10 July 2020

Grounding Natural Language Instructions to Mobile UI Actions




Mobile devices offer a myriad of functionalities that can assist in everyday activities. However, many of these functionalities are not easily discoverable or accessible to users, forcing users to look up how to perform a specific task -- how to turn on the traffic mode in Maps or change notification settings in YouTube, for example. While searching the web for detailed instructions for these questions is an option, it is still up to the user to follow these instructions step-by-step and navigate UI details through a small touchscreen, which can be tedious and time consuming, and results in reduced accessibility. What if one could design a computational agent to turn these language instructions into actions and automatically execute them on the user’s behalf?

In “Mapping Natural Language Instructions to Mobile UI Action Sequences”, published at ACL 2020, we present the first step towards addressing the problem of automatic action sequence mapping, creating three new datasets used to train deep learning models that ground natural language instructions to executable mobile UI actions. This work lays the technical foundation for task automation on mobile devices that would alleviate the need to maneuver through UI details, which may be especially valuable for users who are visually or situationally impaired. We have also open-sourced our model code and data pipelines through our GitHub repository, in order to spur further developments among the research community.

Constructing Language Grounding Models
People often provide one another with instructions in order to coordinate joint efforts and accomplish tasks involving complex sequences of actions, for example, following a recipe to bake a cake, or having a friend walk you through setting up a home network. Building computational agents able to help with similar interactions is an important goal that requires true language grounding in the environments in which the actions take place.

The learning task addressed here is to predict a sequence of actions for a mobile platform given a set of instructions, a sequence of screens produced as the system transitions from one screen to another, as well as the set of interactive elements on those screens. Training such a model end-to-end would require paired language-action data, which is difficult to acquire at a large scale.

Instead, we deconstruct the problem into two sequential steps: an action phrase-extraction step and a grounding step.
The workflow of grounding language instructions to executable actions.
The action phrase-extraction step identifies the operation, object and argument descriptions from multi-step instructions using a Transformer model with area attention for representing each description phrase. Area attention allows the model to attend to a group of adjacent words in the instruction (a span) as a whole for decoding a description.
The action phrase extraction model takes a word sequence of a natural language instruction and outputs a sequence of spans (denoted in red boxes) that indicate the phrases describing the operation, the object and the argument of each action in the task.
Next, the grounding step matches the extracted operation and object descriptions with a UI object on the screen. Again, we use a Transformer model, but in this case, it contextually represents UI objects and grounds object descriptions to them.
The grounding model takes the extracted spans as input and grounds them to executable actions, including the object an action is applied to, given the UI screen at each step during execution.
Results
To investigate the feasibility of this task and the effectiveness of our approach, we construct three new datasets to train and evaluate our model. The first dataset includes 187 multi-step English instructions for operating Pixel phones along their corresponding action-screen sequences and enables assessment of full task performance on naturally occurring instructions, which is used for testing end-to-end grounding quality. For action phrase extraction training and evaluation, we obtain English “how-to” instructions that can be found abundantly from the web and annotate phrases that describe each action. To train the grounding model, we synthetically generate 295K single-step commands to UI actions, covering 178K different UI objects across 25K mobile UI screens from a public android UI corpus.

A Transformer with area attention obtains 85.56% accuracy for predicting span sequences that completely match the ground truth. The phrase extractor and grounding model together obtain 89.21% partial and 70.59% complete accuracy for matching ground-truth action sequences on the more challenging task of mapping language instructions to executable actions end-to-end. We also evaluated alternative methods and representations of UI objects, such as using a graph convolutional network (GCN) or a feedforward network, and found those that can represent an object contextually in the screen lead to better grounding accuracy. The new datasets, models and results provide an important first step on the challenging problem of grounding natural language instructions to mobile UI actions.

Conclusion
This research, and language grounding in general, is an important step for translating multi-stage instructions into actions on a graphical user interface. Successful application of task automation to the UI domain has the potential to significantly improve accessibility, where language interfaces might help individuals who are visually impaired perform tasks with interfaces that are predicated on sight. This also matters for situational impairment when one cannot access a device easily while encumbered by tasks at hand.

By deconstructing the problem into action phrase extraction and language grounding, progress on either can improve full task performance and it alleviates the need to have language-action paired datasets, which are difficult to collect at scale. For example, action span extraction is related to both semantic role labeling and extraction of multiple facts from text and could benefit from innovations in span identification and multitask learning. Reinforcement learning that has been applied in previous grounding work may help improve out-of-sample prediction for grounding in UIs and improve direct grounding from hidden state representations. Although our datasets were based on Android UIs, our approach can be applied generally to instruction grounding on other user interface platforms. Lastly, our work provides a technical foundation for investigating user experiences in language-based human computer interaction.

Acknowledgements
Many thanks to my collaborators on this work at Google Research. Xin Zhou and Jiacong He contributed substantially to the data pipelines and the creation of the datasets. Yuan Zhang and Jason Baldridge provided much valuable advice for the project and contributed to the presentation of the work. Gang Li provided generous help for creating open-source datasets. Many thanks to Ashwin Kakarla, Muqthar Mohammad and Mohd Majeed for their help with the annotations.

How to disrupt philanthropy in response to crisis | Darren Walker

How to disrupt philanthropy in response to crisis | Darren Walker

If we want to build back better after the pandemic, we must reconsider philanthropy and create a new kind of capitalism that's rooted in generosity and accountability, says Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation. In this vital conversation, Walker calls for citizens and corporations to question the inequality that makes their wealth possible, to think about their own complicity in creating economic injustice and to celebrate the critical role art plays in creating a culture that uplifts everyone. (This virtual conversation, hosted by head of TED Chris Anderson, was recorded July 1, 2020.)

https://ift.tt/2OdGYFT

Click this link to view the TED Talk

How to Choose a Safe Online Casino


While playing at a traditional brick and mortar casino can be a lot of fun, it is not always convenient. You may live far away from such a facility, or you just do not desire to be around that many people all the time. With online casinos, both of those obstacles are removed. Since can […]

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COVID-19 pivot: Travel unicorn Klook sees jump in staycations


Spring 2020 was gloomy for Klook. As countries closed their borders and went into complete or partial lockdown, the SoftBank-backed travel platform saw its revenue plummet by as much as 90% through March and April. The World Travel and Tourism Council said in April that the coronavirus could put up to 100 million jobs in the global travel and tourism at risk.

But in the dark times, opportunities were also bubbling up.

Six-year-old Klook enables travelers, primarily from Asia, to discover and book overseas experiences ranging from Napa Valley wine tastings to staying with a farming family in Cambodia — a bit like Airbnb Experiences. It then takes a cut from each transaction that happens between the customer and activity vendor.

