Category: News

  • Android Bloatware: Google Pushed To Take Action Against It  By 50+ Organisations

    Android Bloatware: Google Pushed To Take Action Against It By 50+ Organisations

    Android has always had issues with bloatware, regardless of whether its form carriers or OEMs. Recently, an open letter made the rounds that pushed Google to take some sort of effective action against bloatware on Android. The letter had the backing of more than 50 privacy organizations. Privacy International posted this open letter to Sundar Pichai, the Google/Alphabet CEO, requesting him to take action “against exploitative pre-installed software on Android devices.” It quotes a study that found that as much as 91% of Android bloatware doesn’t even appear on Google Play Store. This open letter was posted via ZDNet.

    Since these apps come pre-installed and are system apps, these cannot be deleted. This means that they have advanced permissions when compared to your other regular apps. This could also mean that they will have more privacy loopholes which cannot even be detected by us users. These kinds of things have happened in the past.

    Android Bloatware
    Android BloatwareAndroid Bloatware

    The Open Letter and its Contents

    The letter requests Google take urgent action against Android bloatware. The very first request states that the users should be able to delete any pre-installed app on their device fully without any conditions. The next request mentions that these pre-installed apps should “adhere to the same scrutiny as Play Store apps.” This is a pretty good point and one which we all tend to ignore or conveniently forget. Thirdly, pre-installed apps should have “some update mechanism” that doesn’t need an account. Google should not certify devices having privacy issues.

    Android Partners are those who make use of the Android trademark and branding. They are manufacturing devices that have pre-installed apps that cannot be deleted. These systems apps are often referred to as Android bloatware. The mere presence of these apps could make users vulnerable. This involved being unaware about their data being collected and shared without explicit permission or indeed, their knowledge. The letter ended on a note as mentioned below.

    Android Bloatware pre-installed apps
    Android Bloatware pre-installed apps

    “…We, the undersigned, believe these fair and reasonable changes would make a huge difference to millions of people around the world who should not have to trade their privacy and security for access to a smartphone.”

    Following the end, the letter had the signatures of more than 50 organizations. The signees were mostly who focus on consumer privacy. Some well-known names in the list included American Civil Liberties Union and DuckDuckGo.

    The Signees

    The open letter requested Google to take action against Android smartphone manufacturers who sell devices having pre-installed apps that cannot be removed or deleted. As many as 53 organizations have backed up this letter to Google CEO Sundar Pichai. These organizations believe that Android bloatware could be harmful to user privacy. The main reason behind this is that we cannot delete most bloatware apps. This makes the users vulnerable to the crooked vendors and app makers sharing their data.

  • Next Nubia Red Magic to have 144Hz screen

    Next Nubia Red Magic to have 144Hz screen

    Nubia is a gaming brand that is currently working on its latest device. The team is focusing on it quite dedicatedly with the CEO posting a similar message on Weibo. He shared a screenshot which confirmed that the company is working on a smartphone that will support 144Hz max refresh rate, in addition to 90 Hz and 120 Hz. The CEO also referred to the phone as “Red Magic 5G phone”. The name confirms that their next release would be a 5G phone. However, that is not so surprising since many manufacturers are working on similar models to keep up with the trend.

    The CEO of Nubia, Ni Fei, disclosed that the new flagship device will feature three cameras on the rear. The phone will run on Snapdragon 865 chipset and the SoC will be paired with a Snapdragon X55 modem. Different sources mention that this Nubia Red Magic phone could possibly come with a different version featuring Qualcomm’s latest chipset. However, this would be paired with a different modem. The idea behind this is that the other variant is aimed at lower price markets and for markets are not 5G-ready yet.

    Nubia Red Magic
    Nubia Red Magic

    Nubia Red Magic

    We only recently got a look into the latest and upcoming Nubia Red Magic gaming phone. The phone is will support 5G and come with a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz. According to an official Weibo post by the CEO, it looks like there are several screen refresh rates, starting from 60Hz to 90Hz, 120Hz, and up to a maximum of 144Hz. While other gaming phones have had higher refresh rates before, it is not so common with commercial phones. The 2018 Razer Phone 2, a gaming model, boasted a 120Hz refresh rate. On the commercial side, Google Pixel 4 featured a 90Hz screen refresh rate.

