Snapchat update gives your finger a rest

Good news, snapshotters. No more thumb cramps. I'm Bridget Carey, this is your CNet update. [MUSIC] Snapchat has changed a defining feature of its app. You no longer have to hold your finger down on the screen to view a message. The latest app update just lets you view the message right away, with a single tap. And if you're gonna story, you can just keep tapping to skip through messages. The photos and video will Still disappear. But now, you don't have to worry about missing a ten second message because your finger slipped. Here's what's odd about the change. Having your finger on the screen was golden for advertisers because they knew you were actively engaged to looking at the screen. But maybe someone figured out that it was more important to see your message without your finger blocking the view Although some do complain that with a free hand now it's easier to take a screen shot. And that's not all. Snapchat added new ways to add friends. When your location is turned on, you can see a list of other users nearby. But it's not as creepy as it sounds. The other person also needs to be hunting for people nearby with the search Screen open for it to show their name. So, if you want to add a new friend you met, but you don't want to fiddle with codes or a user name, everyone can just open the add nearby screen. Snap codes also got an upgrade. those yellow polka dotted QR type ghosties are unique to every name, and it's a quick way for people to add you by pointing their phone's camera at the icon. You can customize the little ghost Can side with an animated selfie. It loops through several photos and people will see it when they look up your name. If you stumble across a code online you can take a screenshot, the app will scan your photo library for the code so you can add the person. And although it's not as fun, the most important update is two-step authentication. Your snaps can be more secure by requiring not just a password when you sign on, but it'll also require you to enter in a short code sent to you via text message. It's an extra barrier in case someone gets your password. You'll find it in Settings, under Login Verification. Security experts are looking into ways we can verify ourselves without using passwords, which can be easily compromised. And the blogging site Medium is taking a new approach and letting you sign in using only your email address. And you have to go into your email to fetch the special link to log on each time. It's as if you permanently forgot your password. And, as before, you can also sign in using your Facebook or Twitter account. Speaking of hacks, we have another credit card breach This time the victims were people who stayed at Trump Hotel properties. Yes, the Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump now has to deal with hacking at his hotels, along with all the other drama going on. Security reporter Brian Krebs broke the news and it appears that the breach extended back to February. That's it for this tech news update, but there's always more at CNET.com. From our studios in New York, I'm Bridget Carey. [MUSIC]