Tag: whatsapp

Meta AI Shows Up for Some Instagram and Messenger Users in India: What It Can Do

Meta AI made its debut in India last week when some users spotted the generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot appearing on the WhatsApp app. Now, Meta AI has also started showing up for some Instagram and Messenger users in the country as well. The Llama-powered chat assistant is a general capability chatbot and is capable of natural language conversations, answering questions, generating images, writing essays, and more. The Meta AI chatbot can be found in Instagram DM in the search bar as a blue ring with pink hues.

The access to the AI-powered chatbot appears to be limited with multiple users reporting not seeing the feature. A Meta spokesperson confirmed to TechCrunch that the company was testing the new feature in India and parts of Africa. The statement read, “Our generative AI-powered experiences are under development in varying phases, and we’re testing a range of them publicly in a limited capacity.”

With this move, India now has access to all the major AI chatbots including OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft’s Copilot, Anthropic’s Claude, Perplexity AI search engine, and the Meta AI. The social media giant launched the chatbot in September 2023 but its availability was limited to the US and a few more regions. The AI assistant could not be accessed in India before this.

Since Meta AI is a generalist chatbot, it can perform a wide range of tasks. In addition, it can also generate images, a capability that makes it only the second publicly available chatbot after Copilot to do so, currently (Google has restricted Gemini’s ability to generate images). Focusing on the text-only features, Meta AI can answer questions, generate text, translate text, summarise large blocks of text, write essays, analyse data, perform mathematical calculations, and even assist with coding-related tasks. The AI chatbot is connected to the Internet via Bing, so it can provide real-time information as well.

Meta AI can also generate images which is powered by OpenAI’s DALL-E. To generate an image, you need to type the forward slash and write “Imagine” followed by the desired prompt. For example, you can write “/imagine a sunflower garden and kids playing around it”. However, do note that the chatbot does not fulfil any requests for images of real-life personalities. Further, all Meta-generated images will have an “Imagined with Meta” watermark to distinguish it from real images.

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Meta Collaborates With PTI to Expand Its Third-Party Fact-Checking Programme in India

Meta has joined hands with the Press Trust of India (PTI) to mitigate viral misinformation on its platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Threads. As part of the collaboration, PTI will become an independent fact-checker for the company and help in identifying, reviewing, and rating misinformation. With this move, Meta now has partnered with 12 fact-checking agencies in India and has a coverage over content in 16 Indian languages. Notably, the announcement came just days before the start of India’s general elections.

In a press release dated April 1, Meta announced the partnership and said, “Today, we are expanding our third-party fact-checking program in India to include Press Trust of India (PTI), a dedicated fact-checking unit within the newswire’s editorial department. The partnership will enable PTI to identify, review and rate content as misinformation across Meta platforms.”

With this partnership, Meta now has 12 fact-checking partners in India including AFP- Hub, The Quint, NewsChecker, India Today Fact Check, Factly, and more. The social media giant said this has now made India the country with the most third-party fact-checking partners globally across Meta. The company also has an extensive coverage over regional language content with 16 Indian languages covered by the partners besides English, including Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and more.

Meta’s fact-checking programme started in 2016 with an aim to address the problem of viral misinformation, and in particular hoaxes that have no basis in fact. The third-party fact-checking partners keep tabs on such viral content and both identify, rate, and review them. Whenever a fact-checker rates a piece of content as false, altered, or partly false, the company claims to reduce its distribution so that fewer people see it. Additionally, it also notifies users that are trying to share such content about the fact-checker’s rating and adds a warning label that links to the partner’s article with more information about the topic.

The company highlighted that it only collaborates with agencies that are certified through the non-partisan International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN). Meta now has nearly 100 fact-checking partners globally that review and rate misinformation in more than 60 languages.

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Google Phone App May Soon Show WhatsApp Call History and Get Video Calling Shortcut

Google might be testing two new features for its Phone app. Reportedly, the Google Phone app now shows WhatsApp call history integrated with normal calls. Some users have also seen a new video call shortcut on the call screen, which redirects the call to Google Meet. These new features appear to have been rolled out to a small batch of users who had signed up for the tech giant’s Android Beta Program. Recently, the company rolled out a couple of new features for Google Drive as well.

The two features were collectively reported by 9to5Google based on posts from other users on X (formerly known as Twitter). The report claims that the feature has begun popping up on Pixel phones and some other devices. The WhatsApp call history feature was spotted by the user @Kishore9196 who also posted a screenshot of his call history.

