
DigiEnable Podcast - April 2021
DigiEnable Podcast Show Notes:
1. DuckDuckGo announces plans to block FLoC, Google’s new way of tracking users’ web browsing activity in Chrome.
As Google transitions away from using third-party cookies in Chrome, its developing a new technology called FLoC (Federated Learning of Cohorts), released in late March 2021.
Google claims FLoC offers more privacy than third-party cookies because it monitors activity at a group level rather than an individual level.
With FLoC, browsing activity cannot be tied to any individual user. Though it does aim to collect enough data to serve personalized ads.
DuckDuckGo finds it especially concerning that getting tracked via FLoC is not optional – all Chrome users are automatically opted into it.
https://www.searchenginejournal.com/are-you-ready-to-join-a-cohort-google-releases-floc/401074/
2. Google Shopping app is closed down
Google is adding another entry to its app graveyard and this time it's Shopping that's getting the guillotine. After XDA Developers spotted the word "sunset" in the Shopping app code, Google confirmed to 9to5 Google that it's closing the app on iOS and Android by the end of June. Instead, it will direct users to the Shopping website. "Within the next few weeks, we’ll no longer be supporting the Shopping app. All of the functionality the app offered users is available on the Shopping tab," a spokesperson said.
https://www.engadget.com/google-closing-mobile-shopping-app-092538534.html?guccounter=1
3. Get a taste of Android on your iPhone using iTest
iTest a simulator that lets users experience various applications like messaging, Galaxy Store, Settings on the phone and even simulates calls and messages. It also has a tutorial that talks about the features that users can’t try on this simulator (but need an actual Galaxy smartphone to enjoy them).
https://www.techradar.com/news/now-you-can-easily-get-a-taste-of-android-on-your-iphone
Top tips round up
Social Media: Facebook adds labels to satire pages because people can’t tell what’s real
SEO: Google’s John Mueller: Changing Dates on Pages Won’t Improve Rankings
“we definitely wouldn’t rank those pages differently in search just because you’re changing the date and time on a page.”
Productivity: Our monthly Productivity Prompter Membership started this month, still time if you want in!
https://elearning.digienable.co.uk/productivity-prompter-2021
Favourite podcast/audio book/ book of the moment
Book – Good Morning Good Life Amy Landino part of our book club and first month of Productivity Prompter membership theme is on Mornings
Book Club - https://www.facebook.com/events/264106741377639
Favourite app of the moment
Signal
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