    In 2019 H2, we saw flagship devices featuring 90Hz displays. However, these did not stay popular for long since ASUS then released its ROG Phone II with a 120Hz OLED panel. Nubia is here to shatter all this with its 144Hz screen. The company is currently testing out the same. The best part about this is the fact that it is expected to be priced very affordably. The very fact that the best gaming phone in the market with top features is selling for a very reasonable rate is enough to attract anyone, gamer or not.

    Nubia Red Magic 5G
    Nubia Red Magic 5G

    144Hz Screen Refresh Rate

    Recently, OnePlus talked about introducing 120Hz screens in its future devices. This announcement was again made on Weibo. Strangely, it was made the very same day Nubia mentioned that its Red Magic phone will feature 144Hz. This essentially means that the display will refresh 144 times per second. It is not very much and in fact, is counted to be typical for gamer-focused desktop computer displays. However, it cannot be detected by humans on small screens like this. Since response time is a major factor in gaming, Nubia is likely to attract a lot of gamers. Of course, the addition of 5G is just icing in the cake.


  • V60 ThinQ Dual-Screen Flagship Phone Could Launch At MWC 2020

    V60 ThinQ Dual-Screen Flagship Phone Could Launch At MWC 2020

    Many are waiting with bated breath for the MWC 2020. LG is expected to release another dual-screen smartphone at the event. This piece of news emerged from the Korea Herald. The report says that LG is working to launch the V60 ThinQ at the upcoming Mobile World Congress. The Korea Herald’s report suggests that the LG V60 ThinQ Dual-Screen will be a 5G-enabled smartphone. The device is likely to feature a secondary display, similar to LG G8X ThinQ that was released last year. However, the major difference here would be that the hinge mechanism that attaches the screens will have undergone a complete redesign. Naturally, it would be far ahead of its predecessor, V50 ThinQ

    V60 ThinQ Dual-Screen
    V60 ThinQ Dual-Screen

    The hinge on the LG G8X ThinQ is designed to move 180-degrees. This means that the second screen can wrap up all the way. However, the two displays are separated by an inch or less. Due to this unfortunate gap, users cannot enjoy a flawless viewing experience. The reason behind the redesign could that the company wants to fix this issue. However, as long as there is a hinge, chances are that visual interruption will be a problem. Maybe working with software could put an end to this? We have no concrete idea of what LG is working on, but we do know that the V60 ThinQ will feature a revamped hinge design.


    A Foldable Phone Or A Dual-Screen Phone?

    Where Huawei Mate X, Galaxy Fold, and Moto Razr smartphones are all foldable models, LG is still trying to make the dual-screen hinge-design model work. While Samsung’s Galaxy Fold did not really receive any great feedbacks, it was quite better than its G8X ThinQ. Besides all this, LG has filed some patents. From a look at that, it looks like the company is working on a couple of models – one with a fold-out display and one with a rollable screen.

    LG Display has also made quite stir with supplying foldable OLEDs for smartphones, laptops, and tablets. From all this, it is apparent that LG believes in the foldable design model. Maybe the company is of the opinion that testing out its second-screen concept for a little while more will make it a better device. Although not a lot of details is known about the upcoming LG V60 ThinQ, we do know that it will feature at the MWC 2020.

    LG G8X ThinQ
    LG G8X ThinQ

    Instead of investing heavily in foldable phones, LG has chosen to focus on Dual Screen accessory. Where Samsung and Motorola are working on foldable devices, LG has something completely different in mind. The company does not seem to be changing its focus anytime soon either. The V60 ThinQ Dual-Screen is expected to be launched by LG at the MWC 2020 that is scheduled in late February. This flagship device will be released along with a newer Dual Screen accessory. The new accessory is what will feature the redesigned hinge mechanism. We are not sure if the separation will be completely gotten rid of or whether it will merely be reduced. LG hopes that with the release of V60 ThinQ, sales will increase.

  • OnePlus 8 may be sold by Verizon with 5G support

    OnePlus 8 may be sold by Verizon with 5G support

    OnePlus’ next smartphone could be sold by Verizon, a leading wireless carrier. A report from Android Police suggests that OnePlus 8 will be available for purchase from Verizon Wireless after its release. It is expected to launch sometime later this year. The report also says that the phone is likely to come with 5G hardware. If the sources are to be believed, this is the first time a phone from this manufacturer will be sold by Verizon. Other OnePlus devices have supported Verizon’s 4G network. Since the OnePlus 8 is expected to come with 5G support, it might work with Verizon’s millimetre wave. This is available in 31 US cities as of now.

