Tech
WhatsApp's new dark mode has arrived, but it just isn't dark enough – TechRadar
After many months of speculation and hints, WhatsApp dark mode has finally arrived for beta testing on Android, and I’ve been using it full-time since it arrived. It’s rather nice, and it’s certainly easier on the eyes at night than bright green and white, but there’s just one problem: it’s still not dark enough.
First, there’s the app’s main background. Rather than black, it’s a dark greenish gray. That’s all find and tasteful, but on an AMOLED screen you really want the background to be fully black so those pixels are switched off and not draining your battery.
Yes, a truly black background would mean missing out on the fun WhatsApp wallpaper (peer closely – can you see it?) but that’s a small price to pay. Even if you enter the app’s wallpaper settings and choose ‘solid color’, the darkest swatch isn’t actually black. If you want a truly black background, you’ll have to create a black image and set that as your wallpaper. That’s quite a lot of hassle.
Next, there’s the text, which is mostly stark white and therefore a little hard on the eyes. A more subtle shade would be easier to look at, and wouldn’t have me dialling down the whole screen’s brightness to lower the contrast.
That’s something I’d rather avoid because the color of the message bubbles is extremely similar to the background. Dial down the overall brightness and you can’t see them at all. The speech bubbles in light mode are much clearer to see, making it that little bit easier to follow the conversation. A black background would knock the contrast up a notch without any further changes.
Not-so mellow yellow
Then there are the emoji. Open the menu and squint as they slide into view in all their bright yellow glory. It’d be less dazzling if they’d been reworked in a different hue for dark mode – a pleasant shade of blue, perhaps. Yes, it would have been a lot of work, but dark mode has already been so long coming, what’s a little longer?
All that grumbling aside though, WhatsApp dark mode is still in beta testing, so there’s a chance it could change substantially before it starts rolling out properly.
Also, let’s not forget that the APK files include menu options that suggest it might eventually be possible to choose between two different dark modes, possibly including one specifically made for AMOLED displays. Here’s hoping it might tone down some of the gaudier colors, too.
And even if it doesn’t, there’s still hope for Facebook’s mobile dark mode, when it eventually makes an appearance. Fingers crossed.
Tech
Nothing customer data leaked after apparent breach – MobileSyrup
The personal information of some Nothing customers has hit the web.
As discovered by Android Authority, a file on a text file-sharing website contains a bunch of Nothing Community profiles. While some of the data is here public information, like usernames, comments and join dates, private information, namely emails, are also visible.
Digging into it further, Android Authority says it couldn’t find any evidence of passwords being leaked. It also notes that the data appears to be from 2022 and affects roughly 2,250 Nothing Community profiles, including some for community managers.
Of course, despite Android Authority‘s investigation, there’s always the chance that other info could have been leaked. Therefore, you might want to keep an eye on your info for any strange activity on top of changing your password.
Android Authority says it’s still awaiting comment from Nothing.
Source: Android Authority
Tech
BikeRadar Podcast | Sea Otter 2024 mountain bike round-up | BikeRadar – BikeRadar
In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, George Scott and Jack Luke look back over the best MTB tech they sniffed out at Sea Otter 2024.
Neko Mulally’s bonded DH frame is discussed, alongside the much anticipated Maxxis Aspen ST tyres, which have been teased by professional riders over the past couple of years.
George and Jack also share their thoughts on Atherton’s new S-Range alloy bikes, with the S.170 making its trade show debut after being released in February.
We’ve also put together an article on all the new and oh-so-shiny MTB tech from the show, so be sure to check that out.
How to subscribe to the BikeRadar Podcast
The BikeRadar Podcast takes you to the heart of the issues that matter for bike riders, whether you’re a roadie, mountain biker, gravel rider or commuter.
From the latest tech news, reviews and debates, to interviews with the biggest and most interesting personalities in cycling, the podcast is your direct line into the BikeRadar team.
To make sure you don’t miss a future episode, you can subscribe via Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Tech
Apple's FineWoven cases rumored to get one final release – AppleInsider
Apple has probably stopped production of its poorly-received FineWoven cases for the iPhone, but a new report from the same herald of its death says there is one last set of seasonal colorways coming.
Now according to leaker Kosutami, who first reported the cancellation, there could still be one more push for the FineWoven cases.
Pressed on the rumor, Kosutami emphasizes later in the same thread that if this is correct, it will be for only one more season. It’s now almost eight months since the launch of the iPhone 15 range, so it’s unlikely that there is to be a new mid-cycle color of the iPhone, but perhaps there can yet be new colors for the FineWoven cases.
Consequently, this rumor can at best be said to be possible, especially if Apple had already committed resources to the new colors. However, since FineWoven has proven to be startlingly poor at stain resistance or even just durability, it’s more believable that it is gone for good than it is that FineWoven will get a last hoorah.
-
Business23 hours ago
Honda to build electric vehicles and battery plant in Ontario, sources say – Global News
-
Science24 hours ago
Will We Know if TRAPPIST-1e has Life? – Universe Today
-
Health20 hours ago
See how chicken farmers are trying to stop the spread of bird flu – Fox 46 Charlotte
-
Health23 hours ago
Simcoe-Muskoka health unit urges residents to get immunized
-
Investment22 hours ago
Own a cottage or investment property? Here's how to navigate the new capital gains tax changes – The Globe and Mail
-
Science19 hours ago
Osoyoos commuters invited to celebrate Earth Day with the Leg Day challenge – Oliver/Osoyoos News – Castanet.net
-
News19 hours ago
Freeland defends budget measures, as premiers push back on federal involvement – CBC News
-
News22 hours ago
‘A real letdown’: Disabled B.C. man reacts to federal disability benefit – Global News