“Sleep” function in Facebook’s “Messenger Kids”

Since its initial launch in December last year, Facebook’s “Messenger Kids” app has been the subject of criticism – mostly saying that the app is a lure for kids under 13 years old to be ‘entrapped’ in Facebook’s social media ecosystem.

Listed by various online tech media outfits as one of Facebook’s controversial app-and-service highlights, the social media network isn’t likely going to discontinue the application, but it has added a new function: a parental control safeguard that sets the app to “sleep.”

Mirroring the core functions and features of the regular “Messenger” app (send and receive messages, make video calls, play with camera-anchored features and more), the app’s new “sleep” function allows parents to set a timeframe when its young users cannot use the app. Apart from the “sleep” function, parental control updates like removing contacts or the option to altogether delete a child’s account have been added.

As its name implies, “Messenger Kids” is a kids-oriented messaging platform that comes with parental control and monitoring functions.

Facebook rolled out “Messenger Kids” under the premise that since kids under 13 years old already have access to smartphones and tablets, the firm might as well offer a parent-monitored communication app. More information on the update and “Messenger Kids” itself is hosted on Facebook’s official online channels.

Apple’s “AirPort” WiFi Routers to end

An Apple spokesperson recently confirmed rumors that the brand is discontinuing the production of its “AirPort” WiFi Router line.

Talking to tech news outfit Engadget, the unnamed source notes that Apple will still issue updates for current “AirPort” models, but will not be producing any more devices in the near future.

Initially released in 1999, Apple’s “AirPort” line is mainly composed of network routers with provisions for WiFi connectivity. When it was initially released some 18 years back, the devices weren’t as common place as they are now.

The unnamed source notes that this is the cause for the discontinuation, but clarified that Apple might revisit the router segment if it makes a significant contribution in that tech hardware sector.

Gmail’s new “disappearing emails” feature and more

Google recently revealed that updates for its Gmail suite are underway. The updates will be dominated by an integration of Google’s “Material Design” into the main Gmail for web suite, along with security-oriented updates like a “confidential mode,” information rights management controls and more.

The new “confidential mode” basically arms Gmail users with the option to send emails with security safeguards like disallowing forwarding or copying functions. It also comes with a “disappearing emails” feature, which is essentially a timer-based “self-destruct” feature to have emails automatically deleted.

Apart from the “confidential mode,” the update highlights quick-access buttons to archive, mark, indicate as “read” and “snooze” functions. The buttons are closely tied with the visual redesign of the suite, which is currently active in Google’s “Inbox” app for Android and iOS smartdevices.

Reports indicate that the updated Gmail is already active for enterprise and business-class Gmail subscribers. For personal accounts, the update will be cascaded in the coming weeks.

New Airline Service Between Hong Kong and Davao City

A four-times-weekly airline service between Hong Kong and Davao City is set to start on October28. This is the announcement from the Cathay Pacific Group, whose regional airline, Cathay Dragon, would service the route. The only non-stop flight between Hong Kong and Davao City will be operated by Airbus A320 aircraft.

The Cathay Pacific Group has served the Philippines since 1946, Cathay Pacific’s inaugural year of operations, and Davao City will be its fourth destination in thecountry, complementing existing services to Manila, Cebu and Clark.

Cathay Pacific Country Manager Philippines Rob Bradshaw said the new services reflect the group’s commitment to growing its reach, providing customers with more choices and options when connecting through the airlines’ hub to over 200 destinations in its network.

“We have a rich and robust history of serving the Philippines and we are thrilled today to grow our presence to Davao, our fourth destination in the country,” he said. “With our renowned signature service and convenient schedule, customers will be assured of a premium experience when they travel with us. Through the efficient and passenger friendly Hong Kong hub, the world is now one step closer to our customers in Mindanao.”

Already this year, the Cathay Pacific Group has launched services to Nanning, Jinan and Brussels. Other new routes to take off in 2018 include Dublin (June) and Washington (September), as well as seasonal services to Copenhagen (May) and Cape town (November).

More details are posted at www.cathaypacific.ph.