Before COVID-19, the startup, which crossed the $1 billion valuation mark back in 2018, was seeing 30 million monthly user sessions a month; by April, the figure shrank to 5 million. The constraints on people’s movement across the world, which is the foundation of its business, forced Klook to quickly rethink product offerings.

“At the end of the day, we are in the business of fun things to do. There are things to do at home, as well as local things to do when people could travel,” co-founder and chief operating officer Eric Gnock Fah told TechCrunch over a phone interview. “Now [the pandemic] is giving us an opportunity to add a new aspect to it.”

Staycation

Cooped up at home, people around the world turned to cooking, handcraft and other domestic projects as an outlet for entertainment and creativity. Klook responded to the demand by offering do-it-yourself kits for making bubble tea, macarons, candles and more — and delivering the material to people’s doorsteps. For people who were still eager to see the world, Klook partnered with landmark sites worldwide on online virtual tours, amassing close to 660,000 views in its first two livestreamed experiences.


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How to Post a YouTube Video on Instagram


post-youtube-instagram

One of the best ways to reach out to family, friends, and strangers is through Instagram. However, if you want to share a video with someone on the platform, you’ll need to know how to post a YouTube video on Instagram.

So, in this article, we’ll show you how to post a YouTube video on Instagram using either your mobile device or desktop computer.

How to Post a YouTube Video on Instagram From Your Smartphone

Using a smartphone to post a YouTube video on Instagram isn’t as easy as it sounds. The process is different for both Android and iPhone users, which only complicates matters even more.

Step 1: Install TubeMate

If you have an iPhone, please refer to our article detailing how to download YouTube videos to your iPhone Camera Roll. As for Android users, we’ll let you in on how you can download YouTube videos to your device using TubeMate.

This app isn’t available through the Google Play Store, so you’ll have to download it directly from the TubeMate site. Before you install TubeMate, you’ll need to tweak a security setting that lets your device download apps that aren’t on the Google Play Store. Just make sure to only use this setting for apps you trust.

To enable this setting, head to Settings > Apps > Special access > Install unknown apps. From here, select the browser that you’re downloading TubeMate from, and toggle on “Allow from this source.”

Now, you can go ahead and download TubeMate from any of the links listed on its site.

Download: TubeMate for Android (Free)

Step 2: Download the YouTube Video on Your Android Device

TubeMate writes over the original YouTube app, and adds a download feature. Simply open TubeMate, search for the YouTube video you want to download, and then click the red download button in the bottom-right corner of the video.

You’ll get the option to choose from several different video qualities. If you want to download a 1080p video (the max resolution for Instagram videos), you’ll have to download the MP3 video converter app that TubeMate directs you to.

Step 3: Shorten the Video

In addition to putting a limit on your video’s max resolution, Instagram also has a length restriction for videos—you can only upload videos between three and 60 seconds long. If your video is already within these limits, you can skip this step.

You can easily shorten your video using your phone’s built-in video editor or by using a third-party app—for this part, I used my phone’s built-in editor. After accessing the video, I hit the pencil icon at the bottom of the video, and then selected the scissors icon. From here, I dragged the white bars to fit the portion of the video that I wanted to keep, and then hit Save.

Step 4: Post the YouTube Video on Instagram

When you’re ready to make your post, open the Instagram app, and click the plus icon at the bottom of the page. Select the YouTube video from your gallery, add a filter, write a caption, and then hit Share.

How to Post a YouTube Video on Instagram From Your Computer

You have to jump through just as many hoops when posting a YouTube video to Instagram using your computer. It’s a multi-step process that we’ve outlined below.

Step 1: Install 4K Video Downloader

4K Video Downloader YouTube Videos

4K Video Downloader is a reliable tool that you can use to download videos from YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Vimeo, and more. Not only does this full-featured video downloader allow you to extract subtitles from YouTube videos, but it even lets you download videos in 4K. This makes it ideal for prepping YouTube videos for Instagram.

To learn more about this handy software, make sure to check out our review of 4K Video Downloader.

Download: 4K Video Downloader for Windows, macOS, or Linux (Free, with premium version available)

Step 2: Download the YouTube Video on Your Desktop

Now that you have 4K Video Downloader, you’ll want to use it to download the YouTube video of your choice. Start by copying the URL of the YouTube video, and then hit Paste Link in the top-left corner of the 4K Video Downloader menu.

4K Video Downloader will automatically detect the link you just copied. After it’s done parsing the video, you can choose from several different resolution options that can even go up to 8K if the video supports it. Instagram only permits video uploads of up to 1080p, so you won’t have to worry about downloading 4K or 8K videos.

Download YouTube Video Quality

4K Video Downloader also presents you with an option to change the video format, but you’ll want to leave that set on MP4. To start the download, hit Download at the bottom of the page.

Step 3: Shorten the Video

You can quickly trim the video using Windows’ built-in Movies & TV app, or you can opt to use iMovie on macOS. There are also plenty of other video editing apps you can use instead.

Here, we’ll give you a quick tutorial on how to trim the video in Movies & TV. After opening the video in Movies & TV, click the pencil icon at the bottom of the menu, and select Trim from the dropdown menu.

Edit YouTube Video in Photos

You can drag the two white markers on either side of the video’s timeline to set a new length. When you’re finished, click Save a copy in the top-right corner of the app.

Step 4: Transfer the YouTube Video to Your Smartphone Using Google Drive

Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t allow you to post photos or videos from its desktop site. The easiest way to get around this is to send the downloaded video to your smartphone.

There are quite a few options when it comes to transferring the video to your mobile device. You can use a cloud storage provider, attach the video to an email, or even sync your mobile device to your computer. For this article, we’ll show you how to send the video to your smartphone using Google Drive.

First, ensure that you have a Google Drive account, and make sure you’ve already downloaded the Google Drive app on your smartphone.

To upload your video to Drive, follow these simple steps:

  1. Open Google Drive.
  2. Hit the New button in the left corner of the screen.
  3. Select File Upload from the dropdown menu.
  4. Find the YouTube video you downloaded, and hit Open.

When the video finishes uploading, you should be able to open Google Drive on your mobile device and select the video. From here, hit the three vertical dots in the right corner of the video, and hit Download.

Now that the video is on your mobile device, you can upload the video to Instagram using the same steps that we’ve previously outlined.

How to Share YouTube Videos on Instagram the Right Way

Sharing a YouTube video on Instagram may sound complicated, but it’s easy once you get the hang of it. While both methods outlined above require a series of steps, posting on your smartphone is ultimately the easier way to post a YouTube video on Instagram. This way, you don’t have to go through the trouble of dealing with Google Drive.

