Top app updates this week: Twitter drops Bing translation, Foursquare acts like a stalker and more

From Twitter quietly pulling our Bing Translation button to Google officially adding an Unsubscribe option in Gmail, this week saw some really interesting updates. Those who’ve missed on their daily dose of app updates, here’s a quick recap of the top app updates this week.

Twitter

Twitter has quietly pulled out the Bing translation option it had introduced a year ago. It was only earlier this week that users started noticing this change. The company hasn’t officially announced the discontinuation or the reason for doing so. This also means users can simply copy and paste a foreign language into a translation service of their choice, and will no longer get the Bing option from within the app.

Android Device Manager

Google’s Android Device Manager Web platform now lets you set a custom lock message and number. This means, if you happen to lose your handset and a kind soul finds it, it will easier for him or her to return it. You can easily set a call back number and a custom message on the lockscreen. We wonder what took Google so long to implement this feature.

Google Search

On Wednesday, Google updated its Search app for Android.  It has added a pop-up warning for users who try to enable ‘OK Google’ detection from any screen (including the lockscreen) with a message that reads, “Someone else may be able to use voice commands, such as calling or texting, or access your address, contacts and other personal information -even if your device is locked.” It is also said to come with new hands-free features from the rumoured KITT project from Google. The updated Google Search app will be rolling out gradually to users across the globe.

Gmail unsubscribe

Google now officially brings an “Unsubscribe” button in Gmail’s web interface. So, if there is an unsubscribe link buried somewhere deep in a message, Google will automatically pull it up and place it next to the sender’s email address. It is already being considered as a huge blow to email marketers.

Foursquare

Right from the start of the year, Foursquare has been on a revamping spree. In its latest move at updating the app, the company has irked many users. Earlier this week, Foursquare updated the mobile app to track users even when they are not using the app. Earlier, Foursquare required users to give its app the necessary permission to turn on location-tracking, but now users need to change a setting within the app if they don’t wish to be tracked. However, Foursquare hasn’t made it explicitly clear that it will be tracking your data even when not in use. It needs to educate users about the change because constant location tracking is something that needs the user’s affirmation.

Pinterest

Pinterest has introduced a direct messaging feature that allows users to send entire boards or user profiles to your friends and include group chat for up to 10 people. Active messages pop up as bubbles with your friends’ profile images – similar to Facebook. Clicking on the ‘+’ icon, allows you to type in the name of a friend, and you can send a pin or a standalone message.