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Messenger Apps Are Compressing Your Files, but There's a Workaround

✇Lifehacker
By:David Nield
4 February 2026 at 12:00

In the old days, we'd post our photos and videos on social media for the world to see. Right now, it's far more common to send these pictures and clips to friends and family through private chat groups—but what you might not have realized is that they get pretty heavily compressed along the way.

There are many reasons for this: It means the files get sent faster, for example, and that the companies behind these messenger apps don't have to spend quite so much on cloud storage (imagine millions of images being sent by millions of users, all the time). However, the recipients of these photos and videos are missing out, and getting copies that are of a much lower quality.

A lot of the time, you can't really tell the difference on a small phone screen, which is why apps can get away with it. But if you're looking at something on a computer screen or trying to print something out to get a permanent physical copy, the compression quickly becomes apparent. It's something most messenger apps do—but there is a workaround if you want your photos and videos shared at full resolution.

How much do messenger apps compress your files?

Instagram on Android
Look out for the HD button when sharing on Instagram. Credit: Lifehacker

Messenger apps are rather coy when it comes to revealing just how much compression they apply: Search the web and you'll hit Reddit threads and support forums rather than actual official documents. Apple admits iMessage applies compression "when necessary", and Google acknowledges files "may have a lower resolution" when sent through Google Chat, but it's all rather vague.

To try and get a bit more clarity, I ran a quick test myself, with a 12MP, 4,000 x 3,000 pixel, 3.4MB image taken on a Pixel. Bearing in mind that compression levels will vary depending on what you're sending, and this was just a test with a single image, here's how the file was changed after it got sent through various DMs:

  • Facebook Messenger: 2,048 x 1,536 pixels, 392KB

  • Google Chat: 1,600 x 1,200 pixels, 324KB

  • Google Messenger: 4,000 x 3,000 pixels, 3.4MB.

  • iMessage: 4,000 x 3,000 pixels, 3.2MB

  • Instagram: 1,000 x 750 pixels, 138KB

  • WhatsApp: 2,000 x 1,500 pixels, 390KB

You can see there's a lot of compression going on here, but Google Messages and iMessage are the clear winners when it comes to retaining original quality (at least with images)—a good advert for both Apple's proprietary messaging system and for RCS.

It's also worth delving into the settings for each app. In Instagram, for example, there's a HD button next to the photo and video picker: When I selected this, Instagram shrank my original photo down to 2,000 x 1,500 pixels, with a file size of 421KB.

In its help section, Instagram says it automatically adjusts image compression based on current network conditions, which is something else to think about—you might want to do all your photo and video sharing over wifi (which is what I did here).

How to send files in their original quality through messenger apps

Apple Photos on iOS
It only takes a couple of taps to get iCloud links in Apple Photos. Credit: Lifehacker

You can make sure your photos and videos get to your friends and family in their glorious, original quality, but you lose a bit of convenience along the way. Essentially, you need to pick a cloud storage service where your images and videos will be stored in full resolution, and then share links to these files—rather than sharing the files themselves.

It's not quite the same immediate experience if you're sending around baby pictures or party pictures: Your recipients will just see a rather dull-looking link instead of thumbnails right inside their apps (though in some cases, there might be a small preview attached). If quality is what matters most to you, this is the way to go when it comes to sharing photos and videos.

You're free to use your cloud storage provider of choice, but if there is one made by the same company behind your favorite messaging app, it makes sense to combine them together. In Google Photos on Android, for example, you can tap on a photo to view it, then choose Share and Share again to find the Create link feature: You can then share this link with any contact in any app.

For Apple Photos on the iPhone, you can get a link to a photo once you've opened it up by tapping the share button (lower left), then Copy iCloud Link. Again, you can paste this anywhere you like, and it's not much more difficult to share entire folders of pictures rather than individual images.

There is an extra advantage to sharing photos and videos this way, in that you can revoke sharing permissions any time you like: New people can be added and other people can be removed from albums showing your toddler growing up for example. It's not as fast and easy as direct file sharing, but you do get a bit more control (and higher resolutions).