Having YouTube videos on your Instagram page can help attract more followers to your page. For more ways to make your profile unique, check out these tips to make your Instagram stand out.

Read the full article: How to Post a YouTube Video on Instagram


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How to Start a Blog and Make Money in 2020


Nowadays, millions of people around the globe make their living from blogging. However, the current COVID-19 crisis has increased the competition in this field. A large portion of the world population has lost their jobs. Therefore, they turned to new jobs based on the Internet. So, a lot of bloggers believe it is more complicated […]

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How to Use Pokemon GO Joystick Android No Root


What is Pokemon Go Joystick Android No Root? Pokemon Go joystick android no root is a unique feature that lets you maneuver your location in real-time using a virtual overlay joystick control. This feature is found in Android applications that allow you to spoof the real-time location of your smartphone. With Joystick you can be […]

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VideoProc – A Convincing Choice For Editing and Merging Large 4K Videos


In today’s world, business owners use video as a tool for promotion. The marketers use videos for YouTube, advertising their products and services, landing pages, recorded webinars, etc. According to research conducted by HubSpot, the owners publish around 18 videos each month. The reason recognized is that the present technology world demands the incorporation of […]

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California reportedly launches antitrust investigation into Google


According to a report in Politico, California has become the 49th state to launch an antitrust investigation into Google.

California and Alabama were the only states that did not participate in an antitrust investigation by 48 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, that began in September and is focused on Google’s dominance in online advertising and search.

It is still unclear what aspects of Google’s business the reported California investigation will focus on.

The Justice Department is also currently conducing its own antitrust investigation into Google, and working with the multi-state probe. It is expected that the investigations will result in lawsuits against Google.

Google is among several big tech companies, including Facebook, Microsoft, Apple and Amazon, that are currently being scrutinized by state and federal legislators and agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission, over alleged antitrust issues.

In 2011, California, four other states (Texas, New York, Oklahoma and Ohio) and the Federal Trade Commission launched an antitrust investigation into allegations that Google unfairly favored its own products over competitors in search results. That investigation was closed in 2013.

TechCrunch has contacted Google and the office of California Attorney General Xavier Becerra for comment.

 


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Whether or not the Trump administration bans TikTok, it’s already helping Facebook


On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the U.S. is “looking at” banning Chinese social media apps, including the Chinese-owned company TikTok, comparing it to other Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE that have been deemed national security threats by the current administration. “With respect to Chinese apps on people’s cell phones, I can assure you that the United States will get this one right, too,” Pompeo said.

The fear is the app could be used to surveil or influence Americans, or else that TikTok parent ByteDance could be made to provide the Chinese government with TikTok’s data on its U.S.-based users — of which there are at least 165 million. India, calling TikTok a “threat to sovereignty and integrity,” decided to ban the app late last week, saying it had similar concerns.

Though security experts disagree over how concerned the U.S. should be about TikTok, the move would would undoubtedly hobble what has become one of the fastest-growing social media businesses on the planet, with 800 million monthly active users worldwide, half of whom are under age 24. In the meantime, the mere suggestion of a ban is proving a boon to TikTok’s biggest rival, Facebook — and notably at a time when the U.S. company faces growing scrutiny over its decision not to take action on multiple controversial posts from Donald Trump.

The threat is already prompting some to speculate that Pompeo’s warning was politically motivated. In a new interview with Axios, for example, L.A.-based talent manager John Shahidi observes that TikTok users have said they were partially responsible for a Trump rally in Oklahoma two weeks ago that failed to deliver huge crowds.

Shahidi — whose agency currently oversees nine “channels” on TikTok that collectively enjoy than 100 million followers — doesn’t doubt the two are related. “I’m on TikTok a lot,” Shahidi says, and “there are no Trump supporters, no official Trump account; no one who is from his team is on TikTok.” Is it “just coincidence that we’re heading toward [the election], and the one app that doesn’t support him — with everything happening in the world — we’re going to talk about taking down TikTok?” he adds.

A shifting landscape

Either way, TikTok influencers are more actively promoting their other social media channels, including Facebook’s Instagram, to their followers as a kind of contingency plan. Soon to join them is rising social media star Pierson Wodzynski, a 21-year-old who ran track in high school and was taking a break from studying communications in college when, in January, a friend invited her to participate in a show on AwesomenessTV, a YouTube channel that has more than 8 million subscribers.

The show’s set-up centered around nabbing a date with social media star Brent Rivera, who has 13 million YouTube subscribers, 19.8 million Instagram followers, and more than 30 million TikTok fans. But afterward, Wodzynski found herself with the L.A.-based talent agency that Rivera cofounded two years ago called Amp Studios and in recent months, aided by special guest appearances by Rivera, she has built a substantial fanbase herself, with 500,000 subscribers on YouTube, 455,000 Instagram followers, and a stunning 4.1 million fans on TikTok.

Wodzynski says her followers seem to like the comedy bits she develops, such a recent series on the “things that go wrong when you’re running late,” and another on the “Appdashians,” wherein each character she plays is a different social media company. (Notably, Facebook is the old grandmother character.)  Says Wodzynski, who comes across as both confident and affable, “I’m so unbelievably myself [on social media], it’s crazy.”

Little wonder that she’s concerned about the TikTok’s future in the U.S. Partly, she simply enjoys it. (“It’s just a great app to escape, and it’s so different, with a vast music library and editing software that other apps don’t have.”) But it’s also the source of most of her income, she says, explaining that she helps promote the brands with which Amp Studios works, including Chipotle. (“A lot of times, it’s me dancing to a popular song and holding the product, or developing a creative advertisement so it looks enjoyable.”)

Wodzynski says she is “ready for anything,” and that if the U.S. bans the platform, she trusts it will do so for legitimate reasons. Besides, she says, “There are many other roads to take your content.”

It’s a sentiment that’s echoed by Max Levine, who cofounded Amp with Rivera, and who advises all of the firm’s talent to diversify across social platforms. “Diversify is a good mantra for life,” says Levine, who learned this lesson early when Vine — the once-popular video app that Twitter acquired, then subsequently shut down — “fizzled and died.”

Land and expand

Levine points to early Vine stars like Logan Paul and Rivera himself who “were smart and focused on building platforms on Instagram and YouTube” and who not only emerged unscathed when Vine was shuttered but whose popularity ballooned afterward. He says that Amp’s clients have always “promoted other socials on TikTok,” and that he’d prefer that they not start becoming too aggressive on this front. “I think if every other TikTok mentions [a call to action], it could be a lot.”

