Tag: WhatsApp update

  • How to Avoid Ads in Windows 11: Skip the Latest Update

    How to Avoid Ads in Windows 11: Skip the Latest Update

    Microsoft continues to enhance Windows 11, refining the latest iteration of its widely-used operating system. Although these updates typically benefit users, this isn't always the case. For instance, the most recent Windows 11 update introduces new advertisements to your PC. Here are the details…

    Microsoft Inserts Ads in Latest Windows 11 Update – How to Turn Them Off

    Windows remains one of the most widely-used operating systems ever. However, it's challenging to assert that Microsoft is earning as much from this OS, installed on billions of devices, as it desires.

    Despite generating billions in annual revenue, there's always potential for more. This is where Microsoft's clever strategy comes into play: incorporating advertisements.

    It's been known for a while that the company intended to integrate ads into various segments of the OS. Now, in line with this strategy, the tech giant has unveiled a new update for Windows 11 version 23H2 and Windows 11 version 22H2, embedding advertisements into your PC.

    Impact on Users

    The update leads to Windows 11 users encountering advertisements within the Start menu and Settings section. These ads, usually promoting apps, are generally categorized under “recommendations.”

    Disabling the Ads

    However, rest assured; during the beta phase, a method to disable this feature was introduced and is likely available in the current version. To disable these ads, ensure you are running the most recent version and follow these steps:

    1. Open Settings: Press the Windows key and select Settings.
    2. Personalization: Navigate to Personalization.
    3. Start: Click on Start.
    4. Toggle Off: Turn off “Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more.”

    By following these steps, you can eliminate the newly added advertisements from your Windows 11 experience.

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  • WhatsApp Tests New “Favorite Chats” Filter for Android Beta Users

    WhatsApp Tests New “Favorite Chats” Filter for Android Beta Users

    WhatsApp, the widely-used messaging app, is introducing a new feature for its Android beta testers – a favorite chats filter. This update, version 2.24.12.7, is designed to improve the user experience by making it easier to access their most important conversations and groups.

    Organize Your WhatsApp Chats with a New Filtering Feature

    WhatsApp encourages all beta testers to download the latest update from the Google Play Store to try out this new feature. Although it might not be available to everyone right away, it is gradually being released to more users over the next few days.

    Previously available for the calls tab, this feature is now being extended to the chats tab. Beta testers who have installed the latest update can now use a new filter to quickly find their favorite chats, including both individual contacts and groups. This represents a significant step towards prioritizing and organizing the most relevant conversations within the app.

    Easy Management of Favorite Chats

    To make this feature even more user-friendly, favorites can be added directly within the chats tab or through a dedicated “Favorites” section in the app settings. This section allows users to manage their favorite chats by adding, removing, or reordering contacts and groups. Additionally, chats can be added to favorites directly from the chat info screen, simplifying the process significantly.

    This new feature is expected to increase user efficiency by providing quick access to frequently contacted chats and groups. It will save users time by removing the need to scroll through numerous conversations to find the most important ones. Furthermore, the feature will enhance the overall organization within the app, allowing users to keep their most important chats easily accessible.

    Continuous Improvement and Current Challenges

    The introduction of the favorite chats filter aligns with WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to improve user experience and meet the evolving needs of its users. As this feature is currently in beta testing, it is expected to undergo further refinements based on user feedback before being made available to a broader audience.

    WhatsApp is currently facing several challenges. Recently, Apple removed the app from the Chinese store, and the Indian government is in a dispute with the company over chat encryption.

    WhatsApp Tests New
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  • Apple Removes WhatsApp and Threads from China App Store

    Apple Removes WhatsApp and Threads from China App Store

    Apple has taken down WhatsApp and Threads, messaging apps owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), from the App Store in China due to national security concerns, as reported by Reuters.

    Both WhatsApp, a widely used end-to-end encrypted messaging platform, and Threads, a newer social networking app, are no longer accessible for download on iPhones in China. Apple acknowledged the removal, attributing it to national security issues, although specifics are limited. Apple stated, “The Cyberspace Administration of China ordered the removal of these apps from the China storefront based on their national security concerns.” Meta has not provided further comments and directed inquiries back to Apple.

    Extension of App Removal

    According to app monitoring entities Qimai and AppMagic, the removal of WhatsApp and Threads is part of a broader trend. There are reports indicating that Signal and Telegram, two messaging apps known for their emphasis on privacy, have also been taken down from the Chinese App Store. While Apple has not officially confirmed these additional removals, the AppleCensorship website, which tracks changes in the Chinese App Store, lists Signal and Telegram as “disappeared.”