    OnePlus 8
    OnePlus 8

    According to Android Police, the OnePlus 8 model that might be sold by Verizon will be the standard variant. It is not likely to be larger than the OnePlus 8 Pro model. The device will come pre-loaded with Verizon’s standard apps and features. This includes support for VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling. The very first US carrier to sell a OnePlus device was T-Mobile. This was when OnePlus 6T launched towards the end of 2018. The fact that Verizon is now part of the team is definitely a major plus point for OnePlus. It is expected that they will now enjoy a larger audience to whom they were previously not very well-known. This works out well for all parties involved since OnePlus tends to price its phones quite aggressively. Chances are, even today, that Verizon’s customers might be able to get lower monthly bills while enjoying top features.

    OnePlus-Verizon Alliance

    Although not a lot is known about this alliance, one thing is quite sure. The alliance is going forward with the release of OnePlus 8. This smartphone is expected to be released in the US with Verizon. The phone will come with 5G connectivity. Where T-Mobile is the only US carrier for OnePlus phones right now, the list will expand with the inclusion of Verizon with the upcoming release.

    OnePlus 8 with Verizon
    OnePlus 8 with Verizon

    Quite recently, OnePlus flaunted its Concept One phone at CES 2020. The eye-catching feature included a disappearing camera. On January 13th, in China, the company is expected to demonstrate new “screen technology”. While we don’t know much about this tech and what exactly it could be, we do know that OnePlus shared a graphic regarding the same. In that, we see glass panels stacked on top of one another. Is there any chance the OnePlus 8 will have this new tech or is it for an upcoming device? All we know is that it could replace the pop-up selfie cam for a hole-punch display.

    Issues with past models

    The OnePlus 7 Pro, the previous version of the model, was released in May of last year. It priced quite low when compared to others in the series. It was available for purchase with T-Mobile. However, soon after, T-Mobile stopped its sale of the 7T Pro model. The carrier started selling OnePlus 7T sometime in October, which sells for less. Another point of concern with OnePlus is the two data breaches the company has unfortunately gone through in the last couple of years.

  • Galaxy S10 Lite and Note 10 Lite Go Official

    Galaxy S10 Lite and Note 10 Lite Go Official

    After weeks and weeks of rumours and speculation, Samsung finally made two of its smartphones official. The Galaxy S10 Lite and Note 10 Lite will be exhibited at the CES 2020. In a press release, Samsung recently talked about the basic specs of both these phones. Spec-wise, it looks like both the devices are pretty much the same. Both feature a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a punch-hole on top. Here, at the centre, resides the 32 MP selfie camera. Another common spec that both the phones have is the 4,500 mAh battery. With regards to other hardware, both devices have 128 GB of storage with either 6 GB or 8 GB of RAM, according to the variant you select.

    Note 10 Lite
    Note 10 Lite

    Looking at software, both Galaxy S10 and Note 10 Lite come with Android 10 out of the box. This is one of the few devices at the moment which supports this. One UI 2.0 features here as well. So, where do these devices actually differ? Well, first of all, the camera. Although both have triple-lens arrays, the Galaxy S10 Lite has a 48 MP primary camera with “Super Steady OIS”, a 5 MP Macro camera for super-close shots, and thirdly, an ultra-wide 12 MP camera. The primary camera is designed to offer the best stability. On the other hand, the Galaxy Note 10 Lite features three 12 MP sensors. The primary has an f/1.7 sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus, while the other two sensors come with ultra-wide and telephoto lenses.

    Features and Specs

    Besides the camera, the processors of both devices are also quite different. The S10 Lite features a 7 nm 64-bit Octa-core processor while the Note 10 Lite boasts of a 10 nm 64-bit Octa-core processor. It is believed that these are Snapdragon 855 and Exynos 9810 respectively. Another point of difference is the inclusion of an S-Pen. Where the Galaxy Note 10 Lite comes with an S Pen, the other does not. Of course, it connects wirelessly and can be stowed within a silo on the device. Other features are the same, such as the presence of the Samsung Notes app and more.

    S10 Lite
    S10 LiteS10 Lite

    At the CES 2020, we can expect both these devices to be exhibited by Samsung. While the specs and features have been advanced by the company, there is no word on the pricing yet. We will get to know that at the event. The Note 10 Lite will be available in Aura Glow, Aura Black, and Aura Red. The S10 Lite will come to be available in Prism White, Prism Black, and Prism Blue.