WhatsApp Now Has Its Own Version of Apple's 'Lockdown Mode'

✇Lifehacker
By:Emily Long
28 January 2026 at 14:00

Not to be outdone by Apple's "Lockdown Mode," Meta is rolling out new security features for WhatsApp designed to protect high-risk users—journalists, activists, and government officials, for example—from cyber attacks. Strict Account Settings is a "lockdown-style" mode that builds on the platform's existing end-to-end encryption, adding stronger privacy features and additional restrictions against unknown contacts.

For most WhatsApp users, this level of lockdown is overkill. However, people with access to sensitive data that is potentially valuable to threat actors actually have been targeted with spyware campaigns through messaging platforms like WhatsApp, so for users like that, it may be a lifesaver. (In the last year, WhatsApp has also patched multiple zero-day exploits that allowed spyware to proliferate.)

As noted, the new WhatsApp settings are similar to Apple's Lockdown Mode, an OS-level feature that blocks attachments, link previews, and communication from unknown contacts alongside some other settings changes. It also disables wired connections to external devices and a range of web features. Android's Advanced Protection offers similar functionality.

How WhatsApp's Strict Account Settings protects high-risk users

Strict Account Settings automatically enables existing privacy and security settings and adds a host of restrictions to users' communication and visibility on WhatsApp.

  • Two-step verification and security notifications, which alert you if a contact's security code changes, are turned on.

  • Link previews are disabled

  • High volumes of messages from unknown accounts are blocked

  • Only your contacts or those added to a pre-established list can see information about you, including your last seen and online, profile photo, about details, and links on your profile.

  • Only known contacts or those on your pre-established list can add you to groups.

How to enable Strict Account Settings on WhatsApp

These controls can be enabled by going to Settings > Privacy > Advanced and toggling on Strict account settings. Settings must be changed on your primary device and cannot be updated on the web. Note that the feature will roll out gradually over the coming weeks, and may not be immediately available.

Cyber Monday 2025: How Shoppers Are Being Fooled by ‘Too Good to Be True’ Deals

✇Cybersecurity News and Magazine
By:Samiksha Jain
1 December 2025 at 01:12

Cyber Monday Scams

fCyber Monday scams in 2025 are increasing at a time when phishing, credential theft, and financial cybercrime are already at some of the highest levels seen this year. Attackers know shoppers are distracted by discounts and rushed checkout decisions, and they are using this moment to launch more convincing scams than ever. In November, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) warned that phishing emails are becoming extremely realistic. One recent example involved emails pretending to be from the Canton of Zurich. The messages copied the government’s logo, layout, and tone, pressuring people to update information for “new cryptocurrency tax rules.” Victims were taken to a fake website that looked exactly like the real portal. After entering personal and financial details, they were redirected to the genuine website, so nothing felt suspicious. This pattern isn’t limited to Europe. Microsoft’s Digital Defense Report 2025 found that 52% of cyberattacks are now financially motivated, while only 4% relate to espionage. The report shows attackers are more focused on quick money, data theft, and extortion than anything else. Japan has also seen a spike. The Financial Services Agency reported nearly USD 700 million in unauthorized trades since March, after cybercriminals stole login details from fake securities websites and infostealer malware. Attackers then sent follow-up phishing emails pretending to be regulators to lure victims again, showing how far they go to keep the scam going. With these global trends already in motion, Cyber Monday scams in 2025 are expected to hit even harder, using fake deals, phishing emails, and fraudulent apps to trick shoppers during the busiest online shopping week of the year.

Fake Deals: The Most Common Cyber Monday Scam

Fake deals continue to be one of the biggest Cyber Monday scams. Criminals create websites that look identical to popular shopping platforms. These fake pages advertise impossible discounts and use professional product images to appear genuine. Cyber Monday scams This year, attackers are using:
  • Paid ads to push fake “Cyber Monday” offers
  • AI-generated product photos
  • Fake customer support chatboxes
  • Websites designed to collect card details and passwords
Many of these sites even send fake confirmation emails to make the purchase look real.