In the screenshot, call logs can be seen on the Google Phone app. One particular call was labelled ‘WhatsApp’ where the carrier and channel information is shown. All the other usual options including calling, video calling, messaging, and history were also visible in the log. This indicates that Google might be working on creating an integrated call log, however, whether the support is only extended to WhatsApp or if other messaging apps such as Telegram and Signal will also be included is not known.

Replying to a comment, the user also confirmed that he is a beta tester and was running Google Phone v124.0.608164421-publicbeta and Whatsapp 2.24.6.6. Interestingly, the integrated call log feature has been available on iOS for quite some time.

The second feature was shared by tipster Mishaal Rahman with other users confirming it. Rahman said, “The Phone by Google app is starting to show a new “video call” chip during phone calls for some users. Tapping this chip opens a page that lets you quickly invite the person you’re calling to a Google Meet call.” The feature was spotted on Google Pixel 5a while also running a beta version of the Phone app. While the app already allows users to make Google Meet calls this shortcut apparently lets users switch to the video calling app while on the calling screen.

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WhatsApp Reportedly Working on Secret Code for Locked Chats on Web Client

WhatsApp has been spotted working on an improvement to the Chat Lock feature that is reportedly in development on the web version of the popular messaging application. Users can already lock specific chats on WhatsApp for iOS and Android that are hidden behind a secret code — a feature that can improve the privacy of users on the platform. The service is expected to bring the same functionality to WhatsApp Web users, according to details shared by a feature tracker.

Spotted by feature tracker WABetaInfo on the latest version of WhatsApp Web, the recently launched secret codes for locked chats functionality will soon make its way to the web client. The feature is expected to improve WhatsApp users’ privacy and is currently in development, which means that even beta testers will not be able to try it out on the latest version.

Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

 

The feature is expected to work in the same manner as the one available on WhatsApp for Android and iOS, allowing users to lock and hide some chats from the main list of chats, behind a secret code. This code can be a word, a phrase — including emoji and special characters. Users can then enter the same secret code to show the list of locked and hidden chats.

Using this feature, WhatsApp users will be able to safeguard some of their chats from prying eyes on a shared laptop or desktop computer where more than one user has access. Just like the Chat Lock feature on WhatsApp for iOS and Android that was rolled out last November, these chats are only displayed when the secret code is entered correctly.

On the mobile versions of WhatsApp, users will see locked chats after the secret code is revealed, but only until the app remains open. Re opening the app will hide the chats once again, requiring the secret code to be entered once again. Users can also disable the secret code feature and revert to the older chat lock functionality that requires biometric authentication.

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WhatsApp Reportedly Working on a Chat Lock Feature for Web Users

WhatsApp introduced a new Chat Lock feature for its Android and iOS users in May 2023. However, the feature was not rolled out for its Web client. Finally, after a long wait, a new report suggests that the instant messaging platform is also working to bring the feature to WhatsApp Web. Earlier, it was reported that Web users would also get a redesigned sidebar. Now, a leaked image of the Chat Lock feature shows a dedicated icon being placed on the new sidebar.

According to a report by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is working on bringing the Chat Lock feature to allow users to lock individual chat on the web client and place it behind an additional layer of security. This is helpful in case you do not want others to know about a particular conversation or want to send sensitive information. The leaked image shows a padlock icon next to the Archived Chats and Starred Messages icon. This has led to the speculation that the locked messages will feature inside this tab, and a second layer of security can be added to access the tab.

WhatsApp Web Chat Lock feature
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

 

Since there are no reports on how this feature will function, details about it are not available. However, the Android and iOS counterpart uses passcode, fingerprint, and Face ID authentication as input to unlock the chats. On the Web client, passwords or even passkeys, a passwordless authentication method that lets users log in with biometrics, can be used for this purpose.

Apart from this, WhatsApp Web is also expected to get a redesigned sidebar and a new colour scheme for the dark theme. An earlier report stated that the colour change was done to reduce eye strain in low-light environments, while the new sidebar was added to create design symmetry across all of the company’s platforms.

WhatsApp is also planning several new features for its mobile applications. For iOS, WhatsApp is reportedly working on adding support for passkeys, which was previously added to its Android counterpart. All iPhone models running on iOS 17 are expected to support third-party access to passkeys. This means iPhone XR or newer models with the iOS 17 update would be the only ones to activate passkeys on the WhatsApp app.

