New Update WhatsApp Messenger - Stable and Beta updates

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The latest WhatsApp Android beta update brings a new feature for the community group admins. Using the feature, admins will be able to hide group chats from the general view when creating a new community group.

This new community group chat feature arrived with WhatsApp Android beta v2.24.17.5. With the visibility option, admins can let only invited members and community admins view the chats within the group, which ensures that general community members don't have access to specific group chats.

According to WABetaInfo, the option cannot be changed once the admin has added the group to the community. This is a handy feature because it ensures sensitivity and confidentiality for certain discussions.

Latest WhatsApp beta for Android adds visibility feature for community groups

The latest WhatsApp beta for Android brings a new feature for community groups that lets admins control the visibility of specific groups and hide group chats from the general view.

www.neowin.net

 

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In an official blog, WhatsApp announced a slew of new sticker-related features for its Android app. The update brings the GIPHY sticker library into the app, allowing users to search for relevant stickers using text or emoji offered by the GIF giant.

WhatsApp partnered with GIPHY to integrate its library into the platform, enabling users to share stickers with their loved ones without needing to leave the app. The GIPHY sticker library can be accessed by simply tapping the sticker icon.

For those who love expressing their thoughts and feelings using stickers, WhatsApp is now adding the custom sticker maker to its Android app. Using this built-in sticker maker, users can create, edit, and share custom stickers with anyone. The feature is already available on the iOS app, and now Android users will also be able to enjoy this amazing feature.

WhatsApp rolls out built-in sticker maker, GIPHY sticker library and more to Android

A fresh update is now rolling out for the WhatsApp Android app that brings a built-in sticker maker, searchable GIPHY sticker library, AI stickers, and also makes it easier to organize saved stickers.

www.neowin.net

 

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It appears that Meta is working on a new security feature for WhatsApp. In the latest WhatsApp Android beta app v2.24.17.24, which is rolling out via Google Play, a new feature has been spotted that will automatically detect and block spam messages from unknown contacts.

The new feature adds a layer of privacy and control for WhatsApp users. When the option is enabled, WhatsApp will detect unknown accounts and block messages from them, helping you keep your inbox de-cluttered.

Messages from unknown contacts will be blocked after they have breached a certain volume, protecting users from potentially harmful communication. According to WABetaInfo, this feature would also help improve app performance, as an influx of spam messages often causes errors and slows down the app. Additionally, it will reduce the amount of data WhatsApp needs to process.

Once the feature is released, users should see a dedicated "Block unknown account messages" toggle and enable it from inside WhatsApp's Settings menu. As per the report, the feature appears to be available only to a limited set of users and is expected to roll out in a future update.

Latest WhatsApp Android beta adds option to block messages from unknown contacts

In the latest WhatsApp Android beta update, a new security feature has been spotted under development that will block messages from unknown contacts, enhancing user privacy and control.

www.neowin.net

 

[lokamoka820]

Homepage (Telegram Desktop): Telegram Desktop

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"Telegram is a cloud-based mobile and desktop messaging app with a focus on security and speed."

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Telegram Desktop v5.4.1 (Aug 17, 2024)

• Fix crash when sending Star Reaction in comments.
• Fix loading "Send As" channels in a channel.
• Place Star Reaction always first in list.
• Removed paid Invite Links in groups.

Releases · telegramdesktop/tdesktop

Telegram Desktop messaging app. Contribute to telegramdesktop/tdesktop development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

 

[Bot]

Thanks for sharing the updates for Telegram Desktop v5.4.1. It's great to see that the crash when sending Star Reaction in comments has been fixed. The removal of paid Invite Links in groups is also a significant change. Keep the updates coming!

 

[Divine_Barakah]

I have just received an update to Telegram Desktop.

5.4.1 X64

 

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The latest WhatsApp beta for iOS reveals that the popular messaging platform is testing a new feature that will let users add AR effects and filters to their video calls. The feature is already being tested for Android, and it has now arrived for iOS beta testers.

According to WABetaInfo, the AR effects and filters for the video calls were spotted in WhatsApp beta for iOS v24.17.10.74. Once the feature goes live, users will be able to add filters and backgrounds to their video calls. However, do note that features tested under the beta program don't necessarily mean they will make it to the stable version.