Phishing Emails Designed for Holiday Shoppers

Phishing emails increase sharply during Cyber Monday week because shoppers expect order updates, delivery alerts, and discount codes. Attackers take advantage of this by sending emails that look like they’re from Amazon, courier services, or major retailers. Common tactics include:
  • “Your order has been delayed” links
  • Payment failure warnings
  • Early-access Cyber Monday discounts
  • QR codes leading to fake login pages
These messages often use the correct logos and a domain name that looks almost identical to the real brand, making them harder to notice.

Fake Mobile Apps Posing as Shopping Tools

Another growing Cyber Monday scam involves fake mobile apps disguised as coupon apps, cashback tools, or sale trackers. Once installed, these apps can access personal details and intercept OTPs. Some harmful apps can:
  • Read text messages
  • Capture saved card information
  • Monitor keystrokes
  • Send fake push notifications
Security researchers have also found fake apps pretending to be BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) services, which become very active during Cyber Monday sales.

AI-Powered Social Media Scams

Social media is now one of the biggest sources of Cyber Monday scams. Attackers use AI to create fake influencer posts, discount videos, and promotional codes that link to malicious websites. These scams spread quickly because criminals use thousands of fake likes and comments to make the posts look trustworthy. Even after Cyber Monday ends, the impact continues. Stolen passwords and card details are used for:
  • Account takeovers
  • Unauthorized purchases
  • Reward points theft
  • Identity fraud
Cybercriminals also test stolen password combinations across multiple websites, knowing many people reuse the same credentials.

How Shoppers Can Stay Safe

Following are the recommendations to avoid Cyber Monday scams in 2025. These easy habits help reduce risk during the holiday shopping rush.
  • Double-check website URLs
  • Avoid deals sent only through social media DMs
  • Download apps only from official stores
  • Turn on two-factor authentication
  • Be careful with QR codes in emails
  • Never enter card details on unfamiliar sites
Cyber Monday scams in 2025 are becoming harder to spot as criminals use fake deals, phishing emails, and fraudulent apps to target busy shoppers. With global phishing incidents rising and financial cybercrime at record highs, staying alert is the best way to shop safely this season.

Warning! Meta will start snooping on your AI chats in its apps in December

✇PCWorld
6 October 2025 at 12:28

In the near future, according to a recent news release, Meta wants to systematically save and analyze its users’ conversations with the company’s own AI chatbot on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.

The initiative will begin starting December 16th, 2025, initially outside the EU and UK where stricter data protection laws will force a later introduction. The data will be used to further personalize advertising and content, and it won’t be possible to opt out.

Meta wants to study your AI chats

According to Meta, all user inputs to the AI chatbot in WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook will be stored and analyzed. The company wants to use this data to personalize advertising and content.

Anyone who talks to the AI about topics such as cycling or cooking, for example, could start receiving targeted ads for bicycles or kitchen appliances. Users might also start getting suggestions and recommendations for relevant groups and posts.

Meta emphasizes that sensitive information—such as health, religion, or political views—won’t be used for advertising purposes. Nevertheless, that kind of data is still technically collected and processed in order to provide the AI functions.

No way to opt out of data collection

There won’t be a way to keep using the AI chatbot while also opting out of data collection and analysis. If you don’t want Meta to read and study your conversations for advertising purposes, your only option is to stop conversing with the AI chatbot altogether.

WhatsApp offers an option for blocking the automatic integration of AI. To do this, open the relevant chat, go to the settings, and activate the “Advanced chat privacy” option. This must be done for each chat.

Note that Meta plans to compile the AI chat data collected across platforms. Anyone who has linked their accounts in the “Accounts Center” must be aware that AI interactions on one platform can also influence the display of advertising on another.

Meta says it won’t analyze private end-to-end encrypted messages between real contacts. Only AI conversations.

Launch in Europe still up in the air

While the new policy is due to come into force in most regions worldwide starting December, the launch date for the EU and UK remains unclear. Meta is still examining how the changes can be reconciled with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) laws.

According to the company, over one billion people already use Meta’s AI services, including the chatbot and the “Imagine me” image function.

What does this mean for users?

In the future, anyone who chats with Meta AI will have their full conversations stored and examined by Meta. As the data analysis can’t be deactivated after its introduction, the only protective measure you can take is to not use any Meta AI features. (In WhatsApp only, you can activate chat data protection on a per-chat basis.)