On Android, the Meta-owned app is working on a nearby file-sharing feature, as per a separate report. This is expected to work similarly to Android’s Quick Share (previously known as Nearby Share) feature. The WhatsApp feature appears to let users set themselves to be visible to other nearby users without revealing their phone number to non-contacts. It is also expected to be end-to-end encrypted to maintain privacy.

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WhatsApp Begins Testing Ability to Share Status Updates From Web Interface, Companion Devices

WhatsApp is adding support for sharing status updates from some linked devices, according to details shared by a feature tracker. The Meta-owned messaging service will soon allow users to post status updates from the web version or from linked ‘companion’ devices. Users who have signed up to test beta versions of WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp for Android can already try out the new functionality on their secondary devices. Companion mode for WhatsApp allows users to access their chats on four other devices, even when their primary smartphone isn’t online.

After updating to WhatsApp Web beta 2.2353.59, feature tracker WABetaInfo spotted a new feature in the web client that allows users to post updates from the Status section. Beta testers should be able to click on the green icon next to their profile photo next to My Status and tap on Photos & Videos or Text, to upload a status update.

Sharing status updates via the latest WhatsApp Web beta version
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

 

The ability to share status updates is also coming to companion devices, as per details recently shared by WABetaInfo. Users who have updated to WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.1.4 will be able to add a status update directly from their companion device. Linked devices currently allow users the to chat with their contacts, but it looks like WhatsApp is slowly expanding the features available on these devices.

Gadgets 360 was able to test the ability to share status updates from a companion device on WhatsApp for Android, after updating to the latest beta version. There’s no word on when the company will roll out the feature to all users. The feature is also expected to make its way to iOS companion devices.

The messaging platform recently began testing a new type of companion device — WhatsApp for iPad. Beta testers can now install WhatsApp on Apple’s tablets if they are part of the TestFlight program. However, it is worth noting that both the Android and iOS beta programmes for WhatsApp are currently full, and the service isn’t allowing more users to sign up to receive WhatsApp beta updates.

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Poco X6 Series India Launch Seemingly Teased by Poco India Head Himanshu Tandon



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Telecom Bill 2023: OTT Apps Not Covered Under New Bill, Telecom Minister Reportedly Says

Over-the-top (OTT) apps or services will not be under the ambit of the newly passed Telecommunications Bill 2023, telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told ET Telecom. The minister’s statement comes days after Parliament passed the new telecom bill that replaces three older laws, including the including the 138-year-old Indian Telegraph Act. Provisions under the new bill reduce the powers of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and give the government unprecedented powers, including the ability to take over telecom services in the interest of national security.

After the Telecommunications Bill (2023) was passed on Thursday, concerns were raised related to increased scrutiny and interference from the government, if OTT communication apps like WhatsApp and Signal were included under the ambit of the new telecommunications bill, that is awaiting the President’s assent, before it becomes law.

“[…]There is no coverage of OTT in the new telecom bill passed by the Parliament,” the minister told the publication, explaining that these OTT apps are currently covered by the Information Technology Act, 2000 and will continue to be regulated by the same law that is overseen by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Earlier this week, Meta reportedly expressed concerns over the telecom bill in an internal email to colleagues from Shivnath Thukral, Director and Head of India Public Policy at Meta. The revised version of the telecommunications bill that was passed by Parliament does not contain and references to OTT or OTT platforms, but mentions terms like ‘telecommunication services’, ‘messages,’ and ‘telecommunications identifier,’ which could also apply to OTT platforms.

The telecom bill is now waiting the President’s assent before it becomes a law — it was approved in the Rajya Sabha through a voice vote on Thursday, a day after it was passed by the Lok Sabha. The bill is set to replace the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, the Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933, and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act of 1950.

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Apple Announces App Store’s Top Apps and Games of 2023: WhatsApp, JioCinema, BGMI, and More

Apple has revealed the year-end charts for the most popular apps and games on the App Store in over 35 countries and regions. Consequently, the iPhone maker has announced the most downloaded apps and games of 2023 in India, as well. Unsurprisingly, WhatsApp has emerged as the top free iPhone app, while the DSLR Camera app, which provides users professional-grade camera controls, is the top paid iPhone app of the year. Earlier this month, Apple also revealed its 2023 App Store Award winners.

The 2023 year-end charts, which can be seen on the App Store’s Today tab, feature the top free and paid apps and games of the year, along with the top Apple Arcade games. WhatsApp was followed by the usual suspects, Instagram and YouTube, as the most downloaded free iPhone app of the year. Surprisingly, streaming platform JioCinema claimed the fourth spot, beating Google, Snapchat, and Google Pay.