Yet it’s starting to happen, and with the threat of a ban in the air, Wodzynski — who says she saw her view count go down with India’s recent ban of TikTok — isn’t immune to the impulse. “Actually, later today I will be posting something on Tiktok about this whole banning thing and reminding people that if they want to follow my Instagram and Youtube that ‘this is what I post there,'” she says.

“I do that pretty regularly, but I’m going to step it up in more in the coming days and weeks.”

In the meantime, Facebook will be ready. Yesterday in India, Instagram rolled out a video-sharing feature called Reels to fill the void left by TikTok that sounds very much like a clone. The in-app tool invites users to record 15-second videos set to music and audio, then upload them to their stories.

As CNN notes, Facebook began testing the feature in Brazil last November. The feature is now available in France and Germany, too.

Indeed, though Tiktok was not India’s sole target  — it also indefinitely banned 58 other apps and services provided by Chinese-based firms, including Tencent’s WeChat — the country’s government enjoys a good relationship with Facebook, which recently nabbed a 10% stake in local telecom giant Jio Platforms. In fact, in February, before a trip to India, Donald Trump talked about Facebook and the ranking that both he and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi enjoy on the platform.

He said Modi is “number two” on Facebook in terms of followers, and that he is number one as told to him directly by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

As reported in the Economic Times, Trump said at the time: “I’m going to India next week, and we’re talking about — you know, they have 1.5 billion people. And Prime Minister Modi is number two on Facebook, number two. Think of that. You know who number one is? Trump. You believe that? Number one. I just found out.”


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PIN or Password? What’s Safer to Use in Windows 10


windows-10-pin-password

In Windows 10, Microsoft provides several ways to log into your user account aside from a standard password. These include facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, but those aren’t available on some machines.

However, anyone can use a PIN (personal identification number) to protect their Windows 10 account. And doing so is a great idea. Let’s take a look at the Windows 10 PIN security feature, the differences between a PIN and password, and which you should use.

What Is a Windows PIN?

A PIN (“PIN number” is redundant) is a series of digits that’s you can use to log into your Windows 10 user account thanks to the Windows Hello feature. It’s easier to type than a full password, especially on a touchscreen device. No matter if you use a Microsoft or local account to log in, you can supplement your password with a PIN.

As we’ve discussed, there are pros and cons to signing in with a Microsoft account. It’s required for many Microsoft services, and helps to sync your preferences across devices. This makes it convenient, but some people prefer to use a local PC account that’s not tied to anything else.

If you use a Microsoft account to sign into Windows, your PC password and your Microsoft account password are identical. Depending on how many of Microsoft’s other services you use, this password could also protect your Skype, Xbox, and Outlook accounts. As a result, your PC password becoming compromised would pose a huge risk.

If you use a local account, you can decline to set a password (which is quite insecure). Assuming you set a password, it’s applied for only that machine and is not tied to any Microsoft resources. We’ve shown how to convert a Microsoft login to a local account if you’re interested.

How Do I Set Up a Windows 10 PIN?

Access your password and PIN settings by heading to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Here, you’ll find every setting related to your password and sign-in methods.

Windows 10 Sign In Options

To change your current password, expand the Password section and click the Change button. When using a Microsoft account, this will change your password for all Microsoft services. If you use a local account, this only changes that password.

Add a PIN to your account by opening Windows Hello PIN and clicking Add. You’ll likely be asked to confirm your account password before setting a PIN.

The minimum is four digits, but you should choose at least six for a more secure PIN. A six-digit PIN has one million possible combinations, while a four-digit PIN only has 10,000 possibilities.

For more security, you can also check the Include letters and symbols box. This lets you add additional characters to make it like a password. However, doing so defeats the convenience of using a PIN, so this isn’t necessary.

Windows 10 Set PIN

Of course, you should be careful with the PIN you choose. Don’t pick something common, like 0000 or 1234, and don’t choose an obvious date like your birthday. You should also avoid duplicating any other important PINs, such as your ATM PIN. That way, if someone stole your PIN, they wouldn’t be able to break into other accounts.

For best results, choose a random set of numbers and commit it to memory—or store it in a password manager if you’re worried about forgetting it. If you ever need to change your PIN or want to remove it, you’ll find those options on this page.

You can also click I forgot my PIN to reset it. You’ll be prompted to enter your account password to do so.

Other Sign-in Options

On the Sign-in options page, you’ll see several other options aside from PINs and passwords. These include Windows Hello Face and Windows Hello Fingerprint, which allow for biometric security. If you use one of these methods, you’ll also need to set a PIN as a fallback method.

While useful, those options require compatible hardware, which not every computer has. Feel free to use them if your computer has a fingerprint scanner or compatible webcam.

The Security Key option lets you sign in using a YubiKey or similar device. This is a highly secure option but also requires you to buy the key and have it on you to sign in.

Finally, Picture Password has you draw on a photo to unlock your computer. It’s a fun novelty, but not particularly useful.

Windows 10 PIN vs. Password: What Should I Use?

Protecting an account, like most security matters, comes down to a trade-off between convenience and security. A PIN of 1234 is super convenient, but also highly insecure. Likewise, a 100-digit PIN would take a long time to crack, but it is extremely inconvenient to enter.

Because you can use a PIN and password together, you don’t have to choose between them. When used correctly, a solid PIN is a great compromise between convenience and security. Let’s see why PINs are so useful.

PINs Are Unique to Each Device

The best security feature of a Windows 10 PIN is that it applies only to one device; it’s only used on your computer, and never passed to Microsoft’s servers. Thus, if you set a PIN on your home PC and someone stole it, they couldn’t access your account unless they had physical access to your device. In addition, your PIN can’t sign into your Microsoft account like your password can.

Thus, using your Microsoft password to sign into your PC is actually more of a risk. If you have to type that password to log in every time, it might tempt you to make it simple and weak. Should someone steal that password, they could also log into your Outlook email, Xbox account, or any number of other Microsoft services.

Use a PIN and a Strong Password

If you’ve used a password manager to set a secure password for your Microsoft account, it’s probably much too complex to type every time you log in. Logging in with a PIN solves this problem; you just need to make sure it’s a good one.

Our recommendation for most people is to set a strong password for your Microsoft account and combine it with a solid PIN for signing into your computer. This keeps your Microsoft account resources protected while also allowing you to conveniently sign into your PC, especially if you also use two-factor authentication on your Microsoft account for even more security.