    Impact on Signal and Telegram

    Signal president Meredith Whittaker clarified the situation by stating, “Signal was already blocked in China by the country’s Great Firewall.” Although Signal may have been downloadable previously, registrations and messages on the app are reportedly blocked in China. This implies that the removal from the App Store may not significantly affect users, as they would encounter obstacles in using the app even if downloaded. The scope of China’s recent actions against messaging apps remains unclear, shedding light on the ongoing conflict between national security interests and user privacy, especially in encrypted communication platforms.

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  • WhatsApp Updates Navigation Bar for Android Devices

    WhatsApp Updates Navigation Bar for Android Devices

    WhatsApp has introduced a new update for Android users, featuring a revamped navigation bar now located at the bottom of the screen rather than the top. The company shared the news of this update through a post on Twitter, highlighting that the changes were made to enhance accessibility for users.

    Redesigned Navigation Bar

    The update includes a redesigned navigation bar that provides easier access to key features. While the tabs for Communities, Chats, Status, and Calls remain, they have been reordered. Moreover, the "Status" tab has been renamed to "Updates" for clarity.

    Improved User Experience

    In this new design, all four tabs now have distinct icons for easier identification, a departure from the previous setup where only the Communities tab had an icon. The color scheme has also been updated from a green navigation bar to a white one.

    Enhanced Accessibility

    Placing the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen brings it closer to the user's thumbs, reducing the need to reach across larger phone displays. Users can now conveniently tap on icons to navigate between sections or swipe across them.

    The updated navigation layout was initially introduced in India but has now been made available globally. Android users can access this new design by updating their WhatsApp app from the Google Play Store.

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  • WhatsApp Web Tightens Security with Secret Code for Locked Chats

    WhatsApp Web Tightens Security with Secret Code for Locked Chats

    WhatsApp is currently developing a new security feature for its web client to enhance the privacy of locked chats. This upcoming feature, known as the secret code feature, will require users to input a code to access locked conversations, ensuring an added layer of security. The introduction of this feature follows the recent launch of Chat Lock in the Web beta, allowing users to secure specific chats and bolster privacy and security measures on the Web platform.

    WhatsApp Web’s Upcoming Secret Code Feature for Locked Chats

    The secret code feature for WhatsApp Web is currently in development and is anticipated to be included in an upcoming update. As per a shared screenshot by WABetaInfo, users will be prompted to enter a secret code to unlock their secured chats. This implementation aims to safeguard sensitive discussions by introducing a PIN for additional security.

    The addition of a secret code brings substantial advantages in terms of user privacy and security. It establishes an extra barrier against unauthorized entry to confidential conversations, especially in shared or public computing settings like cybercafes.

    Enhanced Privacy and Security

    This feature guarantees that even if users forget to log out, their private communications remain inaccessible without the secret code. It proves beneficial for individuals who share their desktop devices or operate in environments where multiple users have access to a single computer. Eventually, WhatsApp plans to extend this feature to all devices to bolster security across all platforms.

    Further details regarding the rollout of this new feature will be disclosed in upcoming announcements. Alongside this security enhancement, reports indicate that WhatsApp is also revamping the interface of its web client to offer users a modern and visually appealing experience. This update will include improving the dark theme with a carefully curated color palette and introducing tabs for enhanced navigation.

    Additionally, WhatsApp is experimenting with various new features for its mobile versions, such as a redesigned status tab and a file-sharing functionality akin to Android’s Quick Share. There are also plans to facilitate cross-platform messaging to adhere to EU regulations.

    WhatsApp Web Tightens Security with Secret Code for Locked Chats

    If there are any updates or changes to the feature, users can stay tuned for further information in upcoming releases. WhatsApp is committed to continually improving its platform to ensure user privacy and security remain top priorities.

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  • WhatsApp’s Latest Beta Introduces New Status Tab Design: The Breakdown

    WhatsApp’s Latest Beta Introduces New Status Tab Design: The Breakdown

    WhatsApp's latest beta version 2.24.4.23 for Android has rolled out a revamped Status tab, with a focus on enhancing user experience. This latest update, accessible via the Google Play Store, introduces a fresh interface for viewing status updates, emphasizing ease of access and improved navigation within the app.

