About Dave Parrack
Dave Parrack is a Deputy Editor at MUO and also oversees the site's coverage of current events. He has been writing about technology since 2007, and with MakeUseOf since 2011.
He has previously written for various sites, including Blorge, WebTVWire, and New Atlas.
Dave uses ChromeOS and Android, but isn't a Google fanboy. He thinks AI will change the world sooner than people think, for good or for bad. He has a particular interest in new and emerging technology.
You Can Now List an Item on eBay in Seconds
The latest version of eBay's mobile app on Android and iOS has the ability to populate a listing for you without you having to lift a finger. Result!
Netflix Launches Short Video Previews on Mobile
After introducing video previews to the TV interface in 2017, Netflix is now bringing them to its mobile apps too.
Microsoft Launches Windows Defender for Google Chrome
Microsoft has released its Windows Defender Browser Protection---which is already a part of Edge---as a Chrome extension. Offering Chrome users an extra layer of protection.
Opera Shuts Down Its VPN App for Android and iOS
The Opera VPN app, which provided Android and iOS users with a free VPN for their phones, is to be permanently discontinued as of April 30, 2018.
Google Chrome Now Mutes Autoplaying Videos By Default
Autoplaying videos are, without a doubt, one of the most annoying things about the internet. Thankfully, with the release of Chrome 66, Google is acting to end this annoyance.
Amazon Launches an International Shopping Experience
For those of us who live outside of the U.S., it's not always easy ordering items from Amazon. Which is why Amazon has launched the International Shopping Experience...
Google Maps Now Uses Landmarks for Directions
Google is testing changing the way Google Maps gives out directions. The idea is to make Google Maps sound more human, and employ similar clues as a real person would when asked for help.
Disney Launches ESPN+ for Cord-Cutting Sports Fans
Disney has launched ESPN+, a streaming subscription service aimed at sports fans. ESPN+ offers lots of content, but it's being pitched as an accompaniment to ESPN's cable channels rather than a replacement.
Duolingo Helps Language Learners Level Up
With 25 million users and 31 different language courses, Duolingo needs to keep innovating. Thankfully, the company is doing just that, with an all-new levelling system called Crown Levels...
You Can Now Use GIFs in LinkedIn Messages
LinkedIn has decided to embrace the GIF, integrating Tenor into LinkedIn Messaging. This means you can send a GIF to someone you want to work with, but maybe you shouldn't.
Google Is Launching a New Version of Gmail
Gmail for the web hasn't had an update in quite a while. However, it turns out Google has been working hard behind the scenes, and a new version is on the way...
HBO Rickrolls Reddit Over Westworld Spoilers
Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, the showrunners for Westworld, have pulled off a publicity stunt by Rickrolling the whole of Reddit. Which may be the final nail in the Rickrolling coffin.
How to Check If Your Facebook Data Was Sold Off
You can now check to see if your data was accessed during the Cambridge Analytica scandal without having to wait for Facebook to post the information on your news feed...
You Can Now Use Your Amazon Echo As a PA System
Thanks to a new feature called Alexa Announcements, you can now broadcast messages to everyone within earshot of the Echo devices in your home. Which should cajole the kids into action.
Facebook Is Spying on Your Messenger Chats
While Facebook maintains Messenger conversations are private, automated tools scan the contents, and if someone reports a message for violating community standards, human employees may review them.
The New Reddit Redesign Is Rolling Out Now
Reddit has started rolling out its redesign, the first the site has undertaken in years. Which should be good for attracting newcomers, but may upset longtime users.
Google Bans Cryptocurrency Mining Chrome Extensions
Google will no longer accept extensions that mine cryptocurrency, and any existing Chrome extensions that mine crypto will be removed from the Chrome Web Store in June.
Snapchat Adds Group Video Chats and Voice Calls
Snapchat is rolling out group video chats and group voice calls. This allows you to video chat with up to 16 people, or voice chat with up to 32 people.
You Can Now Play Fortnite on iOS Without an Invite
You can now play Fortnite Battle Royale on iOS without needing to bag an invite to do so. All you need is an iPhone or iPad running iOS 11, and you're good to go!
It's Now Easier to Manage Your Facebook Privacy Settings
Facebook is making it easier to manage your privacy settings. You might still want to delete Facebook, but the social network clearly hopes you won't.