(Update: UK data sharing paused) WhatsApp under fire for sharing user data with Facebook

Update, Nov 8th: Following user backlash and probes from numerous watchdogs, Facebook has agreed to suspend using data collected from WhatsApp messenger for advertisements or product-improvement purposes, at least in the UK.

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has been monitoring WhatApp's new privacy policy and has come to the conclusion that consumers aren't properly protected under the latest document. Following an ICO request, Facebook has confirmed that it will pause using UK WhatsApp data. Fines are likely to be imposed if the company begins sharing user data between services again without user content and additional protections in place.

However, the company has refused to sign up to a scheme that would see customers given better explanations about how their data is used and control over that data. Facebook says that it would be inappropriate to agree to a solution with just one regulator before receiving and reviewing questions from other bodies.

"We're pleased that they've agreed to pause using data from UK WhatsApp users for advertisements or product improvement purposes … If Facebook starts using the data without valid consent, they may face enforcement action from my office." – head of the ICO, Elizabeth Denham

This decision in the UK may set a precedent for a pause in other countries that are also conducting their own investigations. A total of 28 data protection authorities from across the European Union have also requested that WhatsApp and Facebook pause sharing user data until legal protections can be assured.

Original, Oct 29th:

These user data stories are always interesting because half of us don't care if one app shares our data with another, especially one that owns them. The other half of us get all riled up and hit the comments with fire in our hearts and venom on our tongues (or is it fingers?). But as app users we're in the business of giving away our information and even when we're angry we typically continue using the services that we feel have slighted us.

See also:

How to protect your privacy on Android

March 11, 2016

Such is the case with WhatsApp, which has just received warnings from EU privacy regulators reprimanding it for sharing user data with its parent company Facebook. Recent changes to WhatsApp's terms allow the messaging service to share your phone number with Facebook, filling in yet another piece of Facebook's all-encompassing picture of you.

Recent changes to WhatsApp's terms allow the messaging service to share your phone number with Facebook.

This is the first such change to WhatsApp's terms and conditions since Facebook acquired the company back in 2014. But the EU's 28 data protection authorities have sent letters to WhatsApp requesting the app stop sharing any user data with Facebook until "appropriate legal protections could be assured".

That warning hasn't stopped Italian antitrust watchdogs from already launching a probe into the transmission of user data from WhatsApp to Facebook though. As Reuters reports: "WhatsApp's new privacy policy involves the sharing of information with Facebook for purposes that were not included in the terms of service when users signed up, raising questions about the validity of users' consent".

As always, be careful what you agree to. Not just when installing an app but also when installing an update or agreeing to a change in terms and conditions. If you couldn't care less what gets shared about you then carry on as you were, but if this kind of story concerns you the least you can do is take the time to read the fine print before hitting "install", "update" or "I agree".

Do you care if WhatsApp shares your data with Facebook? How do you manage your online privacy?

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Metal-bodied Moto M officially unveiled in China

Lenovo's new mid-range Moto M is being launched in China today, and the handset's official details have been unveiled over at an online listing from TMall and now on the company's official website too. The page reveals a robust mid-ranger, but the 1,999 Yuan ($295) price tag fails to make the phone a competitive choice in today's market.

The Moto M is powered by a 2.2GHz octa-core MediaTek Helio P15 processor, 4GB of LPDDR3 RAM, 32GB of internal flash memory with a 128GB memory card slot, and a 3,050mAh battery. The display is a reasonable 5.5-inch FullHD panel, and there's a 16 megapixel rear camera with phase detection autofocus, along with an 8 megapixel front facing camera.

The handset isn't going to win any awards for processing performance, so it falls to the hardware's casing to be billed as the major selling point. The Moto M is constructed from a full metal unibody that has been painted with a double layer hydrophobic coating that will protect it from water splashes and spills. However, there's no mention of an IP rating, so don't plan on taking this phone for a swim. As additional extras, customers will also find a fingerprint scanner, Dolby Atmos audio, and fast charging capabilities packed in to the handset too.

There's a reasonable package to be found with the Moto M, but the Helio P15 processor is rather inept compared to competing handsets already doing battle at this price point. The eight Cortex-A53 CPU cores and small Mali-T860 MP2 GPU can't keep up with the likes of the Snapdragon 820 packed into the Xiaomi Mi 5, and that model can be bought for just 1,599 Yuan ($235) in China.

Lenovo will be showing off the Moto M alongside the Lenovo P2 at an event in China later today. We'll have to see if the company has any plans to launch this smartphone in other regions too.

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Sony’s Xperia X “Concept for Android” gives a sneak peek at upcoming Nougat features

Sony's "Concept for Android" program is designed to give early adopters a sneak peek into software features destined for upcoming Xperia products. The latest concept, based on Android 7.0 Nougat for the Xperia X, is now available in Europe.

See also:

Sony Xperia XZ review – flagship, at a price!

4 weeks ago

The latest concept includes visual tweaks, Nougat features like multi-window and improved notifications, and access to Sony's support section called inTouch.

According to Sony, inTouch provides "direct access to our software engineers and a chance to influence development & coming releases," because Sony uses "customer feedback and real-time usage data to ensure the software contains the things you enjoy and find most useful".

If the prospect of getting early access to upcoming Nougat features and being able to directly influence what Sony engineers are working on sounds enticing (and you happen to own an Xperia X and live in Europe), then all you need to do is download the Sony Concept Installer app from Google Play and follow the instructions.

