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WhatsApp Introduces 'Events Home' and Shareable Event Invites, Expanding Event Management Capabilities

WhatsApp Introduces 'Events Home' and Shareable Event Invites, Expanding Event Management Capabilities

WhatsApp is rolling out new features aimed at enhancing event creation and management for its users. The platform has introduced 'Events Home,' a centralized hub designed for creating and sending customized event invitations and managing RSVPs. This new feature allows users to set custom reminders and include a 'plus one' option for guests. Additionally, WhatsApp is enabling users to create events that can be shared with individuals who do not have a WhatsApp account. This means event organizers can generate a shareable link, allowing non-WhatsApp users to view event details and RSVP without needing to download the application. To ensure privacy, the phone numbers of event creators will not be visible to unknown guests, and guests without a WhatsApp account will only see the event address after they RSVP. These updates are being progressively rolled out to all users over the coming weeks, integrating event management more deeply into the messaging platform.

Wapp Multi Chat Account App Enhances WhatsApp Management for iPhone and iPad Users

Wapp Multi Chat Account App Enhances WhatsApp Management for iPhone and iPad Users

Wapp Multi Chat Account App Enhances WhatsApp Management for iPhone and iPad Users

Android Devices Offer Multiple Methods to Disable Voice Control for User Convenience and Security

Android Devices Offer Multiple Methods to Disable Voice Control for User Convenience and Security

Android devices provide users with various options to manage or disable voice control features, such as Google Assistant and Bixby. Voice control, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP), allows hands-free interaction with devices for tasks like navigation, communication, and accessing features. While beneficial for convenience and accessibility, users may choose to disable it to conserve battery life, enhance security against unauthorized access, or avoid distractions in certain environments. Methods for disabling voice control include navigating through the device's Settings app to turn off 'Voice Match' or 'Always Listening' options within the Google Assistant or Bixby settings. Additionally, users can access Developer Options to toggle off these features. For those not wishing to completely disable voice control, alternatives include using voice control-blocking apps, setting specific 'Do Not Disturb' modes, or customizing voice control settings to limit interactio...

Smashing Magazine Releases 2026 Wallpaper Collection Featuring Global Artists

Smashing Magazine Releases 2026 Wallpaper Collection Featuring Global Artists

Smashing Magazine Releases 2026 Wallpaper Collection Featuring Global Artists

California Residents Gain Enhanced Privacy Rights Under New State Law

California Residents Gain Enhanced Privacy Rights Under New State Law

California residents are now afforded additional privacy rights under the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), which amends the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). This legislation grants consumers the ability to request from businesses with whom they have an established relationship, information regarding the categories of personal data collected or disclosed, the right to request deletion of personal information, and the right to correct inaccurate information. Businesses are required to respond to these requests within specific timeframes, acknowledging receipt within 10 business days and providing a substantive response within 45-90 days. The law also introduces the right to know sensitive personal information collected and the right to opt out of the sharing and selling of personal data, although some businesses, like the Big Spring Herald, currently do not sell or share personal information for targeted advertising unless consumers opt-in. The CPRA also ensures non-discriminatory treatment for i...

WhatsApp for Android to Introduce iPhone-like Chat Previews, Enhancing User Privacy

WhatsApp for Android to Introduce iPhone-like Chat Previews, Enhancing User Privacy

WhatsApp for Android is set to introduce a new feature that will allow users to preview chats without opening them or triggering read receipts. This functionality, already available on iOS, will enable Android users to long-press a conversation to open a floating preview window displaying the latest messages. Unlike the current Android behavior, which simply selects the chat and offers quick actions, this update will provide a glance at conversations, allowing users to read messages secretly. The Android version of this feature is reported to offer additional functionality, including scrollable previews, which is not currently supported on iOS. This means users can read more messages within the preview window without fully opening the conversation, particularly useful for longer messages or multiple incoming texts.