There’s really no downside to setting a PIN. Local account users can also set a PIN, and the same rules apply. Since a local account only applies to your particular machine, though, a PIN is simply an alternate means of logging in. It doesn’t offer the benefits of obscuring your Microsoft account password.

Note that you can’t use your PIN when connecting to your PC via Remote Desktop, and you can’t enter a PIN to log in using Safe Mode. Be sure you still have your standard password handy for those situations.

Using Your PIN to Sign Into Apps

As an added benefit, some Windows apps support using Windows Hello to approve access to sensitive information, including 1Password and Google Chrome.

For instance, after you’ve signed into 1Password with your master password once, you can enter your PIN to unlock the app next time. And Chrome now allows you to enter your PIN to auto-fill saved credit card details into forms.

1Password Windows Hello

Entering your PIN is more convenient than typing a long password every time, so these connections are worth setting up. Just keep in mind that the security they provide is only as strong as your PIN.

Using a Windows 10 PIN Is Smart

Now you know how PINs work in Windows 10. When you log into Windows, the system will prompt you for your PIN instead of your password. To sign in with your password instead, look for the Sign-in options link below the text entry field.

We recommend everyone set up a Windows 10 PIN, whether you use a Microsoft account or not. If you’re looking to secure your phone as well, check out the pros and cons of using a fingerprint or PIN to lock your smartphone.

Read the full article: PIN or Password? What’s Safer to Use in Windows 10


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The 10 Best Apps to Install on Your Raspberry Pi


The Raspberry Pi is an awesome little computer, whose capabilities won’t stop increasing. As such, you should make sure that you have the best apps installed on it. Whether you’re running Raspberry Pi OS (formerly known as Raspbian) some apps are unmissable.

Here are best apps for your Raspberry Pi.

Doesn’t Raspberry Pi Come With Apps Preinstalled?

Before proceeding you’re probably thinking “hold on, my copy of Raspberry Pi OS already has a bunch of apps installed.” No doubt you’re thinking of VLC media player, Scratch, and LibreOffice.

With three editions of Raspberry Pi OS to choose from, though, you won’t be surprised to find that those apps aren’t included on them all. The Lite version comes with little to talk of, not even a desktop, and is aimed at project builders. Meanwhile the “Raspberry Pi OS with desktop” comes with VLC media player and the Chromium Web Browser, but little else.

The “Raspberry Pi desktop and recommended software” version, meanwhile, is jam-packed full of everything you could need. But it’s a bit of a big download, so you might prefer to avoid it.

Whatever the case, we’ve chosen the best 10 Raspberry Pi apps that you don’t already have installed. Let’s take a look at them.

So, add VLC media player and Scratch as required

1. Guake

Guake terminal app for Linux

Whether you’re new to Linux or an expert, the default Terminal is frustrating. It’s plain, obscures the desktop, and, overall, the Terminal application is difficult to appreciate.

Consider a replacement: Guake. With a Quake-style semi-transparent interface, Guake can be installed via the Add/Remove Software tool.

After installation, you’ll find it in Applications > System Tools > Guake. Once you see the notification that Guake is running, tap F12 to summon it. Guake will drop down from the top of the screen when called.

Guake lets you see what is happening elsewhere on the desktop. You can also right-click inside the Guake window to alter the Preferences, which includes tweaking the appearance.

2. Synaptic Package Manager

Use Synaptic Package Manager to install software

It’s easy enough to install software via the command line, and Raspbian has its own mouse driven Add/Remove Software tool. But sometimes that’s not enough. If you’re looking for something more expansive, try Synaptic.

Unlike the native tool, Synaptic uses more specific software categories, helping you to find the tools you need. Synaptic (one of several Linux package managers) also ensures you’re using the current version of apps installed on your Pi. All you need to do is click Reload and then Apply to run the updates.

You can install Synaptic Package Manager on Raspbian with:

sudo apt install synaptic

Once installed, run it with a command:

gksudo synaptic

…or launch Synaptic Package Manager from the Preferences section of the desktop menu.

3. MyPaint

Best open source apps lists like this almost always suggest GIMP as a sort of easy Photoshop alternative. While this is a good option, it’s often preinstalled on Raspberry Pi OS. For something a little different, try MyPaint.

This is an open source graphics editor for digital painting, rather than image manipulation. Closer to Corel Painter or Krita than Photoshop, it includes layers, brush settings, scratch pad, and brushstrokes that differ based on the angle and zoom. Many other features can be found on the project’s GitHub page.

To install MyPaint, open a terminal and enter

sudo apt install mypaint

Alternatively, find it in Add/Remove Software in the Graphics category.

4. QMMP

VLC media player plays music, but if you’re looking for something a more visually striking, try QMMP.

With support for all the usual audio formats (MP3, FLAC, Ogg FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, WAV, CD Audio, etc.), it also delivers equalization settings and visual effects.

Various plugins are also supported, adding functionality. This ranges from playing music from YouTube to playing chiptunes (music created on or for 8-bit systems).

Install QMMP with

sudo apt install qmmp

You’ll also find it in Add/Remove Software listed under Multimedia. Once installed, simply launch it from Menu > Sound & Video and open your favorite tunes.

5. DOSBox

DOSBox for Raspberry Pi

The Raspberry Pi isn’t exactly short of games. Amateur developers and have created hundreds of homebrew games; some Linux titles run on the Pi, too. It’s also an excellent platform for playing retro games.

Various types of emulation are possible with the Raspberry Pi, from 8-bit home computers to consoles. But if your preference is for classic PC games, try DOSBox.

Capable of running all software from the MS-DOS era, DOSBox lets you play PC games from the 1980s and 1990s.

To install DOSBox on the Raspberry Pi, open Preferences > Add/Remove Software and search for it. Once installed, head to your Home directory and create a new folder, dosgames. This is where you should save the extracted contents of downloaded games to, ready to use them.

DOSBox itself can be launched from Menu > Applications > Games > DOSBox Emulator. See our guide to using DOSBox for help on configuring the application and finding and installing games.

6. Arduino IDE

Arduino IDE for Raspberry Pi

Planning to pair your Raspberry Pi up with an Arduino for some maker fun? If so, you’ll need Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment). The IDE makes it simple to write and upload code to any Arduino connected to your Raspberry Pi.

You can install Arduino IDE on your Pi via Preferences > Add/Remove Software.

Once installed, launch via Applications > Programming > Arduino IDE. Use the Tools > Boards menu to select the correct Arduino model (Arduino Uno and clones are selected by default).

From here, you can check File > Examples for some useful example scripts for the Arduino. You can also extend its capabilities via new libraries. You’ll find information on these at www.arduino.cc/en/Reference/Libraries. Meanwhile, our detailed guide to Arduino will help you get started.

