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tech11 days ago•28 min saved

Meta rolls out on-device Scam Alert for WhatsApp to flag suspicious chats

Meta is launching an optional Scam Alert feature on WhatsApp that uses on-device machine learning to flag suspicious messages. The on-chat warning lets users decide to block, report, or continue, and they can mark chats as trusted to remove warnings. If trusted, users can opt to share the last five messages to help improve accuracy, while no message content leaves the device and nothing is auto-reported. The feature is in limited beta and complements existing device-linking scam detection.

via The Verge|

#ai #meta #privacy

technology21 days ago•3 min saved

WhatsApp Upgrade: Smarter Polls, Mass Mentions, and Quick Group Splits

WhatsApp is rolling out three group-chat enhancements: richer polls with hidden voter names, end-time voting, and a 15-minute edit window; @all mentions for instant alerts (admins in large groups); and an option to create a new group from an existing one via 'Create a similar group.'

via 9to5Mac|

#group-chats #group-creation #mentions

technology27 days ago•9 min saved

WhatsApp Brings Web-Based Audio and Video Calling to the Browser

WhatsApp announced web-based audio and video calling that works directly in browsers without app downloads, supporting one-on-one and group calls with screen sharing and reactions, plus a calls tab for history and favourites. The update introduces call transfer to move an active group call between devices, a waiting room for joining approvals, and two quality improvements—QuickHD for instant HD video and noise suppression for clearer audio—rolled out gradually.

via NDTV|

#browser-based #cross-device #group-calls

technology28 days ago•1 min saved

WhatsApp Extends Encrypted Calling to Web with Transfer and Waiting Room Features

WhatsApp now supports encrypted audio and video calls on the web, enabling one-on-one and group calls without installing the app. New features include cross-device call transfer, a waiting room for group calls with approval, background-noise reduction, faster HD video, screen sharing, reactions, and access to favorites and call history, with the rollout being gradual.

via Engadget|

#calls #encryption #group-calls

technology1 month ago•6 min saved

WhatsApp Unveils Softer, iMessage-style Bubbles on iOS

WhatsApp is rolling out a redesigned iOS chat UI with rounder, softer message bubbles similar to iMessage and cleaner media previews without borders, following recent Liquid Glass-based interface updates.

via MacRumors|

#design #ios #technology

technology1 month ago•3 min saved

WhatsApp brings Liquid Glass to Mac, unifying desktop with mobile UI

WhatsApp is rolling out its Liquid Glass redesign to the Mac app, bringing a UI that mirrors iPhone and iPad with a redesigned sidebar, chat bar, and attachment menu, plus new Locked Chats (requiring authentication) and Communities sections in the sidebar. The desktop update closes the design gap with mobile versions, but the rollout is limited and will reach more accounts over the coming weeks.

via 9to5Mac|

#cross-platform #liquid-glass #mac-app

technology1 month ago•8 min saved

WhatsApp for iPhone Tests Its Own Cloud Backup as iCloud Alternative

WhatsApp is testing a first‑party iPhone cloud backup option in its iOS beta (TestFlight), letting users choose a backup destination besides iCloud while keeping iCloud as the default. The plan includes 2GB of free WhatsApp storage, a 50GB tier for about $0.99/month, and a possible 1TB option. Backups on WhatsApp’s servers will be end‑to‑end encrypted by default, with encryption not removable. The feature is not yet available to testers and there’s no official launch date yet.

via MacRumors|

#backup #cloud-storage #end-to-end-encryption

technology1 month ago•3 min saved

India tightens screws on Meta as Instagram told to scrub child-abuse ads

India has issued a stern notice to Meta demanding Instagram remove all child sexual abuse material and paid ads within seven days, signaling tougher regulatory scrutiny in Meta’s biggest market; WhatsApp is also under government scrutiny over its username feature, while Meta reiterates a zero-tolerance policy and uses AI to detect violations.