Users will have the option to choose from preset background options, with an additional option to blur the background. The feature will appear whenever the user receives a video call on WhatsApp. Notably, there is also a low-light mode that can be used to enhance visibility and brighten up your face in low-light environments.

WhatsApp for iOS spotted testing AR effects and filters for video calls

The latest WhatsApp beta for iOS reveals that the messaging platform is testing a new feature that allows users to add effects and filters to their video calls.

www.neowin.net

 

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WhatsApp has been developing several features that we have reported in the recent past. Now, WhatsApp is testing another new feature for its Android app called "Passkeys" for encrypted backups.

The new passkey feature will allow users to access their encrypted backups more easily and securely. Passkeys will allow WhatsApp Android users to encrypt and unlock their backups using biometric methods, such as fingerprint or facial recognition.

This eliminates the need to enter a complex password to access the backup, which you previously needed to create to secure the backup. Currently, WhatsApp lets you protect your backup with a custom password or 64-digit encryption key. While a custom password is secure, it can be pretty hard to remember.

According to WABetaInfo, the passkey will be securely stored in a password manager with an added layer of security. WhatsApp passkey feature for backups is currently under development and was spotted in WhatsApp Android beta app version 2.24.18.13.

WhatsApp testing Passkeys feature to make accessing your encrypted backups much easier

Meta is testing a new WhatsApp feature called "Passkeys" that will help protect your encrypted backups, negating the need to create complex passwords for backups.

www.neowin.net

 

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WhatsApp, one of the biggest messaging platforms, has been working on multiple new features for both the Android and iOS apps. Recently, the latest version of the WhatsApp Android beta introduced a new time-saving shortcut.

In the latest WhatsApp Android beta version 2.24.19.25, available via the Google Play Store, a new shortcut has been added that allows users to quickly add someone or a group to a list. This shortcut is available within the chat info screen.

According to WABetaInfo, tapping on the shortcut in the top menu bar will open a menu, that allows users to add someone or a group to a list (see image on the left for reference). Notably, there is also an option to create a new list on the fly without needing to head over to the app settings.

WhatsApp may soon let you quickly add someone to a list

WhatsApp Android Beta is spotted developing a feature that will let you add people and group chats to lists easily and quickly, saving you time.

www.neowin.net

 

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WhatsApp Android beta users are receiving a new security feature that will help them keep their inboxes clean. WhatsApp is adding a new option that helps to block unwanted messages from unknown contacts.

The new security feature called "Block unknown account messages" does exactly what it says. It is live for some beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta version, 2.24.20.16, from the Play Store.

The new WhatsApp security option allows users to block messages from unknown contacts if they continue to send too many messages or spam you in a short period. It helps users protect themselves against spam and potentially harmful communication.

WhatsApp Android beta users can now block messages from unknown contacts

WhatsApp for Android beta is pushing a new update that adds the option to block messages from unknown contacts.

www.neowin.net

 

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According to the latest report, WhatsApp is now introducing another feature for Android beta users that lets them apply effects directly to the in-app camera. Last month, it was reported that, after testing for Android, WhatsApp started rolling out the AR call effects and filters to iOS. While the previous feature was limited to video calls, the new feature lets you use the in-app camera and apply effects.

The new in-app camera effects feature was spotted in the WhatsApp Android Beta version 2.24.20.20 and is currently rolling out to the beta users who downloaded the app from the Play Store. Upon opening the WhatsApp camera app, users will see a new filter button in the camera interface.

WhatsApp Beta users on Android can now try in-app camera effects

WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature for Android beta users that lets them apply effects directly to the camera.

www.neowin.net

 

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Conversations on WhatsApp should always feel fun and expressive and today, we're rolling out filters and backgrounds to make your video calls even more engaging. With these new effects, you can now change your background or add a filter during a video call for a more personal touch.

Filters are designed to help you create a more playful atmosphere, whether that’s adding a splash of color or creating a more artistic feel for your video. With backgrounds, you can keep your surroundings private and transport yourself to a cozy coffee shop or comfortable living room for a more clean and polished look.

