchat are hurrying to claim TikTok’s millions of American users. For Facebook, Instagram has released Reels, a feature that lets users make and share TikTok-like videos. On the other hand, Snapchat is now allowing users to add music to their Snaps. 

What’s Next for TikTok

TikTok Head of Global Marketing Nick Tran has said TikTok will continue to offer users “more dynamic experiences” through the app. To do this, the company feels that going to TV should be its next step. 

The post TikTok Goes on TV With New Fire TV App first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Sam Arnold

Facing severe threats from the US, TikTok is now starting a $200 million fund to help its top US creators make a living. This move comes after US lawmakers have raised concerns about its links to China. After this, President Donald Trump also threatened to ban the app in the country.

Why TikTok Is Starting the $200 M Fund

Tech Crunch notes that TikTok is starting the fund to show the US it doesn’t mean any harm. They want to show American consumers that they are willing to help them earn money. Earlier, they have stressed that they will not give user data to the Chinese government.

TikTok has also said that it will add 10,000 more staff in the US. Moreover, Tech Crunch notes rumors that US investors will try to buy ByteDance and take it away from its Chinese owners. ByteDance is TikTok’s parent company.

TikTok launches $200 million Creator Fund to pay people to post https://t.co/94FChqjE69

— CNET News (@CNETNews) July 23, 2020

Who Is Getting TikTok’s $200 M Fund?

According to Tech Crunch, TikTok is calling the it the “TikTok Creator Fund.” The money will go to the app’s “eligible” creators. To get the funds, creators should be 18 years old. They must also have a certain number of followers, and they should post TikTok videos regularly.

US followers can begin applying for the budget next month. TikTok will give out the money over 2021. Vanessa Pappas has also said that ByteDance will increase the $200 million over time. Pappas is the general manager of TikTok’s US operations. 

How Can TikTok’s $200 M Fund Help Creators?

Before the fund, TikTok has helped creators sign deals with brands and sponsors. Creators can also get money from their live-streams. Over 1,000 US teachers are also using TikTok for work, thanks to the $50 million Creative Learning Fund. 

The post TikTok Will Now Pay Users With $200 M Creator Fund first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

As TikTok faces an intense US crackdown, Facebook moved to take it down by launching Reels, a new video-sharing feature. This new feature will go on Instagram, in tandem with Instagram Stories. After India banned TikTok earlier this month, Instagram opened Reels to take over the market. Facebook plans to extend Reels to the US and to over 50 more countries in August. 

In 2019, Facebook bought Instagram. 

What Is Instagram Reels?

Gizmodo notes that Instagram Reels works the same way as TikTok. Instagram users can “create 15-second videos set to music” and share it publicly. They can also “borrow” the audio from other users’ Reels and remix them for other creations.

Lots of TikTok videos have gone viral in the past. Instagram looks to feed into this by adding viral Reels to the “Featured Reels” tab. This feature gathers all viral Reels in one section. Users can also use Reels’ editing tools to tinker with their videos.

Instagram's new Reels feature is pretty obviously Facebook's attempt to take down TikTok https://t.co/JVNGWW9LVm pic.twitter.com/v56mBnplkj

— Gizmodo (@Gizmodo) July 16, 2020

Will People Like Instagram Reels?

A report from Tech Crunch notes that in case TikTok gets banned, Instagram can lock up all of its former users. However, the report cautions that TikTok users may not jump right to Instagram. Not all TikTok users release the same types of videos anyway. If you dance, you might choose Dubsmash. If you’re Gen Z, you might prefer Byte.

Despite this, though, Instagram remains of the most-used apps in the world. Tech Crunch reports that Facebook has not announced Reels’ US release date yet.

Why Is TikTok in Trouble?

Tiktok has found itself in hot water recently. US lawmakers point to its Chinese origin as a possible threat to national security. Because of this, they fear that the Chinese government is harvesting user data. President Donald Trump even said they were looking to banning the app in the US. 

Some companies have already banned TikTok. Wells Fargo told its employees to delete the app from their phones. Even the US military asked soldiers to remove the app in their government-issued phones. 

As of now, people will have to wait to see if Instagram can take TikTok’s place.  

The post Instagram Launches “Reels,” Challenging TikTok’s Dominance first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Sam Arnold