Essential Apps to Install on Windows and macOS
Just unboxed your new computer? Here's our curated list of essential desktop apps for Windows and macOS to kickstart your productivity and set up the perfect workspace.
WhatsApp will start showing ads to users
Users who only need the chat feature won't see ads... for now
WhatsApp is now available on iPad
WhatsApp has finally launched a dedicated version for iPads, featuring video and audio calls with up to 32 participants, iPadOS multitasking, and more. The app also supports the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil.
Which mobile app was the first to hit 1 billion active users?
Was it TikTok, WhatsApp, Facebook, or WeChat?
Mark Zuckerberg considered deleting everyone's Facebook friends in 2022, admits platform's focus has shifted
"The 'friend' part has gone down quite a bit"
Dangerous WhatsApp bug on Windows let hackers run malicious code
Meta has since fixed the issue
WhatsApp can now be set as the default messaging and calling app on iPhone
A game-changer for WhatsApp devotees
Telegram reaches a billion active users, CEO Pavel Durov slams WhatsApp calling it a "cheap imitation"
Durov was recently permitted to leave France, months after his arrest
Beyond smartphones: ChatGPT now available on landlines (and WhatsApp)
Just call 1-800-CHATGPT
You can now save your contacts directly to WhatsApp
WhatsApp is making changes so you can now save contacts directly to your WhatsApp account, independent of the phone's contact book. This could simplify phone migration and backups as well as messaging contact management to an extent.
Meta to enable WhatsApp and Messenger interoperability with iMessage, Telegram, and more in the EU
Reactions, message replies, and read receipts are part of the package
Latest WhatsApp beta adds Meta AI integration
WhatsApp beta has added Meta AI capabilities through a shortcut button located in the Chats screen. The AI chatbot can answer questions via text, but also analyze and even edit your photos.
WhatsApp beta adds voice message transcriptions
WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature which allows you to transcribe voice messages. Select a voice note, press the three dots, choose transcribe, and you will see a text version of the voice note without having to open it.
Elon Musk repeats claim that WhatsApp exports user data nightly, sparking online debate
A hot potato: Elon Musk is in the middle of a public fight with WhatsApp on his X platform, claiming that the messaging service sucks up user data daily and uses it for targeted advertising. WhatsApp boss Will Cathcart has responded by claiming this is untrue, leading to arguments from all sides.
Apple removes WhatsApp and Threads from the App Store in China following government order
Telegram and Signal have also been removed due to national security concerns
Hackers attempted to trick LastPass employee with cloned voice of CEO
Incident disclosed to raise awareness on deepfake-based security threats
WhatsApp scores major legal victory over Pegasus spyware maker, forcing it to provide closely-guarded code
Pegasus is thought to have been used by governments around the world to spy on political dissidents, journalists and human rights activists
WhatsApp will soon offer third-party chat support to comply with the EU
The feature will also be available on Messenger
WhatsApp now lets you hide chats behind a secret code
WhatsApp has added a new 'secret code' privacy feature for locked chats. Typing your secret code in the search bar will reveal the otherwise hidden conversations.
Google wants EU regulators to force Apple to open up iMessage
In context: Google, Meta, and other message service operators have long fought to convince Apple to make the advanced features of iMessage interoperable with competitors. The Cupertino giant hasn't budged so far, but European regulators could force its hand if Google and a few telecoms get their way.
WhatsApp adds support for multiple accounts on the same device
WhatsApp is rolling out the option to run two accounts simultaneously on the same mobile device. A second phone number via multi-SIM or eSIM is required. Head to Settings, Account and Add Account.
WhatsApp beta gets multi-account support
The latest WhatsApp beta introduces the ability to add several accounts to your phone. Open the app, go to Settings > Account and you will see the new "Add account" button.
WhatsApp releases new macOS native app with group calling and more
WhatsApp has launched a redesigned and improved experience for Mac users. The new native app adds video group calling with up to 8 people and up to 32 people on audio calls.
WhatsApp rolls out instant video messages feature
WhatsApp instant video messages work within chats just like voice messages. To activate, tap the mic button once to switch to video mode, press and hold or swipe up to lock and record up to 60 seconds.