    The Release

    Samsung recently confirmed the launch date for the Galaxy S10 Lite device. It is set to be released on January 23, starting sales from the popular online platform, Flipkart. India is expected to be among the first markets where this phone is likely to be launched. The upcoming phone will feature Snapdragon 855 processor and 8GB RAM. So far, there has been no news about the release of the Galaxy Note 10 Lite in India.

  • WhatsApp Update: Three New Features Of Whatsapp

    WhatsApp Update: Three New Features Of Whatsapp

    WhatsApp is the favorite messaging platform enjoyed by millions of users all over the world. It is catering to requests of upgrades and feature enhancements from users. WhatsApp recently rolled out three important updates that both Android users as well as iPhone users can reckon with.

    Three New Features Of Whatsapp

    While these updates have not substantially overhauled the application, it has certainly added features that have been long-sought to make the application more intuitive.  Here’s a look at what these three WhatsApp updates have in store.

    WhatsApp Call Waiting

    WhatsApp is getting common to make phone calls across its users. Also, these phone calls are certainly a convenient feature for the users. However, in the current version of WhatsApp, there is no form of intimation or alert if you are on one WhatsApp call. Hence and you can’t receive another call parallelly from another contact. A missed call alert would flash only when you are done hanging upon your current call.

    The recent updates of WhatsApp now offer a call waiting option. Now a user on a call will be intimated of another call coming in alongside a notification at the top of their device. A user thus has the option of declining the incoming call or ending the current call to answer the new incoming call.

    This current upgrade, however, does not offer the option of putting one call on hold to answer another. There is hope that WhatsApp will introduce the basic feature of call hold in the coming updates.

    WhatsApp Group Chat Invites

    WhatsApp users all through the past and current versions have been added to WhatsApp groups without any prior intimation or consent. Finally, in the current WhatsApp update, users have the discretion to select those contacts who can and can’t add them to group chats.

    This segmentation can be done using three options available in the settings of the new upgrade. They include:

      • Everyone
      • My contacts
      • My contacts except

    As the names suggest, choosing everyone will allow even those individuals to add you to groups who are not part of your contacts list. This way you can block out-group advertisements and promotional WhatsApp groups initiated by strangers.

    Going with ‘My Contacts’ will enable only those users whose number you have saved in your contact list can add you to groups. Finally, if you wish to exclude a certain few from your contact list from adding you to WhatsApp groups, use the ‘My Contacts Except’ feature option. These options are available on the Account-Privacy-Groups path in your settings menu.

    WhatsApp Reminders

    WhatsApp update is one of the much-waited things for users. Nothing works as well as a message when it comes to daily reminders for your to-do list! You no longer have to rely on friends messaging you with WhatsApp’s all-new reminders feature. Any.do is a popular reminders application that is used by over 10 million users worldwide and the latest WhatsApp update can now be synced with your favorite messaging application.

    What this facilitates is setting a reminder for tasks to be done by you on Any.do. At the designated time fixed by you, you will receive a message on your WhatsApp in your ongoing conversation window with Any.do reminding you to execute the task. This service, however, comes at a cost of $5.99 per month at a flat rate no matter your usage or your geographical location.

    Conclusion

    Can’t wait to enjoy these new features? Upgrade your existing WhatsApp from the Google Play Store or the iPhone App Store. These features are available for both Android and iOS smartphones.

  • The Outer Worlds DLC Announced For 2020

    The Outer Worlds DLC Announced For 2020

    In what is going to be an involving and captivating update. The wide-open adventure game, The Outer Worlds is all set to have a story DLC update in the year 2020. This dense game has various depths, nuances, and side quests that hold the ability to keep gamers engaged for hours. Well, with its DLC story things will certainly be taken a notch above.

    The Outer Worlds DLC Announced For 2020

    Although much hasn’t been divulged yet. Obsidian Forums confirmed the rolling out of story DLC in 2020. This announcement came along the lines of the social media manager of the brand, Shyla Schofield. While she thanking the fans and the team behind the game. The acknowledgment of the four nominations received by The Outer Worlds in The Game Awards.

    Although the game had little luck in bagging any award, Schofield said, “even just being nominated means a lot.” Schofield continued, “However, the journey isn’t over yet as we are excited to announce that we will be expanding the story through DLC next year! Details will be made available at a later date.”

    The Outer Worlds certainly had some pretty stiff competition across all nomination categories from other stellar games released during the year. It was nominated for Best Narrative, Best Performance (for Ashly Burch), Best RPG and Game of the Year.