7. NixNote

NixNote Evernote client for Raspberry Pi

Using a different computer doesn’t mean you won’t need to keep notes from time to time. NixNote is an open source client for Evernote, easily installed in Add/Remove Software.

Once installed, NixNote gives you access to your existing Evernote archive of ideas, jottings, lists, and so on. It can export as PDF, and the data can be backed up and restored as needed.

In short, this is a useful notebook client that syncs with Evernote on your other devices for unified notetaking.

8. Deluge

Download torrents to Raspberry Pi with Deluge

First things first: Deluge is a BitTorrent client. This doesn’t mean that it is illegal; BitTorrent itself isn’t illegal. Rather, the misuse of the peer-to-peer networking technology to download copyright-protected movies and games is illegal.

For instance, many Linux operating systems (including Raspbian) can be downloaded over BitTorrent. This provision reduces the overhead on hosting the distribution on a dedicated server. Our guide to BitTorrent explains this in more detail.

Why might you need a BitTorrent client on your Raspberry Pi? Well, it depends how you’re using the computer. If you utilize it as a repository for personal data, Deluge can download data from your Pi wherever you are. Full details on how to this can be found on the Deluge Wiki.

You’ll find Deluge in Preferences > Add/Remove Software. If you want to use the torrent app in headless mode, connect via SSH and run:

sudo apt install deluged deluge-console python-mako deluge-web

Once this is done, Deluge is ready to run. Pi desktop users can launch it in Menu > Internet.

9. OpenVPN

Configure a VPN with OpenVPN on Raspberry Pi

Every computer should connect to the internet via a VPN. While there are no VPN clients for the Raspberry Pi, there is OpenVPN.

This is a VPN client app that lets you connect to your preferred VPN server using existing account credentials. For example, you can connect to ExpressVPN VPN servers using the configuration files they provide.

Install OpenVPN with

sudo apt install openvpn

Be sure to download the OVPN configuration file for your preferred server and save it on your Pi. Most VPN services provide OpenVPN support so this should be straightforward.

Check our guide to setting up a VPN on the Raspberry Pi for configuration tips.

10. Steam Link

Stream PC games to Raspberry Pi

While the Raspberry Pi doesn’t have the hardware to run standard PC games, it is good enough to stream them. This is possible thanks to the Steam Link software from Valve, which lets you stream games from a PC.

With the games you want to play installed on your PC and streaming enabled, setup is simple. Just connect your Raspberry Pi to your TV and run

sudo apt install steamlink

Learn more in our guide to Steam Link for Raspberry Pi.

Awesome Raspberry Pi Apps You Can Install Today

Along with the apps already installed on your Raspberry Pi, a wealth of alternatives is available. They bring new functionality, improve privacy, deliver gaming, improve productivity, and more.

Which apps you install will determine how you use your Raspberry Pi. Explore the possibilities further in our guide to the best Raspberry Pi projects.

Read the full article: The 10 Best Apps to Install on Your Raspberry Pi


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How to Make Windows Transparent in Windows 10


windows-screenshot

Windows Aero has added a few nice effects to desktop windows over the years, but even to this day, there’s no official way to make a window transparent. Fortunately, there are third-party tools that can help us achieve this goal.

Let’s explore how to make transparent windows and where each tool shines.

1. Glass2k

The Glass2k application

We’re not going to lie to you; Glass2k is an ancient piece of software. The moment you load the page, you’re assaulted with broken Flash panels and a huge red banner declaring that development stopped a long time ago.

The system requirements demand that your computer has a 400 Mhz CPU, 64 MB of RAM, and an 8MB graphics card. In the FAQ, you can read the saddening news that this project won’t, in fact, be developed for Windows 95 or 98. And yet, despite its age, it still works perfectly on a Windows 10 machine.

If you’re not a fan of installing old software on your PC, don’t worry. Glass2K doesn’t require installation; simply download the 55 kb executable and open it to start it up. You can set it to automatically run on Windows start-up if you find it particularly useful.

When Glass2k loads up, you’ll find a few options available to you. “Transparency Popup” lets you set a shortcut to make the settings window appear. The first button has to be a right-click, but you can select what other buttons to press down when bringing the window up.

If you’d rather now right-click everything, you can instead use numbers to customize your transparency. “Keyboard shortcuts” lets you set a hotkey for instant activation of transparency. Once you’ve set a hotkey, just hold it down and press a number key from zero to nine.

Depending on the number you pressed, the window will turn transparent to a certain degree. The 1 key makes it the most transparent, while the 9 key applies the smallest amount of transparency. Pressing the 0 key makes the window opaque.

You can also customize the taskbar transparency here. Just slide the blue bar left and right to customize how clear the bar becomes. If you like this feature, Glass2k is but one of a few pieces of software that can make the taskbar transparent in Windows 10.

2. Peek Through

The PeekThrough app

Peek Through is another entry that has stood the test of time, albeit more recent than Glass2k. It came out as version 1.1.0.0 back in 2010, then received zero updates since then. Again, despite this, Peek Through still works very well with Windows 10.

Once it boots up, set a hotkey that uses the Windows key on your keyboard. Peek Through will let you know if your chosen hotkey conflicts with another, so prod around until you find something that’s free and works for you. Then, press the hotkey on a window to make it transparent or opaque. You can toggle how transparent a window becomes on the slider in the app.

At first, it feels like a lesser version of Glass2k; however, it has an excellent feature up its sleeve. If you enable the option for it, you can click on windows underneath a transparent one. For example, if you only have the one monitor, you can type away on your report in one window, turn it transparent, then click a link on a browser behind it to research what to write about next.

3. WindowTop

The WindowTop menu

Coming to the end of our history tour through transparency programs, we have WindowTop. WindowTop is still receiving updates at the time of writing, and it’s developed with modern-day versions of Windows 10 in mind. Older versions of Windows and Windows 10 can still download a less feature-packed version.

Once booted up, WindowTop lives at the top of your windows, appearing only when you mouse over it. WindowTop doesn’t focus on window transparency alone; it has a few nice tricks up its sleeve, such as the ability to pin a window to the top, shrink windows to an incredibly small size, and invert its colors.

You can activate window transparency in one of two ways. You can press the shortcut (ALT+A, which is changeable by clicking the toolbar icon) or you can hover your mouse over the top of a window and click the down arrow that appears, then select “Opacity.” WindowTop also has the click-through feature that Peek Through has.

4. Actual Transparent Window

The Actual Transparent Window app

For the ultimate in transparency management, you can’t go wrong with Actual Transparent Window. This software has a lot of options to play around with, so you can set up the perfect workspace for your PC.

