China blocks WhatsApp

WhatsApp, the most popular messaging service has been disrupted by Chinese government. The government has stepped up the security ahead of upcoming Communist Party meeting.

The messaging service owned by Facebook has started going offline more than a week ago in China. The government is heavily tightening up the security ahead Communist Party’s national congress, which is organized every five years. The Chinese regime is increasing the censorship in the country.
Recently WeChat, the most used messaging app in China has publicly accepted collecting and sharing the sensitive user data with the government. The Chinese regime has been the center of criticism for violating the privacy of Chinese citizens. The government recently passed a rule that will let authorities to access and seize citizen’s digital data and assets without the need of any warrant.
WhatsApp is the only Facebook-owned service that was allowed in China. The step to tighten censorship is part of China’s agenda of online policing. WhatsApp started going down last week, users were not able to use any of the services. Text messages, voice and video calls seemed to be working on Tuesday but the multimedia content was not going through.
The Chinese regime has issued new rules that require tech companies to store user data and share it with the authorities. WhatsApp, on the other hand, offers end-to-end encryption. Other global services like Facebook, Gmail, Viber are already blocked in China. Users might consider using VPN servers to access these online services.
Blocking WhatsApp in China might not affect many users. Most of the Chinese users are on WeChat for the communication. However posts on the Chinese social network, Weibo are not very welcoming. Many users in China are relying on WhatsApp for international communications. One of the users has posted a frustrating post saying, “I can live without the others (applications), but blocking WhatsApp is driving me crazy.”

This will solve your biggest WhatsApp problem

It seems that Facebook-owned WhatsApp is all set to bring a solution to one of the major problem encountered by its users. The popular messaging app is rolling out a new feature -- presently in Android beta -- which will enable users to manage the storage on their smartphone.
The feature is already available for iOS users and will give a detailed break-up of the space consumed by various chats on their smartphones.
In order to use the feature, Android beta testers have to go to Settings> Data and Storage usage> Storage usage.
When a user will tap on storage usage, then they will have to wait for the app to load all the chat conversations. After this, the app will then show the amount of space occupied by each chat. Along with this, the feature will also tell users which group or individual chat is occupying maximum storage.
Once users have tapped on a group or individual chat then they will see detailed information about the message type which have been received and sent. The messages include text messages, GIFs, locations, images, audio messages and various document files. Users will also be allowed to manage storage by deleting messages or media files.
The feature is presently available for WhatsApp beta version 2.17.340 and is soon expected to be available for public.
Recently, a report surfaced online suggesting that WhatsApp is testing its 'unsend' feature. The new feature will allow the users to recall the messages sent mistakenly.
To be called 'Delete for everyone' feature, it will enable users to erase messages before their contacts have read them. As per WaBetaInfo (@wabetainfo), a Twitter account that tracks changes in WhatsApp's beta builds, the company is testing the feature on both Android and iOS. The leak also confirms that the dedicated recall server is now working and is deleting messages.

Websites Like Facebook: Other Social Networking Sites

hese sites are all great alternatives for social butterflies or businesses looking to meet new people or grow their connections.

These Facebook alternatives all tackle social networking from a different angle. There is a social networking site out there for you, regardless of the features you are seeking.

Stop by the comment section to share your favourite social networking site!

Sites Like Facebook

Other Popular Social Networking Sites

tsu

1. Tsu

Start Getting Rewarded for Being Social

Tsu aims to tip social networking back to a YouTube model in which content creators are rewarded with a share of the revenue that they generate.

Just imagine if every single item you posted on Facebook or Twitter over the past few years was earning you a few dollars. The content that you create is the reason that Facebook and other social media sites are successful, but they pocket all the profits from the advertising revenue.

Tsu flips this formula on its head by giving 90% of what it makes through advertising back to users. Both Facebook and Twitter users will also find a range of advanced metrics on Tsu, making it ideal for both individuals and businesses to track their engagement.

As Tsu is new (launched in November 2014), only time will tell if it will one day reach the heights of the likes of Facebook. But one thing is for sure: You'll want to get in early to set yourself up and claim a desired name. Currently Tsu is available by invite only.

Tsu Founder Interview

InterNations

2. InterNations

The Community for Expats to Connect and Network

If you're an expatriate, or plan to be one at some point in your life, InterNations.org is a social network that you should be a part of.