With 10 filters and 10 backgrounds to choose from, you can select and mix a wide range of options to create a unique look. Filter options include Warm, Cool, Black & White, Light leak, Dreamy, Prism light, Fisheye, Vintage TV, Frosted glass and Duo tone. Background options include Blur, Living room, Office, Cafe, Pebbles, Foodie, Smoosh, Beach, Sunset, Celebration and Forest.

We’re also adding Touch up and Low Light options that can help you feel more confident and comfortable by naturally enhancing the look and brightness of your environment, making your video calls more vibrant and enjoyable.

To access these during a 1:1 or group video call, select the effects icons on top right of the screen to see the selection of filters and backgrounds and choose the one that suits your mood.

These effects will be available to everyone in the coming weeks.

Introducing Filters and Backgrounds for Video Calls

Conversations on WhatsApp should always feel fun and expressive and today, we're rolling out filters and backgrounds to make your video calls even more engaging.

blog.whatsapp.com

 

[lokamoka820]

WhatsApp Status is the best way to stay connected with friends and family and now we’re making it even better. With status likes, private mentions and the ability to reshare a status you’re mentioned in, we’re making it easier to reach the people who matter most.
Status likes: Let someone know you’re thinking of them, or enjoying their status with a single tap of the

button. Status likes are private and don’t have a counter, so only the person whose status you liked can see them as a

in the list of viewers.

Private mentions: Make sure those closest to you see your status, and let them reshare it easily with their audience, by privately mentioning them. Those you mention will be notified privately, and the mention won’t be shown on your status.

These features are now starting to roll out, and will be available globally to users soon.

We’ll be bringing more features to Status and the Updates tab over the next few months to make it easier to stay closest to those who matter most. Let us know what you think!

Share the Love on WhatsApp Status

WhatsApp Status is the best way to stay connected with friends and family and now we're making it even better. With status likes, private mentions and the ability to reshare a status you're mentioned in, we're making it easier to reach the people who matter most.

blog.whatsapp.com

 

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Reportedly, WhatsApp is developing a feature that lets users search images on the web. Upon opening a received image, tapping on the three-dot button on the top-right corner will show a new option called "Search on web."

Using this feature, users will be able to check the authenticity of images, determining whether the image is original or created using AI, among other things. This will also help users identify misleading or fake content. When a user searches for an image on the web, it gets uploaded to Google, which then, through its algorithm, compares similar images or sources to quickly get information.

WhatsApp ensures privacy by not storing or processing these images. Even though the pictures are sent to Google for searching, they remain private and secure. This feature can be used on any image sent to a user by a friend or received in a forwarded message.

WhatsApp testing web search for shared images

WhatsApp is developing a new feature that will allow users to check the authenticity of any image they receive.

www.neowin.net

 

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Now, the latest WhatsApp Android beta update has been spotted internally testing a deeper dark theme for smartphones.

The AMOLED dark theme color is applied across the interface, including the chat list and chat themes. The theme was spotted in the WhatsApp Android beta app v2.24.22.4 and is currently available to some beta testers. According to WABetaInfo, the new dark theme is much darker than the default theme available within the app.

WhatsApp is seemingly transitioning from the old color #0b141a to the new color #0a1014 for its interface, which offers more refined aesthetics. As per the shared screenshots, the incoming messages and the default chat wallpaper appear much darker, which will enhance the readability of the text making it easier to converse in low-light conditions. Also, this dark theme will help eliminate eye strain and stress in challenging lighting conditions.

WhatsApp testing an AMOLED dark them for reducing glare and eye strain

WhatsApp is spotted internally testing a deeper dark theme than the currently available theme that will negate eye strain during low-light conditions.

www.neowin.net

 

[lokamoka820]

What’s more important than sending a message? It’s the person you’re sending it to, of course. Today we’re making it easier to privately add and manage your contacts on WhatsApp, from any device you may be using.

Until now, the only place you were able to add contacts was from your mobile device, by either typing in a phone number or scanning a QR code. Soon, you’ll be able to add and manage contacts from the comfort of your keyboard on WhatsApp Web and Windows – and eventually other linked devices.