Productivity-focused apps, including pdf Scanner, Slow Shutter Cam, Forest: Focus for Productivity emerged as the top downloaded paid apps on iPhone. On the gaming side, Battlegrounds Mobile India, popularly known as BGMI, was the most downloaded free game on iPhone. Hitman Sniper, on the other hand, was the top paid game. Ludo King and Subway Surfers rounded out the top three free iPhone games, while Minecraft and Real Flight Simulator made the top three list on the paid side.

On iPad, JioCinema was the most downloaded free app in 2023, while illustration app Procreate was the top paid app on the Apple tablet. BGMI emerged as the top free game on iPad as well, with Minecraft as the most downloaded paid game. Over on Apple Arcade, NBA 2K23 Arcade Edition, Asphalt 8: Airborne+, and Angry Birds Reloaded were the top three most downloaded games of the year.

Earlier this month, hiking and biking app AllTrails was crowned as the best app on iPhone for 2023. The App Store awards also recognised apps like digital makeup sketch pad app Prêt-à-Makeup and photo editing software Photomator across Apple devices. miHoYo’s latest RPG gacha title Honkai: Star Rail was named as the iPhone Game of the Year, while souls-like action RPG Lies of P emerged as the best game on Mac.

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WhatsApp Might Soon Let You Post HD Videos, Photos in Status

WhatsApp rolled out support for HD (high definition) photos and videos in August this year. Now, the Meta-owned instant messaging platform seems to be in the process of improving this functionality. WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new feature that will allow users to share HD images and videos in their status updates. The upcoming security feature has been spotted in WhatsApp for Android beta version 2.23.26.3, which is available via the Google Play Beta programme.

A new report by WhatsApp features tracker WABetaInfo claims that WhatsApp will soon let people upload high-quality photos and videos to Status. The messaging platform is reportedly rolling out the update via the Google Play Beta programme, with the 2.23.26.3 beta version for Android. Currently, the messaging platform supports upload of compressed photos and videos on a users Status. This is a major disadvantage compared to competing services like iMessage, and Telegram.

The report also includes a preview of the HD status feature. As per the screenshot, the feature can be accessed from the drawing editor. The feature is not available for testers now and is expected to be introduced in a future beta version of the app.

WhatsApp brought the option to send photos and videos in HD quality in August this year. The feature allows to send videos in 720p resolution instead of the standard 480p resolution.

The proposed HD status feature comes amid several other significant WhatsApp updates. The Mark Zuckerberg-led company is also reportedly developing a new feature that will allow iPhone users to share their audio while sharing their screen during video calls. This will let users listen to video and music audio together when someone shares their screen in video calls. Further, it is said to be working on an optional feature that could let users share WhatsApp statuses directly to Instagram.

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WhatsApp Channels Said to Get Sticker Access As it Crosses 500 Million Monthly Active Users

WhatsApp Channels was rolled out in 150 countries, including India in earlier this year in September. These channels, much like Instagram Broadcast, are one-way broadcast tools that some users can share updates with a large number of WhatsApp users. Only Channel owners can send a message on Channels, while other users can react to those messages. You can search from a directory to find a channel created by any celebrity, business, or content creator. Channels will reportedly be able to access WhatsApp stickers.

According to a WABetaInfo report, WhatsApp is rolling out a new beta update that allows Channel admins to share Stickers with their followers. Sharing a screenshot of the feature, the report notes that the feature is currently limited and available to some beta testers only. It should roll out for other users in the coming days. The update allows not just static stickers but also sending animated, dynamic stickers.

To check whether you have access to sharing Stickers on Channels yet, ensure that your WhatsApp beta version is updated to the most recent version. Go to your own Channel tab and pull up the keyboard. If the Stickers option appears alongside emoji keyboard, then you have access to the feature. The report adds that the feature will eventually roll out to more beta testers in the next few weeks. However, an Indian Express report suggests that it is accessible to all WhatsApp Channels users.

WhatsApp Channels crossed 500 million monthly active users within the first seven weeks, according to a Channels message by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. WhatsApp Channels are found placed in the Updates tab as seen on iOS and Android smartphones, alongside WhatsApp Status updates.

Messages in WhatsApp Channels does not have end-to-end encryption protection. Only Channel owners can post updates and messages, while Channel members or followers can react to those messages. All messages are only visible in a Channel for 30 days since the time they were first shared.

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