This website has well over a million members spread across 190 countries. InterNations makes it extremely easy to connect with other expats so that you can make friends, exchange information or organise events and activities.

If you live or work abroad InterNations will help you reconnect with your home country by helping you connect with other expatriates in a similar situation and interests.

In addition to connecting with people InterNations offers a range of extremely valuable content through services and guides that members can access for free. This ranges from regular in depth articles about living and working in some of the most popular expat cities along with deals, exclusive offers and reviews for all the must visit places.

If you love to travel or are planning to work and live overseas at some point in your life you should definitely consider building a network on InterNations which will prove invaluable.

muut

3. Muut

Create Your Own Discussion Groups

Muut is a fun discussion- and forum-orientated site that allows you to easily create your own online community of friends, family members, or associates. Forums are easy to set up, join, and manage.

Muut offers lots of options as to what you want to make private and public. Tired of having a large group messages on Facebook? Create a private discussion board instantly with Muut to keep track of everyone.

The possibilities with Muut are endless and you'll find all the features you need in the free version. Or choose to upgrade for a few extra perks.

muut-website

linkedin

4. LinkedIn

A Site to Create a Professional Profile

LinkedIn is a site that focuses on creating profiles for professionals. It is a great social networking website to build business and employment relations, featuring over 170 million registered users in over 190 countries.

LinkedIn is now ahead of MySpace in terms of traffic, making it one of the most popular social networking sites around. The main focus is to allow users to easily track people that they have a relationship with (known as connections). Connections can be used to meet others people, through introductions. Your profile can include your resume, display your industry connections, and help you to follow up job openings as they become available.

If you are looking to create a more professional social profile, then LinkedIn will have you covered.

What Is LinkedIn?

google-plus

5. Google+

The Latest Social Site

Google+ is one of the newest additions to the social networking industry. Google refers to Google+ as a social "layer" rather than a social networking site, due to its integration with a number of other Google properties.

Google+ is currently dominated by celebrity and web personalities and is mostly used to share web-related content. The site allows you to create your own web identity, connect with friends, and follow other interesting people.

Google+ lets you to easily sort your contacts into groups, which allows you to control who sees what, create a group for your family or friends, and even put your boss in his or her own circle.

Google+ Overview

myspace

6. MySpace

The Original Social Networking Site

MySpace went live a year before Facebook. Founded in 2003, MySpace has changed hands several times. The website now focuses primarily on musicians, artists, and filmmaker pages but does still welcome personal pages. MySpace even offers Facebook integration now and all of the features that you would expect from a web 2.0 social networking website: customizable profiles, blogs, and a variety of multimedia options.

If you are an artist looking to grow your reach through social networking, then this site is definitely worth your time. Now that it integrates easily with Facebook, you can manage two profiles with ease.

The Rebranding of Myspace

friendster

7. Friendster

A Site Filled With Games

Friendster is a popular site that is mostly made up of members from Asian countries. The website was originally social-focused, but now has incorporated a number of games and prizes (which has proven very successful).

Friendster is now considered a social gaming platform and no longer offers a number of social features. Friendster allows you to easily find people based on their gender, interests, and age (depending on their privacy settings) while also playing games from the site's vast collection. These games include singleplay, multiplayer, and even MMO-style games from a number of different genres.

If you are a gamer looking to connect with people while also playing games, then Friendster is the website for you.

Friendster Overview

xing

8. XING

"The Professional Network" Site

XING is a site with similar features to LinkedIn. XING aims to be a social networking platform that allows professionals to network with each other. With XING you can market yourself in a professional manner, create business connections, and potentially land your dream job.

XING, like most social platforms, offers profiles, forums, events, and groups to help the social process. While membership is free there are many premium features that can only be accessed with a paid membership. Premium features include searching for people with specific qualifications and messaging people who are not already on your contact list (allowing you to outreach to people more easily).

What Is XING?

meetme

9. MeetMe (MyYearbook)

Meet People and Play Games on This Site

MeetMe allows you to easily find other people that share your interests and build a relationship with them. This site even allows you to link your Facebook account (and use it as your login).

The site was originally called "My Yearbook" and focused on helping users find old friends. The site has since been revamped into MeetMe, and focuses on creating new friendship connections.