    Redesigned Status Tab

    The latest interface overhaul brings about a notable shift in how status updates are presented. Departing from the previous horizontal layout and profile picture identification method, the new design opts for a more user-friendly approach. Users can now preview status updates directly from the top of the updates tab through thumbnail previews of the initial shared status. This feature allows for a quick peek at the content without the need to individually open each status update.

    WhatsApp's initiative for this redesign stems from user feedback pointing out inefficiencies and a lack of intuitiveness in the prior layout. By incorporating large thumbnails for previews, the platform aims to streamline the browsing experience, enabling users to easily discern which updates they wish to view in full.

    Impact on Channel Posts and Updates

    Moreover, the redesign affects the placement and visibility of Channel posts within the Updates tab, encompassing both Status and Channel updates. The adoption of a card-style format for status updates enhances their prominence, potentially altering the display of Channel updates. While concerns have been raised regarding the space these card-based previews occupy, the primary objective remains to simplify the selection and viewing of status updates.

    At present, this redesigned interface is undergoing beta testing and is accessible to a limited group of beta testers. Its progression into the stable version of WhatsApp will be contingent on the feedback received and ongoing development efforts.

    Future Features and Enhancements

    WhatsApp is also exploring additional features, including the synchronization of chat locks across devices to bolster security measures. The platform is testing a file-sharing functionality akin to Android's Quick Share. Reports indicate the possibility of enabling cross-platform messaging to comply with EU regulations.

    WhatsApp's Latest Beta Introduces New Status Tab Design: The Breakdown

    By continually evolving and adapting to user feedback, WhatsApp strives to create a more seamless and secure messaging experience for its global user base. Users can anticipate further enhancements and refinements as the platform progresses in its commitment to innovation and user satisfaction.

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  • Enhanced Security: WhatsApp to Sync Chat Locks Across Devices

    Enhanced Security: WhatsApp to Sync Chat Locks Across Devices

    WhatsApp, the widely-used messaging application owned by Meta, is working on a new security feature to further strengthen user privacy. The new feature will synchronize chat locks across all devices connected to your account.

    Improved User Privacy

    In simpler terms, if you decide to lock a conversation on your smartphone, that lock will also be applied to the same conversation when accessed through WhatsApp on your computer, tablet, or any other linked device.

    WhatsApp Beta Update

    This nifty upgrade was first noticed by WABetaInfo, a reliable source for WhatsApp updates. It was found in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.4.14 update, available to download for all the enrolled beta testers via the Google Play Store.

    Enhanced Security Options

    WhatsApp introduced the ability to lock specific chats last year. They later introduced another feature called Secret Lock, allowing users to set a unique password different from their device password. This password hides the Locked chats folder, making it invisible to anyone who doesn’t know the code.

    Synchronization Across Devices

    However, a downside to these features is that they are device-specific settings. This means that these locks must be set up separately on each device—your computer and phone—rather than being synchronized automatically.

    The upcoming change will streamline this process, automatically extending your security choices across all platforms where you use WhatsApp. This improved chat lock feature will likely be rolled out in the upcoming WhatsApp update.

    • Enhanced Security: WhatsApp to Sync Chat Locks Across Devices
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  • Major camera bug in WhatsApp fixed by latest beta update

    Major camera bug in WhatsApp fixed by latest beta update

    WhatsApp Fixes Camera Bug and Introduces File-Sharing Feature

    WhatsApp has released an update to its Android beta version (2.24.2.20) that addresses a critical camera bug. This bug, which was identified in the previous update, prevented users from starting the camera within the app. The issue was particularly troublesome when trying to capture and share photos or videos directly through WhatsApp chats or the updates tab.

    Bug Resolved

    Many beta testers reported encountering an error message advising them to restart their device whenever they attempted to use the camera feature. Unfortunately, neither restarting the phone nor force-closing the app resolved the issue. This persistent problem hindered the user experience, as capturing and sharing visual content is a key aspect of the WhatsApp experience.

    Recognizing the severity of this issue, WhatsApp promptly worked on a solution. The new update is now available on the Google Play Store and not only introduces a bug fix but also brings an exciting new file-sharing feature that allows users to share files with people nearby. This addition enhances the app’s functionality, making file sharing more convenient and efficient.

    Update Necessary

    To avoid any disruptions in using the camera feature, it is important for users, especially those who have the auto-update feature enabled, to download and install this latest beta version. The update ensures a smoother, bug-free experience, allowing users to utilize the camera and share media as intended.

