WhatsApp launches Business API, will charge businesses for replies to messages sent after 24 hours

WhatsApp for Business app is getting a new update with a bunch of features that makes it easier and powerful for Businesses to communicate with their customers. The list includes requesting helpful information, start a conversation, get support. Continue reading “WhatsApp launches Business API, will charge businesses for replies to messages sent after 24 hours”

WhatsApp said to be testing ‘Suspicious Link Detection’ feature to fight spam [Update: Now rolling out for Android beta users]

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Update: With the WhatsApp for Android beta v2.18.221 update, the company has started rolling out the Suspicious Link Detection feature to fight spam.

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WhatsApp said to bring fake news verification model to India

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WhatsApp senior executives from its US headquarters and India operations reportedly had met the Election Commission of India as a part of the upcoming Indian elections and the misuse possibilities on the platform. WhatsApp official told EC that it will look out for the options concerning the spam messaging techniques in the run-up to state polls scheduled for 2018-end. Continue reading “WhatsApp said to bring fake news verification model to India”

WhatsApp beta for Android hints at Mark as read and Mute shortcuts in notification center [Update: Mute shortcut now rolling out in beta]

Update: Mute Shortcuts that appeared in WhatsApp beta for Android 2.18.214 is now available for everyone from beta version 2.18.216. This feature allows you quickly mute a chat, directly from the Notification Center when you receive over 51 messages from the same chat. The update doesn’t enable Mark as Read shortcut feature in the Notification Center yet.

Continue reading “WhatsApp beta for Android hints at Mark as read and Mute shortcuts in notification center [Update: Mute shortcut now rolling out in beta]”

WhatsApp will now label forward message to fight misinformation

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WhatsApp today has announced that it is rolling out a new feature that will indicate which messages you receive have been forwarded to you. This extra piece of information will give a better idea and determine if your friend or relative wrote the message they sent or if it originally came from someone else. Continue reading “WhatsApp will now label forward message to fight misinformation”

WhatsApp files Cease & Desist orders against apps that don’t use its APIs

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WhatsApp seems to be very aggressive in protecting its intellectual property and now the company has filed Cease & Desist orders against at least two apps that use native Android APIs to push messages through WhatsApp. The Lawyers team of WhatsApp has sent notices to the developers behind Can’t Talk and DirectChat.  Continue reading “WhatsApp files Cease & Desist orders against apps that don’t use its APIs”

WhatsApp launches Research Awards to tackle social science and misinformation

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To tackle social science and misinformation, WhatsApp is commissioning a competitive set of awards to researchers interested in exploring issues that are related to misinformation on WhatsApp. The company said that it would welcome any proposals related to social science or discipline. Continue reading “WhatsApp launches Research Awards to tackle social science and misinformation”

WhatsApp ‘Send Messages’ announcement-only feature lets group admins restrict other members from sending messages

Update: WhatsApp has officially released the feature for Android and iOS. Check out the official changelog below

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WhatsApp for iOS gets group audio calling, beta update for Android brings ‘Select all’ chat option

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WhatsApp for iOS is getting a new group audio calls feature; this means that soon you will be able to make voice calls with your multiple contacts right from WhatsApp. The new change is apparently server-side roll out, so it might take some time for everyone to get this new feature.  Continue reading “WhatsApp for iOS gets group audio calling, beta update for Android brings ‘Select all’ chat option”

WhatsApp acknowledges bug that lets blocked users send messages and view profile, is rolling out a fix

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A weird bug on WhatsApp is allowing blocked parties to send messages and view profiles according to reports of few users. The issue seemed to be a server-side bug and was first highlighted by renowned tipster WABetaInfo on Twitter. However, WhatsApp spokesperson has acknowledged the issue and said: “We are aware of the issue and are rolling out a fix.” Continue reading “WhatsApp acknowledges bug that lets blocked users send messages and view profile, is rolling out a fix”

WhatsApp for Android beta gets option to show or hide media in gallery, new contact shortcut

WhatsApp is rolling out yet another beta update bringing the version number to V2.18.159. This update hints at two new features; new contact shortcut and media visibility. Continue reading “WhatsApp for Android beta gets option to show or hide media in gallery, new contact shortcut”

WhatsApp for iOS gets ‘Request Account Info’ feature

WhatsAppWhatsApp is now rolling out a new update to its iOS app which brings the ability for users to request a report of your account information and settings. The new app version is 2.18.60 and is already available on the App Store.  Continue reading “WhatsApp for iOS gets ‘Request Account Info’ feature”

WhatsApp group video calling starts rolling out for Android and iOS

WhatsApp has finally rolled out the much needed and asked group video calling and it is live on Android and iOS. With this new update, users can start a group video call. Back in February, WhatsApp V2.18.39 beta for Android had references of group video calling.  Continue reading “WhatsApp group video calling starts rolling out for Android and iOS”

WhatsApp gets new admin controls, group catch up, group participant search and more

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WhatsApp is rolling out a bunch of new features to groups including Group description, new Admin controls, Group catch up, and Participant search. WhatsApp rolled out group description back in March, and now for every new participant who joins the group; the description will show up at the top of the chat. Continue reading “WhatsApp gets new admin controls, group catch up, group participant search and more”

WhatsApp for iPhone gets Facebook and Instagram integration with picture-in-picture mode, fully GDPR compliant

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WhatsApp has rolled out a new update to iPhones bringing the version number to 2.18.51. While the update also includes bug fixes, it brings two major features on board; Facebook and Instagram integration with picture-in-picture mode. It is now fully GDPR compliant, meaning that it will ask users to confirm if they are at least 16 years old when they are prompted to agree to new terms of service and privacy policy. Continue reading “WhatsApp for iPhone gets Facebook and Instagram integration with picture-in-picture mode, fully GDPR compliant”