MeetMe is free to join and it is free connect with other members. Paid membership options offer virtual currency that can be used in the site's large game collection. MeetMe also has a built-in chat client and real-time stream that allow for easy media sharing and multiplayer gaming.

meet-me

tagged

10. Tagged

Find People With Similar Interests on This Site

Tagged is a different site that allows you to easily discover new friends based on interests. On Tagged you'll create your own profile and browse other profiles based on their interests. Tagged boasts over 200 million users with nearly 20 million unique monthly visits.

Once you start your free account on Tagged you can customise your profile and build your biography with information that helps the site find other users with similar interests. Your Tagged page allows you to upload photos, receive messages, send virtual gifts, and much more.

The social games on Tagged have a nice spin on them in that they are part of the discovery process. Players are often encouraged to make new friends through playing games. Tagged has its own in-house game development team, which means that the games on Tagged are unique.

Learn More About Tagged

netlog

11. Netlog

Another Popular Social Site

Netlog started in 2003 and grew quickly. By 2012 the site had a user base of over 100 million members. Netlog offers all the standard features of a social networking site including a blog, friends, pictures, and your own personal guestbook.

Netlog focuses on localization to deliver results that are specific to individual users. This means that users can be matched with people in the same country and age-group.

Best JavaScript Frameworks

JavaScript web frameworks can become a silver bullet for quick web app development. They serve as a skeleton for single page apps, allow developers to worry less about code structure or maintenance while focusing on creation of complex interface elements, and expand opportunities of JS and plain HTML.

The advantages of using JavaScript frameworks:

• Efficiency — projects that used to take months and hundreds of lines of code now can be achieved much faster with well-structured prebuilt patterns and functions.
• Safety — top javascript frameworks have firm security arrangements and are supported by large communities where members and users also act as testers.
• Cost — most frameworks are open source and free. Since they help programmers to build custom solutions faster, the ultimate price for web app will be lower.

Best JavaScript frameworks in 2017:

Angular-s

After a long-awaited release of Angular back in 2016, its popularity has touched new heights, though AngularJS will hold off on giving ground in 2017.

Angular.js is often referred to as an MVW (Model-View-Whatever) framework and among the top benefits, for startups and mid-sized companies, people name: quick code production, easy testing of any app part and two-way data binding (changes in the backend are immediately reflected on the UI). Since release its ecosystem has gone beyond imagination. As for now, it is reasonably called the most used JS framework for SPAs (Single-Page Applications) development and it boasts the largest community of developers.

Angular2 comes with a long list of features that enable building everything, ranging from web to desktop and mobile. Framework is built with TypeScript from Microsoft with an eye to making JavaScript more agile and attractive for large enterprises. ng2 features a component-based architecture, improved DI (dependency injection), efficient logging service, inter-component communications and more.

Both Angular-s are a better option for enterprise-based applications or for strict programming environments with high standards for code readability.

ReactJS

We’ve already made React and Angular comparison, despite the fact that it is more of a library than a JS framework. It stands behind user interfaces of Facebook and Instagram, showing its efficiency within dynamic high-traffic applications.

It is rightly considered the fastest growing JS framework: as of today, there are about 1,000 contributors on Github. In MVC (Model-View-Controller) pattern React.js acts as “V” and can be smoothly integrated with any architecture. Due to the usage of virtual DOM it provides a great performance boost, comparing to Angular 1.x. In addition to that, React components can be created and re-used among applications or even transferred for public use.

Despite the fact that React has a higher learning curve, it makes app development straightforward and easy-to-understand. Furthermore it can be a perfect fit for complex, high-load and awesome software solutions.

Vue.js

Vue 2.0 was also introduced in 2016 and it took the best from Ember, React and Angular, putting all that into a handy package. It is proved to be faster and leaner, comparing to React and Angular 2.0.

Going deeper, Vue.js offers two-way data binding (seen in AngularJS), server-side rendering (like in Angular2 and ReactJS), Vue-cli (scaffolding tool for quick start) and optional JSX support. Its founder states that Vue 2 is one of the fastest frameworks all in all.

Vue.js is a better choice for quick development of cross-platform solutions. It can become a firm basis for high-end single page applications (SPAs) and beneficial solution to those cases, when performance is put ahead of good code organization or app structure.