When you boot up the software, you’ll find the automatic transparency options first and foremost. These allow you to tweak how windows act under certain conditions. Do you want windows to start up transparent? Do you want all inactive windows to be see-through? How about when you hover your mouse over them? You can toggle these options on and off, as well as setting individual transparency levels for each action.

If you don’t like windows adjusting by themselves, you can always do it manually. Compatible windows will have two buttons at the top that toggle transparency, but if they tend to get in the way, you can remove them via the “Title Buttons” option in the settings. You can also enable transparency options to appear on right-click, or apply when you double-click the title bar.

The app also features a “Ghost Mode.” When activated, you can click on items behind the window as if it weren’t there, but you can still interact with it via the keyboard. This lets you click on windows underneath a transparent word processor while still typing away in your document.

Actual Transparent Window is a fantastic tool; unfortunately, it’s the only entry on this list that requires payment to use forever. You can try it for a week, after which it’s $19.95 for the full version. If you buy it and don’t like it, you have 30 days to get a refund; as such, you have a month and one week to decide if it’s for you without risk.

Making Windows 10 Work for You Better

If you like the sound of transparent windows, you’ll be disappointed in what Windows 10 has to offer by default. Fortunately, there are plenty of third-party tools that can help you achieve that goal, even if they’re quite dated!

If you want to equip your Windows 10 machine with even more handy tools, check out the best PC software for your Windows computer.

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The 10 Best WW2 Strategy Games to Immerse Yourself in War


war-strategy-games

WW2 strategy games provide some of the best experiences in the genre. They require you to think tactically as you lead your troops into battle and hopefully toward victory. And they all help immerse you in World War II.

From squad-based combat to continental-scale strategy, you can step into some of the most famous battles of all time to test your strategic mettle. In this article, we list the best WW2 strategy games, both old and new, that are worth playing

1. Company of Heroes 2

The original Company of Heroes is one of the best examples of real-time strategy games period, let alone in the war genre. This sequel is equally impressive.

The game primarily focuses on battles on the Eastern Front, like the Battle of Berlin and Operation Barbarossa. You need to manage your resources carefully, taking over buildings, and upgrade your infantry and vehicles as you go.

Two features that make Company of Heroes 2 especially interesting are TrueSight, a more realistic approach to line-of-sight in combat, and weather conditions that impact soldier’s health and power.

2. Steel Division 2

Steel Division 2 is set during Operation Bagration, across a great single-player campaign that puts you in the roles of General, Colonel, and Weapons Expert. It aims to be historically accurate, with more than 600 units to control across 25 huge maps.

One awesome thing about Steel Division 2 is that you can either fight in the fun real-time tactical combat, or you can automatically resolve them if you just want the pure strategic experience.

On top of all that, the game looks great. So much attention has been paid to the vehicles and environments that you’ll feel totally immersed in the World War II experience.

3. Hearts of Iron IV

Instead of controlling individual units, Hearts of Iron IV puts you in command of the highest-level strategy in the war. You develop technology, build and outfit armies, control forces on land, sea, and air, and launch invasions that will change the tide of the war.

You also handle negotiations, trade, and politics. By appointing ministers and generals, you can use the game’s AI to help you ensure victory. Plus, you can do it with any country involved in the war, from the major players to the smaller nations just trying to survive.

This is a complex game, and it requires a monumental amount of strategic thinking. If you want to see what World War II must have looked from the highest level of command, this is the game for you.

4. Order of Battle: World War II

Order of Battle: World War II may seem like a free-to-play game, but you actually buy each campaign individually. It’s very expensive if you buy them all, so instead it’s better to pick and choose from those that interest you the most.

Thankfully, you can play the first chapter of each campaign pack for free to get a taste of the action. You’ll find a slick and detailed game packed full of content—with over 700 units, including infantry, tanks, ships, and aircraft.

If you like traditional turn-based hex gameplay, this is the game for you. It’s easy to pick up, but packs a lot of depth, and has some nice animations and effects to keep things interesting.

5. Panzer Corps 2

Panzer Corps is a beloved WW2 strategy game, and this sequel takes what worked for the original and improves upon it.

According to the developers, no other game has as many authentic World War II vehicles. There are over 1,000 unique units, each modeled with incredible detail and realistic animations. You can take charge of them in the single-player campaign or online.

Once you’re done with the game’s main content, you can use the powerful scenario editor to build your own campaigns and maps with ease. Panzer Corps 2 is so deep that you may never need to buy another WW2 game again.

6. Codename: Panzers

Codename: Panzers was first released in 2004, but it has since been remastered to work with modern systems and support larger resolutions. Despite its age, this is a game that is still worth playing thanks to its timeless tactical fun.

Across landscapes like small towns, bleak mountains, and murky swamps, Codename: Panzers plunges you into the depths of war and lets you control lots of units like a battle tank, a flame-throwing squad, an organ rocket launcher, and more.

While there is an online multiplayer mode to keep you happy, you should definitely check out the story mode which is engrossing and supported with great voice acting.

7. War in the East

War in the East is a different type of WW2 strategy game. It’s descended from a long line of tabletop war games, and it shows; it captures the look of cardboard chits on paper maps.

Despite that, it packs a huge amount of strategic heft. You wage war along the entire Eastern front, and you can play through five different campaigns. You have access to a wide variety of units, including ski troopers, engineers, pioneers, and tank destroyers.

Beyond combat, you also manage production, supply lines, weather, and fog of war effects. This is a complicated, challenging strategy game, but it’s a deep one that you can sink hundreds of hours into.

8. Men of War: Assault Squad 2

If you’re looking for a WW2 strategy game that has a lot to offer, you can’t go wrong with Assault Squad 2. It’s a top-down real-time strategy game that lets you control every unit in your squad. 200 soldiers with unique loadouts, 250 vehicles, and five different factions make for a huge amount of variety.

There’s a realistic and gritty feel here that few games manage to capture—it’s almost like starring in one of the best World War II movies. The graphics are great and help immerse in the action. You face off against other armored units, engage in sniper battles, and pit groups of infantry against the enemy in massive engagements.

Be warned that this game won’t hold your hand and you will find it very difficult. Welcome to World War II.

9. Sudden Strike 4

There’s one thing that sets Sudden Strike 4 apart from many of its contemporaries: it’s one of the few WW2 strategy games available on PS4 as well as on PC.

Beyond that, it has a lot of what you’d expect from typical WW2 RTS games: 100 units to command, zoned damage areas on tanks, building occupations, and so on. It’s a great-looking game that lets you take on three campaigns from three different sides of the war.