    New Features in the Works

    In addition to fixing the camera bug, WhatsApp is actively working on introducing new features. Recently, they have upgraded its Channels feature with four new additions. These include voice messages, polls, multiple admins, and the ability for followers to share updates on their WhatsApp Status. Alongside these upgrades, WhatsApp is also testing polls within channels.

    WhatsApp continues to improve its user experience by addressing bugs and introducing new features. Users can expect a more seamless and enjoyable messaging experience with these updates.

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  • Four new features introduced by WhatsApp for Channels

    Four new features introduced by WhatsApp for Channels

    WhatsApp Upgrades Channels Feature for Better User Experience

    WhatsApp has recently made significant upgrades to its Channels feature, enhancing the platform's capabilities for brands, celebrities, and public figures to connect with their audience. Launched in late 2023, Channels allows these users to send direct messages to their followers, and now it's even better with four exciting new features.

    Voice Messages for Quick Updates and Interaction

    One of the notable additions to WhatsApp Channels is the ability for channel admins to send voice messages. This feature is ideal for sharing quick updates, providing behind-the-scenes snippets, or simply engaging in conversations with followers. With voice messages, users can communicate more effectively and add a personal touch to their interactions.

    Engage with Followers through Polls

    To further enhance user engagement, Channels has introduced polls. If you're familiar with using polls in WhatsApp groups, you'll appreciate how valuable they can be. Admins can now ask their followers for opinions on various topics, such as new product ideas or preferred content. Polls enable a two-way communication channel, allowing admins to gather feedback and make data-driven decisions.

    Multiple Admins for Efficient Channel Management

    Channels can now have multiple admins, a significant change that brings convenience to big organizations and brands. With multiple admins, it becomes easier to keep channels active and respond promptly to messages. This feature ensures that channels can maintain a high level of engagement and effectively manage their audience interactions.

    Expanded Reach through WhatsApp Status

    The latest update allows followers to share interesting updates from Channels on their own WhatsApp Status. This means that more people will have the opportunity to see and engage with these updates, ultimately helping channels grow their audience. By leveraging the power of followers' networks, Channels can reach a wider audience and increase their visibility.

    These new features have completed the testing phase and will soon be available to all WhatsApp users. While an exact release date has not been announced, it is clear that these enhancements will significantly improve the engagement and interactivity of WhatsApp Channels for both admins and followers.

    With the inclusion of voice messages, polls, multiple admins, and the ability to share updates on WhatsApp Status, WhatsApp is taking significant steps to enhance how people connect and share content on their platform. These upgrades will undoubtedly provide a more immersive and dynamic experience for users, strengthening the bond between brands, celebrities, public figures, and their followers.

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  • Channels on WhatsApp are undergoing testing for polls

    Channels on WhatsApp are undergoing testing for polls

    WhatsApp is expanding its feature set once again, this time with the addition of polls in Channels on Android. This new feature was introduced in a recent beta update, version 2.24.2.11, allowing some testers to create polls within Channels. The polls option can be accessed through the paperclip icon in Channel chats and enables users to create questions with up to 12 options.

    Polls in Channels

    The polls icon in Channel chats is displayed in green, which is different from the usual yellow. However, the core functionality of the polls remains consistent. Votes are anonymous, and even the poll creator will not be able to see individual responses. While not all beta testers have access to this feature, its presence suggests that a wider rollout could be on the horizon. Users on the Android beta program who are interested in gauging opinions within their Channels should keep an eye out for the green polls icon.

    Availability and Future Updates

    At the moment, it is uncertain when this feature will be available to all users. As it is still in the early stages, it will undergo further testing and improvements in future beta versions. While the idea of using polls in Channels is exciting, it may take some time before it becomes accessible to everyone.

    Bug Fix for Android Users

    In a separate beta update, version 2.24.2.12, a recent bug fix was addressed for Android users. A previous update had unintentionally caused the display of Status update thumbnails next to contact names to break. However, this new update restores that functionality, bringing back a familiar convenience for users.

    Flurry of Activity from WhatsApp

    These recent developments, along with the beta testing of advanced text formatting and themes on Android, indicate a flurry of activity from WhatsApp at the beginning of 2024. With more features and improvements in the pipeline, the popular messaging app seems determined to keep users engaged and excited for future updates.

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