Ember.js

Back in 2015 Ember was called the best javascript framework for web application, leaving behind React and AngularJS. Today it boasts a huge online community, regular updates and wide appliance of JavaScript best practices to guarantee ultimate experience right out of the box.

Ember features two-way data binding, like Angular.js, keeping both view and model in sync for all the time. Applying Fastboot.js module it ensures prompt server-side rendering of DOM, improving performance of complex UIs.

Emberjs is commonly usable for complex feature-rich web applications and website. Among the top users are Chipotle, Blue Apron, Nordstrom, Kickstarter, LinkedIn, Netflix and many others. Moreover it has an easier learning curve and there are oceans of tutorials and guide available online.

Meteor.js

Meteor is among the most popular JavaScript frameworks but which comes well-heeled with tons of features for back-end development, front-end rendering, database management and business logic. Since release in 2012 its ecosystem has grown drastically and at a swift rate.

This full-stack platform enables fast development of end-to-end web and mobile applications in pure JavaScript. Due to modular structure all the packages and libraries can be used at pace. In terms of performance, all the changes in the database are immediately transmitted to the UI and in conversely with no evident time losses caused by different languages or server response time.

MeteorJS covers all the phases of software development cycle and takes care of such glooming processes as linking, files concatenation and others. It is of current usage in real-time application development for business companies like Mazda, IKEA, Honeywell and many others.

Best Responsive Web Design Frameworks

Responsive frameworks are favored as they are helpful for the designing process and input of the various front-end features, including off-canvas Menus and models, which are the prerequisites for website development.It may also be noted that responsive frameworks are inclusive of front-end packages, such as HTML5 and CSS, needed for interacting with the browsers. It may be noted that CSS processors make use of a grid and the HTML versions are typographically-defined.

Take a look at the following frameworks that are open for developers to use in 2017.

1. Bootstrap

Under the listing of web design layouts, Bootstrap is known to rate highest in the popularity charts. The Bootstrap 3 edition is the latest offering. This resource makes use of grid system, navigational tools, amongst others. Also, start-up guidelines are made available to the users. The width layout can be fixed or fluid. A bootstrap-enabled website is also supported by mobile technology thereby making it viewable on mobile phones.

2. Foundation

The category of front-end frameworks is inclusive of Foundation. It can be learned easily and recommended for new users. This resource is useful for developing responsive web-pages, in addition to designing applications for email, mobile and web templates. Some of the components related to this framework are media, library containers, an extensive catalog of plug-ins, and navigational resources.

3. Material UI

The Material UI front-end framework is a responsive UI design library, which is known to be compatible with Google’s features. Due to its elaborate nature, it is not applicable for new web-based projects. This CSS processor makes use of React components and is preferred by developers for its customizable web design tools.

4. Pure

This framework contains responsive CSS modules and has been developed for catering to the mobile market. Developers have at their disposal a wide array of styles, CSS modules as well as components, and customizable tools for developing websites.

5. Skeleton

The Skeleton framework is small in size: an outstanding feature of this processor is the fact that websites can be created in a relatively short span of time. It is useful in creating websites for desktops, mobiles, and tablets due to its lightweight nature, owing to its 960 grid-based pattern. Some of its facets include foundation-based designs, forms, buttons, critical UI tools, structured file arrangement, and tabs.

6. Montage

When looking for a framework that is rich in features and HTML 5 compliant, the Montage serves to be a good choice. The HTML5 applications about this framework are suitable for smartphones and desktops. It contains HTML models, reusable components, declarative data binding, and a multitude of components.

7. Siimple

Where responsive web development is concerned, the Siimple framework should also be counted. This system is described as minimalistic and concise. The websites designed with this program are clean, flattened, and minimal. New users might prefer working on this processor as it gives them an opportunity to explore freely. Additionally, only a small number of code lines, around 6 KB in size, are required.

8. Gumby

A Professional Responsive Web Design Company may also suggest the Gumby framework. Included amongst its features are fancy-natured tiles, standard UI kit, toggles, grid flexibility, and switches responsive illustrations. One of its components includes SASS that helps in faster processing. Using its customizer, it becomes possible to generate typography and grid programs.