For more information, check Meta’s privacy policy.

Why I fell out of love with Duolingo

✇PCWorld
3 October 2025 at 06:30

In 2015, ahead of my first vacation to Italy, I wanted to learn some Italian. It’s polite to know at least some basic words and phrases when visiting a foreign country, right? Enough to get by, anyway. With about three months to learn, I landed on Duolingo—and instantly fell in love with the way it teaches a language through implicit learning and gamification.

As someone who’s never been particularly academic, I still remember those days with a special fondness because I’d never had so much fun while learning something new. A lot of that had to do with the fact I could see (and feel) how much progress I was making.

Duolingo has been part of my life for a decade now, but I’m falling out of love with it. What was once my favorite app has turned into something I dread, and the fun I once had is no longer there. What happened?

I was using the free version of Duolingo, but liked it enough to start paying

That first Italian vacation I mentioned above went pretty well and I was able to enjoy basic conversations in Italian with the locals. Duolingo actually helped, and since then I’ve used the app to learn the basics of several other languages when visiting other countries. For a long time, it was the most exciting app on my phone.

Duolingo screenshots achievements and history

Dave Parrack / Foundry

And in fact I liked Duolingo enough that I started paying for the privilege of using it. It was so useful that I felt the developers deserved some compensation, and more than that it was actually entertaining. So, why not? I rarely pay for premium subscriptions, but I gladly handed over my hard-earned money for a 12-month Super Duolingo plan.

Things went well for a couple of years, and I didn’t mind seeing my Super Duolingo subscription automatically renew every year… but then some frustrations started creeping in.

The negative quirks of Super Duolingo

For one, I became more concerned about maintaining my Duolingo streak and gaining XP—whether to make the top 3 in my current league, to get promoted to a higher league, or to avoid demotion to a lower league—instead of actually learning the languages. I found myself just doing the personalized practice session every day to earn a quick 20 XP. (For those unfamiliar, practices only review mistakes and weak areas.)

With Duolingo, I could earn more total XP by completing actual language lessons where I’m learning new words and phrases, but doing so takes a lot more time and effort. In order not to break my streak, I felt compelled to take the easy way out with easy XP sources. This meant I was making zero progress towards learning new languages.

Duolingo screenshots widget and league

Dave Parrack / Foundry

The gamification was great for building my streak—but once that streak was built, the gamification started backfiring.

There’s also the fact that Super Duolingo gives unlimited hearts, and that robs the whole gamified learning process of its stakes. With limited hearts, I’m encouraged to apply myself and do my best so I don’t lose any of them. With unlimited hearts, I can half-ass my way through lessons, knowing I can just try again if I mess up. I end up going through the motions without taking anything in or testing myself.

Recently, Duolingo has switched from its hearts system to an energy system, where every lesson costs a bit of energy. Energy slowly refills over time or instantly refills by watching a rewarded ad. You also get bonus energy for a perfect lesson. Is this better for learning? The jury’s still out.

I canceled Super Duolingo when I realized it was preventing me from learning

A couple of years later, when I realized the quirks of Super Duolingo—personalized practice being the easiest source of XP and unlimited hearts making it easy to coast through lessons—were holding back my learning, I decided to cancel my premium subscription.

Now I’m back to using the free version of Duolingo… and I’m actually enjoying it again. I’m actively learning new languages again, having returned to completing 1 or 2 lessons most days. With limited hearts (or now energy), I have to pay attention and do well. Consequences are a great tool for focusing the mind and putting in effort.

Duolingo screenshots nagging and unlock

Dave Parrack / Foundry

Unfortunately, the free version of Duoling has its own annoyances to deal with, like paywalled features and advertisements.

Don’t get me wrong. Both of those things make sense for any freemium app. I understand that Duolingo isn’t a charity, that they need to earn revenue to keep the lights on and the app active developed. But it is an annoyance, nonetheless, and it’s kind of ironic that it keeps prodding me to try Super Duolingo for free. I’ve already tried it! And it’s no good.