WhatsApp Seeks Director of Policy Communications to Lead Global Strategy on Integrity, Privacy, and Public Policy

WhatsApp Seeks Director of Policy Communications to Lead Global Strategy on Integrity, Privacy, and Public Policy

WhatsApp Seeks Director of Policy Communications to Lead Global Strategy on Integrity, Privacy, and Public Policy

WhatsApp to Introduce New Privacy Feature Allowing Users to Control Phone Number Visibility

WhatsApp to Introduce New Privacy Feature Allowing Users to Control Phone Number Visibility

WhatsApp is developing a new privacy feature that will enable users to control who can view their phone numbers when utilizing usernames. This feature, currently in development for Android and identified in WhatsApp beta version 2.26.45.1, aims to enhance user privacy. Previously, when a user established a username, individuals not in their contacts could not see their phone number. The upcoming update will introduce a dedicated privacy setting with four options: 'Everyone,' 'My contacts,' 'My contacts except,' and 'Nobody.' Users will be able to select who sees their number, ranging from all users to only specific contacts, or to hide it entirely from those who don't already possess it. By default, for users with a username, the 'Nobody' option will be pre-selected, ensuring their phone numbers remain hidden from new contacts made via usernames. WhatsApp will also issue a warning if users alter this setting, indicating that previous exceptions lists will be reset, potentially making their numbers visible ...

WhatsApp for Android to Introduce iOS-Style Chat Previews, Enhancing User Privacy

WhatsApp for Android to Introduce iOS-Style Chat Previews, Enhancing User Privacy

WhatsApp is developing a new feature for its Android application that will allow users to preview chat messages without triggering read receipts, a functionality already available to iOS users. This upcoming update, identified in a teardown of WhatsApp for Android beta 2.26.44.12, will introduce a floating card that appears when a user long-presses a conversation in the chat list. This card will display the most recent messages in the thread, along with a refreshed contextual menu. Unlike the current Android behavior where long-pressing a chat only selects it and shows options like pin, archive, mute, and delete, this new preview will enable users to view content discreetly. A significant improvement over the iOS version is that the Android preview window will be scrollable, allowing users to see older messages without opening the chat and thus avoiding the activation of blue ticks, which indicate a message has been read.

WhatsApp Develops New Chat Preview Feature for Android Users

WhatsApp Develops New Chat Preview Feature for Android Users

WhatsApp is currently developing a new 'Chat Preview' feature for its Android application, aiming to enhance the messaging experience. This feature, already available on iOS, will allow Android users to view messages without opening the conversation, thereby avoiding the activation of read receipts or 'blue ticks.' Users will be able to press and hold a conversation to open a floating preview window displaying recent messages. Unlike the iOS version, the Android iteration of Chat Preview is expected to support scrolling through messages within this preview window. Additionally, the feature will include quick actions such as Pin, Archive, Mute, Mark as unread, and Delete, enabling users to manage conversations directly from the preview. This development was identified in WhatsApp beta version 2.26.44.12 for Android through an APK teardown by AssembleDebug from Android Authority. The feature is not yet available to public beta testers but is anticipated to roll out in the coming weeks.

OpenAI Developer Community Member Requests Enhanced ChatGPT Conversation Continuity and Project Memory

OpenAI Developer Community Member Requests Enhanced ChatGPT Conversation Continuity and Project Memory

An IT professional and ChatGPT Plus subscriber has submitted a formal feature request to OpenAI, advocating for significant improvements in ChatGPT's conversation continuity, cross-device collaboration, and long-term project memory. The user, who collaborates extensively with ChatGPT on technical projects, highlighted inconsistencies in information retention across different conversations and devices (Android phone and computer). This lack of persistent context leads to repeated explanations of technical decisions, overlooked project details, and wasted time in restoring context. The request emphasizes the need for reliable cross-device continuity, persistent project-level context, improved conversation recovery, better context awareness, user-controlled project memory, and transparency regarding the AI's ability to retrieve information.

Smart Home Devices Pose Privacy Risks by Collecting Personal Data, Consumers Urged to Review Settings

Smart Home Devices Pose Privacy Risks by Collecting Personal Data, Consumers Urged to Review Settings

Smart home devices, including robot vacuums, smart thermostats, televisions, smart speakers, and video doorbells, are collecting extensive personal data beyond their primary functions. Robot vacuums map home layouts and furniture placement, while smart thermostats track household routines based on temperature adjustments and activity sensors. Smart televisions use Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) to monitor viewing habits for personalized recommendations and advertising. Smart speakers record voice commands, which can include sensitive personal details, and video doorbells capture footage of individuals near homes. Manufacturers vary in their data collection practices, and privacy settings differ by product. Consumers are advised to review these settings, including Home/Away modes, connected-device permissions, and activity-sharing options, to limit unnecessary data collection. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has previously addressed these concerns, with Vizio settling allegations in 2017 for collect...