We’re also introducing a new choice to save a contact exclusively to WhatsApp. These WhatsApp contacts are ideal for when you are sharing your phone with others or if you want to separate personal and business contacts when managing more than one WhatsApp account on your phone.

Contacts you save to WhatsApp will be restored in case you ever lose your phone or change devices.

These updates will also make it possible to eventually manage and save contacts by usernames. Usernames on WhatsApp will add an extra degree of privacy so that you don’t need to share your phone number when messaging someone. Today’s just one crucial step to making that reality possible and we’ll have more to share when it’s ready.

To go deeper in the tech on how we’ve built this with your security in mind, click here.

Making it Easier to Add and Manage Contacts

What's more important than sending a message? It's the person you're sending it to, of course. Today we're making it easier to privately add and manage your contacts on WhatsApp, from any device you may be using.

blog.whatsapp.com

 

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WhatsApp is building another feature for Channels to improve user experience and make channels easier to discover. The instant messaging app is working on QR codes for channels, allowing users to scan these codes and join a channel.

WABetaInfo spotted the unreleased feature in the freshly baked WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.22.20, adding that it's not available to beta testers yet. The QR code can be shown to anyone to scan instead of sending a link via message to get information about a channel.

WhatsApp spotted working on QR codes for channels

WhatsApp is working on a new feature to improve the shareability of channels on its platform. The unreleased feature was spotted in development on WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.22.20.

www.neowin.net

 

[lokamoka820]

Earlier this year we introduced chat filters as a way to find messages faster. We’ve had great feedback that they help you keep track of your chats, and we’re excited to have quickly evolved them into Lists.

With Lists, you can now filter your chats with custom categories of your choice. Whether that’s a list for family, work or your local neighborhood, Lists help you focus on the conversations that are most important, when you need them.

You can create and edit your lists easily by tapping the + in the filter bar at the top of your Chats tab, or edit by long-pressing a list.

Similar to your ‘favorites’, you can add both groups and one-on-one chats to a list, and any list you create will appear in the filter bar.

We’re rolling Lists out to users today, and will be available to everyone in the coming weeks. We look forward to expanding the functionality of Lists to help you focus on the people and conversations that matter most.

Focus on What Matters With Custom Lists

With Lists, you can now filter your chats with custom categories of your choice. Whether that's a list for family, work or your local neighborhood, Lists help you focus on the conversations that are most important, when you need them.

blog.whatsapp.com

 

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Sending a voice message makes connecting with friends and family even more personal. There’s something special about hearing your loved one’s voice even when you’re far away. Though sometimes, you’re on the move, in a loud place, or you receive a long voice message that you just can’t stop and listen.

For those moments we’re excited to introduce voice message transcripts. Voice messages can be transcribed into text to help you keep up with conversations no matter what you’re doing.

Transcripts are generated on your device so that no one else, not even WhatsApp, can hear or read your personal messages.

To get started, go to Settings > Chats > Voice message transcripts to easily turn transcriptions on or off and select your transcript language. You can transcribe a voice message by long pressing on the message and tapping on ‘transcribe’. We’re excited to build on this experience and make it even better and more seamless.

Transcripts are rolling out globally over the coming weeks with a few select languages to start though we plan to add more over the coming months. You can learn more about how they work and which languages are currently supported by clicking here.

Introducing Voice Message Transcripts

Sending a voice message makes connecting with friends and family even more personal. There’s something special about hearing your loved one’s voice even when you’re far away. Though sometimes, you’re on the move, in a loud place, or you receive a long voice message that you just can’t stop and...

blog.whatsapp.com

 

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WhatsApp has started testing a feature to improve channel sharing and discovery experience on its instant messaging platform. The feature makes it easier to view and follow new channels on WhatsApp with the help of QR codes.

WABetaInfo, which regularly tracks unreleased WhatsApp features, reports that the channel QR code feature is now available to some testers running WhatsApp beta for iOS v24.24.10.76 and WhatsApp beta for Android v2.24.25.7, respectively.

WhatsApp starts testing channel QR codes on iPhone and Android

WhatsApp has started testing the ability to generate QR codes for Channels to improve sharing and discoverability.

www.neowin.net