via CNBC|

#india #instagram #meta

technology1 month ago•8 min saved

WhatsApp Introduces Reserved Usernames for Privacy-Focused Messaging

WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that lets users reserve usernames (3–35 characters) to message others without revealing phone numbers. Access is staged, with a notification when you can reserve, and you can set a username in Settings > Account > Username. If you have an Instagram or Facebook username, you can claim the same on WhatsApp. There is no username directory or discovery, and messages to a username require knowing the exact handle, with an optional username key for extra spam protection. The rollout will occur gradually over the coming months, and a username-enabled account won't reveal a phone number to first-time contacts.

via MacRumors|

#messaging #privacy #social-media-integration

technology1 month ago•2 min saved

WhatsApp Introduces Global Username Reservations to Keep Numbers Private

WhatsApp has begun rolling out global reservations for usernames to hide users’ phone numbers and let contact be initiated via a chosen username. Users can reserve a unique username in Settings > Account > Username and may enable a username key for extra protection, which requires knowing the key to contact someone for the first time. A username generator will help pick one, and creators can claim existing Instagram or Facebook usernames on WhatsApp. The feature emphasizes privacy with no public directory or suggestions and will roll out gradually over coming months, with notifications when it’s available in your country.

via The Hacker News|

#phone-numbers #privacy #security

technology1 month ago•3 min saved

WhatsApp Opens Username Reservations to Protect Your Number

WhatsApp announced it will begin reserving unique usernames, allowing users to be contacted by a handle rather than revealing their phone numbers. The feature is optional and includes a claims system for creators, small businesses, and organizations to reuse existing usernames from Instagram or Facebook. There will be no public directory or recommendation system, and users can opt to add an optional username key for extra protection on first contact. Reservations are rolling out now, with actual usernames becoming available gradually over the coming months and in-app notifications when a username is available in a user’s country.

via 9to5Mac|

#messaging #privacy #reservations

technology1 month ago•5 min saved

WhatsApp Introduces Optional Usernames to Hide Phone Numbers

WhatsApp is adding optional usernames to let people connect without sharing phone numbers; reservations open this week with an in-app notification to set a username or port over your Instagram/Facebook name, plus a four-digit key for extra security. High-profile names are protected from being claimed, and existing Facebook/Instagram handles get priority during the RSVP window before a wider launch.

via WIRED|

#messaging #privacy #reservations

tech1 month ago•30 min saved

WhatsApp lets you reserve a username to keep your number private

WhatsApp will introduce a username system that lets you reserve unique handles so people can message you without knowing your phone number. You can claim a username now via Settings > Account > Username (existing Instagram or Facebook handles can be used to deter impersonation). High-profile names are reserved to prevent abuse, and you can’t browse by username—you must know the exact handle to contact someone. The rollout will happen later this year, and an optional username key will let you control who can message you.

via The Verge|

#handles #impersonation #privacy

technology2 months ago•6 min saved

Kunal Shah to steer WhatsApp as Meta bets on product-led leadership

Meta appoints Kunal Shah, founder of Cred, to lead WhatsApp, making him the first Indian to helm the global platform. The move follows Meta's $900 million investment in Cred and aligns with WhatsApp's push into payments, business tools, and AI-powered products, leveraging Shah’s product-focused background from FreeCharge and his involvement in India's expanding startup ecosystem.

via BBC|

#cred #fintech #kunal-shah

technology2 months ago•2 min saved

Kunal Shah named to helm WhatsApp as Meta reshapes leadership

Meta will have Will Cathcart step down after more than seven years as head of WhatsApp to take a new role building products, appointing Cred founder Kunal Shah to run WhatsApp; Meta is investing $900 million in Cred (valued at about $4.5 billion post-money) as WhatsApp surpasses 3 billion monthly users and Meta tests subscriptions for WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram to diversify beyond ads and offset AI costs.

via CNBC|

#cred #kunal-shah #leadership-change