Users of the popular messaging service WhatsApp may soon be able to send text and images that disappear after a self-determined time period. The feature was spotted in the recently released public beta version of WhasApp – dubbed v2.19.275 – by the technology website WABetaInfo. The self-destruct option was uncovered by combing through the code of a beta version of WhatsApp.
By enabling the option to redact messages forever after a fixed time frame has lapsed, WhatsApp will be hopeful that it can draw into the user base of rivals like Telegram, which are the preferred platform for sharing sensitive information that self-destructs from users’ phones.
Telegram’s “secret chat” feature lets users send messages to each other, but which are programmed to disappear from their devices after a fixed time period. To ensure the sanctity of users’ data, the messaging platform insists that it does not store “secret chats” on its servers. Moreover, the app restricts users from taking screenshots or forwarding such messages, ensuring that its digital footprint is completely erased.
According to Telegram’s terms of service, “All secret chats in Telegram are device-specific and are not part of the Telegram cloud. This means you can only access messages in a secret chat from their device of origin. They are safe for as long as your device is safe in your pocket.”
The new feature uncovered by WABetaInfo shows that WhatsApp will support self-destructing messages in group chats. (Source: WABetaInfo) For Facebook-owned WhatsApp, the introduction of a “secret chat” option will come on the back of a similar feature launching on its sibling app, Facebook Messenger. However, in the case of Messenger, the secret chat feature only encrypts end-to-end messages between two users. Such encryption of text and multimedia messages is default on WhatsApp.
The new feature uncovered by WABetaInfo shows that WhatsApp will support self-destructing messages in group chats. The time frame for the disappearances of messages in WhatsApp groups will vary from five seconds from the time of sending, to one hour. Further, group admins will have the power to prevent replies from other members.
Previously, some third-party apps on WhatsApp had the option of sending self-destructing messages. However, with the platform cracking down on apps that were undermining the privacy of users, self-destructing messages were soon outlawed from the platform. WhatsApp boasts a user base of over 1.5 million users.
From WhatsApp To YouTube, Tech Updates That Will Impact Your Digital Life
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Time For An Upgrade
26 Jul, 2018
Everyone knows about the big product launches and global news. However, there are a number of small but significant updates that slip under the radar. Here's a round-up of some of the announcements that will possibly have an impact on your digital life.
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Glass That Survives 15 Drops
26 Jul, 2018
Almost every smartphone user knows about Corning’s Gorilla Glass — chemically strengthened glass that is used for protection on the front and even on the rear of some phones. This is tough to do because this glass also has to be optically perfect — any small imperfections will be visible.Corning just announced the latest version called Gorilla Glass 6 which they claim can survive multiple drops without breaking. They also say it is twice as strong as Gorilla Glass 5 with enhanced scratch resistance to boot. It will not exactly be shatterproof but you can expect your smartphone to be able to withstand a few drops before the glass breaks. The glass is already in production so you can expect premium devices to get this added protection within the next few months.(Image: corning.com)
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Truecaller Informs, Blocks & Now Records Too
26 Jul, 2018
Call recording is one of the most requested features in a smartphone. Some smartphones have this feature built-in (which is ideal) and there are some paid apps that offer it (performance varies across devices). Truecaller has come to the rescue by adding call recording option to the latest update. Note that call recording is only available for Android phones. Tap on the profile icon on top left corner to access the menu and you will see the recording option. A floating button appears when the call is connected and a simple tap starts recording the conversation. Recordings are saved directly to your phone’s internal storage and not on the cloud. You can get free call recording for 14 days and after that you have to upgrade to a premium account to use it.
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