    What Will The Outer Worlds DLC Be About?

    The Outer Worlds is the new blue-eyed boy of the Obsidian Entertainment. It recently got taken over by Microsoft. The gaming company has enjoyed success with its games Fallout: New Vegas and Fallout: Stick of Truth, but the true feather in its cap has been The Outer Worlds game.

    The sci-fi RPG game has received a pat on the back for its colorful interface and a world full of interesting personalities. With the unfolding of the story DLC in the coming year, there is certainly going to be a lot more adulation that’s coming its way.

    Enthusiasts are keen to know when this update will release and what exactly the DLC will be about. There is little clarity on the platforms the new roll-out will cover. However, as the game is a single-player game that involves role-playing and multiple endings. The industry estimates expect an old-school kind of story setting. There may even be some content created for post-game for the gamers to enjoy some glory for their victory over the challenges in the game.

    Rumour has it that it will be available on all platforms simultaneously. This includes PC, PS4, Xbox One and even possibly Nintendo Switch. Interestingly, as Microsoft is now at the helm of things with regard to The Outer Worlds, there may even be a possibility that the new DLC feature could very well be an Xbox and PC exclusive.

    As the industry and gaming enthusiasts in the world over await its release, there is no confirmed date announcement yet.


  • China Threatens Germany With Retaliation If Huawei 5G Is Banned

    China Threatens Germany With Retaliation If Huawei 5G Is Banned

    With the German Chancellor Angela Merkel pushing to apply cybersecurity guidelines on the Chinese smartphone maker Huawei and other 5G vendors, the Chinese government has threatened to retaliate against the same.

    Huawei 5G Is Banned

    Lawmakers in the Angela Merkel government have recently expressed concern over Huawei’s deployment of 5G wireless networks in European countries. This comes in light of the security allegations made against the Chinese smartphone maker and its 5G network hardware and capabilities.

    The Chinese ambassador to Germany, Wu Ken, recently stated-

    “If Germany were to make a decision that leads to Huawei’s exclusion from the German market, there will be consequences. The Chinese government will not stand idly by.”

    He stated that Huawei was under no obligation whatsoever to provide information to the Chinese government.

    The ambassador also went to draw from the German carmakers who supply over a quarter of the 28 million cars sold in the Chinese auto market last year. Wu Ken went on to further rationalize-

    “Could we one day say that these German cars are no longer safe because we are in a position to manufacture our own cars? No. That is pure protectionism.”

    Last month, around 80 officials part of the German Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party had, at the party’s annual convention, presented a motion that stood against the Chinese smartphone manufacturer’s big role in setting up 5G networks in Germany. The convention released a text that read, “Only those are trustworthy that are not under the influence of undemocratic states without a functioning rule of law.”

    Previous reports stated that German Chancellor Angela Merkel was earlier consenting of Huawei supplying components to set up the 5G infrastructure in Germany. after the statement from the CDU at the convention, Merkel had signaled that this motion wouldn’t be considered as binding.

    Having recently finalized rules and regulations for the deployment of 5G components in Germany, the German government had not excluded the Chinese manufacturer from its engagement in supplying components. Further, the government officials did confirm that the country’s security catalog will be the base for technical and additional evaluation of this arrangement. They also stated that no single vendor would be singled out and barred.

    In line with the same, German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier warned against laws that are passed singling out a particular firm or establishment.

    “We shouldn’t turn against individual companies and instead insist that all electronic and high technology components used in Germany meet the highest security requirements”

    He elucidated in an interview published in Der Tagesspiegel newspaper.

    Stating that it’s components and software contained “back doors” that could enable the Chinese government to spy on countries. The US has been, in the recent past, trying to influence its ally countries to ban Huawei from supplying 5G components. In a bid to fight sanctions imposed on it, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission this month.

  • Google Stadia Games: Borderlands 3 and Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 are now available

    Google Stadia Games: Borderlands 3 and Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 are now available

    Google is steadily working on increasing the number of games available on Stadia. Thanks to the buddy pass, you can play with your friends and family more games than ever before. In August of last year, it came out that Borderlands 3 will now be made available on Google Stadia. Today, you can now enjoy RPG Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 along with Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint. The latter is a tactical shooter game with interesting features certain to keep you hooked.

    With Stream Connect, players would be able to view the same things as the other players or teammates. This happens in split-screen with Google’s servers doing the work instead of you needing your own setup. Users would be able to view up to three teammates’ perspectives simultaneously. This comes in pretty useful as you co-ordinate and on the next moves so that you can all march towards victory.