If you’re looking for a console-based WW2 strategy experience, Sudden Strike 4 is the way to go.

10. Unity of Command II

If you only decide to buy one WW2 strategy game, make it Unity of Command II. It’s a follow-up to the 2011 cult classic, putting you in command of the Western Allies as you manage their supply and logistics.

No two play sessions are the same thanks to dynamic campaigns that branch out with your decisions, meaning you can alter the course of history. Despite that, there’s still a keen attention to detail in the units that will please history buffs.

There’s also a scenario editor with Steam Workshop support, meaning you can build your own campaigns and download other people’s campaigns with ease.

You Can Also Play Strategy Games in Your Browser

These aren’t the only World War II strategy games out there, but they are some of the best. Whether you’re looking for tactical, operational, or grand scale battles, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the WW2 strategy games above.

If you don’t fancy buying a game right now, or just want something to dip into wherever you are, check out the best browser strategy games you can play for hours.

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How to Watch Facebook Live on Desktop and Mobile


find-video-facebook

Facebook Live is the social network’s live video platform. It allows you to broadcast live to your family, friends, and followers, with the footage streaming on your News Feed.

The content you can find on Facebook Live is diverse. There’s plenty of creative, funny, and thought-provoking footage worth watching. So, here’s how to watch Facebook Live on both desktop and mobile.

(Warning: Facebook Live has been used to stream homicide, sexual assault, and suicide. And while it’s rare, we recommend monitoring what your children are watching.)

Why Is Facebook Live So Popular?

Facebook Live has been accessible for some users since mid-2016, becoming available to everyone in January 2017.

The platform has quickly grown in popularity, and it’s not hard to see why:

  • On average, live videos enjoy six times more engagement than regular videos.
  • Facebook Live videos get 10 times more comments than regular videos.
  • Users watch Facebook Live videos for three times as long as uploaded videos.

This all means that one out of every five new Facebook videos is now a live broadcast and live videos rack up billions of views per day.

Watch Facebook Live via the News Feed

If someone with whom you have a connection on Facebook (such as a friend, page, group, or celebrity you’re following) decides to stream on Facebook Live, their video will appear in your News Feed.

However, it’s not a particularly satisfactory way of finding content. The method relies on a few variables:

  • You need some form of Facebook relationship with the person or entity.
  • Facebook’s algorithms have to opt to show you the video in your news feed.
  • You need to be on Facebook at the exact moment that the other person is filming.

How to Watch Facebook Live on Desktop

If you want a more efficient way of tuning into Facebook Live videos from your desktop, you have two options available to you.

1. Use the Navigation Panel

fb live

The most common way of accessing Facebook Live videos is to use the dedicated link in the navigation panel on the left-hand side of the Facebook News Feed.

You will find the link—titled Live Video—in the Explore section. You may need to click on Show More to reveal it.

Clicking the link will take you straight to the Live section of Facebook Watch. Scroll down the page to find sections for popular live videos, live news, and live gaming.

2. Use the URL

You can save time and head straight to the Facebook Live page from anywhere on the web by entering the service’s URL in your browser’s address bar. The URL is facebook.com/live. It will take you to the same page as using the navigation bar method described above.

Sadly, you can no longer see a Facebook Live map. You used to be able to find nearby broadcasts thanks to blue dots on a map of your local region, but Facebook killed the feature in June 2019, citing “low usage.”

How to Watch Facebook Live on Android

If you want to watch Facebook Live on your Android device, you can once again turn to your news feed or use the dedicated link.

To find the dedicated link, open Facebook and follow the instructions below:

  1. Tap on the More tab (three horizontal lines) in the upper-right corner of the app.
  2. Scroll down and tap on Live Videos.
  3. Choose the video you want to watch.

How to Watch Facebook Live on iOS

The process for watching Facebook Live videos on iOS is broadly the same as on Android.

Follow these steps to get started:

  1. Open the Facebook app.
  2. Tap on the More tab in the lower-right corner.
  3. Scroll down and tap on Live Videos.
  4. Choose the video you want to watch.

Other Ways to Find Facebook Live Videos

If you can’t find what you’re looking for using the Live Video links as described above, there are a few other ways you can find Facebook Live videos to watch.

Enable Live Video Notifications

facebook live notifications

One of the best ways to make sure you never miss a live stream from someone you follow is to enable live video notifications.

To turn on notifications for Facebook Live, click on the small arrow in the upper-right corner of your Facebook homescreen, then head to Settings > Notifications > Video and flip the toggle into the On position.

NB: Perform the reverse steps if you want to turn off Facebook Live notifications.

Use Hashtags

Facebook Live streamers have adopted the #live hashtag to indicate when they are on air. Of course, not every live streamer uses it, but it’s a good way to find specific videos.

You can search for the hashtag using the search bar at the top of the homescreen on the desktop. You can even append other words, for example, #live Fortnite would bring up videos of people playing the game.

Ask People to Share Facebook Live Videos With You

share video facebook live

Like all content on Facebook, there is an internal Share button which you can use to share the content with other users.

If your friends have similar interests, tell them to share Facebook Live videos with you whenever they find something worthwhile.

How to Watch Old Facebook Live Videos

When someone finishes recording a Facebook Live video, they can save the content and add it to their profile for posterity (though the person recording can disable the feature).

This means that you can scroll back through a person’s timeline and find old Facebook Live videos. When you click on an old video, all of their other old broadcasts will automatically load into a single playlist which you can then browse.

Warning: You May Find Adult Content on Facebook Live

Facebook Live does occasionally play host to adult or inappropriate videos, including pornography, violence, and other unsavory content.

Some of it is unplanned and can be filed in the “perils of live TV” category. However, some of it very much is planned and is actively advertised in the darkest corners of the web.

Naturally, Facebook’s terms and conditions do not permit videos of this nature, but because it’s live, it’s incredibly hard to filter out in advance. There’s no way for you to preemptively block adult videos.

Luckily, the content only represents a tiny fraction of the 3,000 years’ worth of video watched every day, so you would have to be very unlucky to stumble onto it by accident. Nonetheless, it’s important to realize that there is a risk of finding adult content on Facebook Live.

If you’re on the hunt for all types of videos on Facebook, not just the live variety, check out this guide detailing how to find videos on Facebook.

Other Ways to Watch Live Streams Online

Facebook Live is just one of a growing number of services that allow regular people around the world to stream their content to the masses. So check out our article comparing Facebook Live vs. Periscope for an alternative.

And to broadcast on Facebook Live yourself, here’s how to go live on Facebook.

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