What are your thoughts on Sony's Concept idea? Do you like the idea of being able to influence software decisions?

ICYMI: When will I get the Android Nougat update?

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The Humble Mobile Board Game Bundle delivers 8 games for $5

The Humble Store is offering eight digital board games in its latest mobile bundle, with more to follow soon. Though a few of these titles have appeared in previous Humble Bundles, I believe this is the first time we've seen a dedicated mobile board games package, and it features a few classics.

For the next two weeks, you'll be able to pick up these titles for between one and five bucks depending on which games you want. Here's the list:

• $1 or more: Carcassonne and Scotland Yard
• $3 or more: Splendor, Catan, THE aMAZEing Labyrinth
• $5 or more: Ticket to Ride, San Juan (based on Puerto Rico), Galaxy Trucker

The additional titles will become available for anyone who spends three bucks or more, and you can usually increase your initial contribution if you want access to more games later. It looks like these are fixed prices rather "beat the average" ones, so you can wait to see what other games are added next week safe in the knowledge that you won't miss out on the best price, if you like.

See also:

10 best new Android games of October 2016!

1 week ago

What are my one-word reviews of these board games? Glad you asked: Carcassonne: excellent. Splendor: great. Ticket to Ride: amiable. Catan: overrated. Scotland Yard: old. I haven't played the others.

Don't forget to check out the specific Android requirements before you make a purchase. Are any of these titles worth picking up? Let us know in the comments.

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Samsung runs full-page apology in US newspapers over Galaxy Note 7 cancellation

Samsung has printed a full page apology for its Galaxy Note 7 cancellation in three major US newspapers; The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Samsung abandoned the Note 7 after recalling the device twice due to overheating concerns. It's now in the process of searching for the root cause.

"An important tenet of our mission is to offer best-in-class safety and quality. Recently, we fell short on this promise. For this we are truly sorry," Samsung says in the ad. "We will re-examine every aspect of the device, including all hardware, software, manufacturing and the overall battery structure. We will move as quickly as possible, but will take the time needed to get the right answers."

The advert goes on to mention Samsung's recent recall of a reported 2.8 million washing machines over safety concerns. "Samsung is moving quickly to offer our customers unprecedented remedy options," says Samsung.

See also:

Samsung confirms new AI assistant for Galaxy S8

24 hours ago

The letter closes with the South Korean manufacturer reiterating its message: "Most importantly, safety remains our top priority. We will listen to you, learn from this and act in a way that allows us to earn back your trust. We are grateful for your ongoing support and again, we are truly sorry." It's signed by Gregory Lee, president and CEO of Samsung Electronics North America.

As of last week, Samsung said it had replaced around 85 percent of its Galaxy Note 7s in the US. If you're yet to replace yours, follow our guide on how to return the Galaxy Note 7 at the link.

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Crap on Joe day | Podcast 087

Joshua Vergara, Jonathan Feist, Joe Hindy and David Imel enjoy a long check in before getting into another great episode of the Android Authority Podcast. Starting the show off with a lengthy Halloween talk (Joe dressed as Spyro,) the show dove into the Xiaomi Mi MIX, followed by the LG V20, which Joe has been using, then we talk some battery issues with the Nexus 6P on Nougat. Rounding out the show is a fun rumor mill, running down the fun that could be the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the OnePlus 3T.

On a special note, shout out to David Imel and Edgar Cervantes, both are doing well recovering as needed from recent vehicular incidents.

The Android Authority Podcast – discussing topics in Android every single week.

Rough Timecodes:
Halloween during check in
30:00 – Xiaomi Mi MIX
51:00 – LG V20 and battery life discussion
66:00 – Nexus 6P battery issues
73:00 – Galaxy S8 & OnePlus 3T rumor mill

Links to Podcast

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Relevant Links

Android Authority Forums
Xiaomi Mi MIX – crazy screen ratio
LG V20 review
Nexus 6P battery issues on Nougat
Galaxy S8 rumors
OnePlus 3T rumors

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November 2016 giveaways
SoundGuys – Jaybird X3 giveaway TabTimes – iPhone 7 giveaway	VRSource – Google Pixel and Daydream VR giveaway Charged – GoPro Karma drone giveaway

Recorded on November 3rd, 2016 – Hosted and produced by Joshua Vergara.

"When your coworkers care more about you than your parents."

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Xposed framework developer gives us an update on Android Nougat support

The Xposed framework is a great solution for those who want to customize their Android experience without having to install full custom ROMs. Instead, root users can manage modules that enable specific features or customizations. But of course, adapting to new Android versions takes a while and Android Nougat users have been forced to wait.

When will the Xposed framework finally support Android 7.0 and above? Will it? The answer is not clear yet, but developer Rovo89 has taken it to the XDA Developers forums to give us a quick update on the team's progress.

"Current status for Nougat: Hooks are generally working now. However, they're still unreliable for inlined methods and when JIT is used (which is often the case). I had give a few technical insights here. I'm currently thinking about the different situations that need to be handled and I create unit tests for them. Then I need to fix those which are failing or even crashing the device – ideally without recompiling the whole ROM like in previous versions. Not sure if the latter is possible though." – Rovo89

As you can see, Xposed is coming across some significant barriers. We will have to wait and see if the developer can find workarounds and put it all together. Until then at least we know the possibility of full support hasn't been discarded and the team is working hard at it.

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