    Google Stadia Games: Borderlands 3
    Google Stadia Games: Borderlands 3

    Google has been trying quite hard to add more games to Stadia. Unfortunately, its game library still has a conspicuous lack of original content. However, the collection seems to be improving with Google promising more games by the end of the year. Although the service was launched only a few weeks back, there are already a few games added to the platform.

    Google Stadia Games

    Google has managed to increase the number of games available for Stadia just before the release. So far, Stadia has 22 games available. The company assures the users that before the year is complete, there would a lot more additions here. The latest additions include Borderlands 3, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, and Ghost Recon Breakpoint. These games are priced along the same range.

    Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
    Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2

    The Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 has been created with colourful and engaging moments. Enjoy the game as you time travel and protect historic moments. You will gain more power by understanding new techniques, playing online with friends, and defeating rivals. This would gain you a lot more power as a Time Patroller. Unravel stories centring your favourite Dragon Ball characters. Looking at Borderlands 3, it is currently being offered at a discount with Stadia Pro. This offer is expected to last only for a short while. The game is available in Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition, and Super Deluxe Edition. Enjoy the game by joining your fellow hunters in this action-packed game. Once set up, users can play this game across all the supported devices.

    Coming to Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint, it is one of the last games to be added to Stadia. Stadia’s Stream Connect is a unique feature which works great for the game since it allows users to monitor the screen of three teammates. This game is available with certain discounts as well.


    Wrapping Up

    Out of the three games, Borderlands 3 and Ghost Recon Breakpoint are discounted while Xenoverse 2 is popular enough to be offered without discounts or new features. The Deluxe and Super Deluxe Editions of Borderlands 3 comes with both discounts and additional cosmetics while the latter also offers an add-on content season pass.

  • Whatsapp Android Update Finally Brings Long-Needed New Feature For Android Users

    Whatsapp Android Update Finally Brings Long-Needed New Feature For Android Users

    WhatsApp is one of the world’s most popular messaging app. While it has a ton of useful features, there is always space for improvement. The latest update Whatsapp Android Update is something that could save many of us some grief. Currently, it is not very easy to see and confirm who you are sending images or pictures to. Where users only see the icon of the receiver’s profile picture, now users would be able to see the contact name right below the picture. The previous system allowed users to make mistakes by sending pictures to the wrong person since no validation or confirmation was asked before you hit the send button.

    The latest update is here to help us all out. Now, when you send a picture to the receiver, you will see their contact name clearly right under the profile picture icon. This is intended to work as a confirmation measure that you are sending it to the person you think you are. This WhatsApp update is only for users using the app on their devices. Huawei, Samsung, and Sony smartphone owners will all receive the update shortly. iPhone users already have the feature on their version of WhatsApp. This came as part of their latest iOS version update.

    Whatsapp Update
    Whatsapp Update

    Whatsapp Android Update

    Besides this update, did you know there are many more things you can do with your WhatsApp than simply changing profile pictures and chatting with friends and family? WhatsApp is working on releasing two other major updates real soon. The first feature basically allows users to merger WhatsApp with other messaging services. This means that you can merge WhatsApp with other Facebook-owned services, such as Facebook Messenger and Instagram. You would be able to have continuous conversations with people regardless of the platform they are using. Naturally, this will allow users to text each other on a single platform, creating better messaging experiences.

    Another update which many are waiting for with bated breath includes Facebook’s cryptocurrency Libra. This is expected to be introduced for WhatsApp sometime in 2020. With this, users would be able to make and receive payments through the app. It has been designed specifically to ensure that it is highly user-friendly and secure. While the company mentioned it would be released in 2020, the actual date for the same is yet to be released.

    Whatsapp update self destructing messages
    Whatsapp update self-destructing messages

    WABetaInfo and Self-Destructing Messages

    WhatsApp is planning to bring another new feature – self-destructing messages. While platforms like Telegram and Snapchat have had this for a while, WhatsApp is releasing it just now. Good news is that this feature will work smoothly with the app’s upcoming dark mode. WABetaInfo is a publication that focuses solely on WhatsApp. It goes through the beta versions and identifies any possible upcoming features and it is considered to be pretty reliable. According to WABetaInfo, this would be available under Group Settings called ‘Delete Messages’. It will show the users the number of timeframes in which a message will be viewable.