9. Semantic UI

An exceptional aspect of the Semantic UI framework is the fact that it can be easily incorporated within other processors: third-party styles can also be integrated into this library. Its elements encompass divers, buttons, collections, and loaders. The modules that are contained in the framework are sticky bones, popups, and dropdowns. Due to its easy-to-use and feature-rich nature, developers are opting for this system at an increasing pace.

10. Cascade

The novelty of the Cascade framework is attributed to its ability to offer: grid layouts, both semantic and non-semantic ones; table-based models; navigational tools; base templates; atomic design; modular components. Developers, as well as designers, can work with various elements for the development of high-performing web-links, pertinent for both old and new browsers. This framework gives developers a choice for working on the vital components that are related to particular projects.

11. UI Kit

The Sass CSS and LESS preprocessors are included in the UI Kit framework. The reason for its raging popularity is due to its responsive components bearing unique naming codes. It is versatile on account of its 30 modular-based, combine-able, extendable contents. It contains:

• JavaScript commands such as modal dialogs and off-canvas bars
• side navigation tags
• HTML-based tables and forms
• basic elements such as overlays, badges, and buttons
• layout components with the inclusion of an interactive grid program

This customizable framework is modular and additional aspects can be added without affecting the general look. Components such as nestables may also be used for the creation of advanced user interfaces.

12. Milligram

A milligram is compared to Skeleton as they both are light-weighted frameworks. When compressed, the Milligram preprocessor occupies only 2 KB space. This program is exceptional because it conforms to the CSS FlexBox Grid Modules. Some basic components of this framework-type are typography, buttons, blockquotes, tables, lists, and forms. In comparison to other responsive systems, the Milligram makes use of minimalistic designs.

13. Susy

The Susy framework is rendered useful for creating a variety of grid layouts with the help of mixins. This program is also helpful for calculations and results in time-saving. It is highly flexible in nature and aids in the development of complex layout models. The drawback of this preprocessor is the fact that all the requisites of website designing are not covered; therefore, additional libraries are needed.

14. Sencha Touch

The Sencha Touch can help in developing stupendous mobile-first apps. It makes use of hardware acceleration systems and offers varied user interface components that are applicable for smaller-sized mobile gadgets. Apps are create-able on mobile platforms such as Blackberry, iOS, Android, or Windows, with ease.The users can avail more than 50 device templates and UI components on these mobile-based platforms. Additionally, the apps can be packed with content and a range of features, using a back-end data program. This preprocessor caters to the visual data requirements, and there is no need for external tools. Moreover, the templates can help in creating hybrid mobile-based applications.

15. SproutCore

When availing responsive web design services, then the SproutCore framework may also be considered. It is the oldest and has been popularized due to its easy-to-use and code functioning features: this library supports the Cordova and AppCache platforms.

16. HTML Kickstart

HTML 5 Developers are known to favor the HTML Kickstart processor because they have access to a wide array of elements, front-end systems, and various layouts; about jQuery, HTML5, and CSS3. The items that can be availed are tabs, menus, buttons, typography matter, icons, slides, and grids. This framework eases the task of creating indigenous HTML5 wireframes for use in demo-page layout designs in a comparatively short duration.

17. Materialize

This front-end responsive development framework is known to conform to Google’s specifications. Its components on offer are forms, cards, icons, and buttons. The two available versions are SASS-enabled and the standard-type. An inbuilt feature consists of an IZ grid column that is useful for web page layouts. Amongst its features are included the drag-out mobile menus, material-based design shadows, colors, typography, ripple-effect animation, and SASS mixins. The popular devices support the websites created via this framework.

18. Leaf

Conforming to the CSS approach, the leaf framework helps in integrating the design-based elements within the webpage layouts. This program has been developed by Swedish developer Kim Korte and is recognized for its flexibility and minimalistic style. The Components tabs on the navigation menu should be accessed for learning more about its offerings.

19. Essence

A member of the CSS library and lightweight in nature befits the description of the Essence responsive framework. It integrates the ReactJS Library with the official Material Design Spec’s style models for building a wide variety of mobile-related and web-based User Interface applications.

20. Baseguide

This CSS3 framework builds upon SASS and integrates the vital web design components for forming a concrete library. The components are highly responsive and are alterable depending on the requirements. Native CSS may be used for controlling the forms.