I’m adapting to using the free version again, despite its many flaws

I still have Duolingo installed on my phone and I still use it most days. However, I’m now doing it on my own terms, tackling lessons when it suits me. I’m no longer subject to Duo’s passive-aggressive reminders to start a lesson so as not to lose my streak.

Ultimately, I’ve realized that maintaining a streak isn’t important. My streak was greater than 1,200 days at the time I canceled Super Duolingo, and losing it was the best thing that could’ve happened. It was freeing. I can now miss a day and not care less. Back to zero? Oh well. The world keeps turning and I can keep learning another day.

Duolingo screenshots learning and features

Dave Parrack / Foundry

Ultimately, I think Duolingo has got the balance wrong. The paid version encourages you to focus on the wrong stuff and takes away the good pressures that matter. You care more about keeping streaks and reaching new leagues instead of completing courses and passing actual learning milestones with real meaning behind them. As for the free version, it feels set up to annoy you enough to subscribe to the paid version.

I still think Duolingo has a lot of value and can be used to learn new languages in a fun and accessible way. However, right now, it’s hard to recommend it to anyone not already using it.

You can insert yourself into AI videos with OpenAI’s new Sora 2 model

✇PCWorld
2 October 2025 at 14:29

OpenAI is now launching Sora 2, according to a recent announcement post. Sora 2 is the next generation of the company’s AI video and audio generator, promising more realistic, physically accurate, and controllable results. Unlike previous models, which often “cheated” with physics, Sora 2 can generate more believable simulations.

Sora 2 can create videos of advanced movements—like gymnastics sequences, backflips on a paddleboard, and figure skating triple axels—while generating synchronized sound, dialogue, and effects. It can also insert people or objects from real-life videos, and recreate both their appearances and voices with high precision.

There’s also a new iOS app called Sora being launched. The app allows you to create and share AI videos, remix other people’s clips, and use the cameos feature to put yourself (or your friends) right into AI-generated scenes. If your cameo is used in a remixed clip, you’ll be counted as a co-creator (thus allowing you the power to remove said clip).

OpenAI emphasizes that this launch is focused on responsible use. The feed will encourage creation over passive consumption, and users will also be given tools to personalize their experience and minimize addictive scrolling.

At launch, the Sora app will only be available in the US and Canada. Sora 2 is available on the web. Both require an invitation from OpenAI.

These YouTube Premium features just landed on more devices

✇PCWorld
29 September 2025 at 12:25

Google is expanding the features of YouTube Premium, bringing the benefits of the paid subscription service to more devices, according to a recent community thread post. YouTube Premium subscribers will see the following improvements:

High-quality audio: Enjoy a more immersive listening experience with improved audio quality (256 Kbps). This feature, previously available in the YouTube Music app and only as an opt-in experiment on YouTube, is now fully available in the YouTube apps for Android and iOS. (But only for official/premium music videos and Art Tracks.)

Faster playback speeds: You can now speed up playback on multiple devices in 0.05x increments up to a maximum of 4x. Previously only available on Android and iOS, this YouTube Premium feature is now fully available on Android, iOS, and the web.

Skip forward: Jump to the most interesting parts of videos faster by seamlessly skipping to the most important moments via AI and your user data. This feature is already available on Android, iOS, and the web and is now also available for YouTube on smart TVs and gaming consoles.

Shorts Smart Downloads: Automatically download your favorite Shorts based on your previous viewing history so you always have something new to watch—without you having to do a thing. Previously available on Android and as an opt-in experiment on iOS, this feature is now fully available on iOS.

Shorts Picture-in-Picture (PiP): Have your Shorts play in a small window while you scroll through other content on your device. Previously available on Android and as an opt-in experiment on iOS, this feature is now fully available on iOS.

How much is YouTube Premium?

For individuals, YouTube Premium costs $13.99/month or $139.99/year. Families can get YouTube Premium Family for $22.99/month while students can get YouTube Premium Student for $7.99/month.

If you only care about an ad-free viewing experience and none of the other benefits that come with YouTube Premium, you might want to look into the new YouTube Premium Lite option. However, even Premium Lite still has some ads in some areas of YouTube.

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