Apps
Besties Widget coming to Google Contacts for Android
Google Contacts for Android will soon get a new Besties Widget. The app’s version 4.35 suggests that Google is working on a Besties Widget. At present, the functionality or widget design hasn’t been revealed but will pop up as the development continues.
The Contacts app’s Individual contact widget has recently been updated with the ability to display notifications. In the APKTeardown, the Google Contacts app’s upcoming Besties Widget has the exact layout as the Favorite widget and shows starred contacts (via 9to5Google).
The new Besties Widget is slated to replace the Favorite widget. The widget isn’t functional in the latest version, but it will be enhanced with future releases. It is assumed that the widget’s development is currently in quite early phases.
The Google Contacts app is available for all Android devices. Samsung Contacts app is already fueled with pretty nice features, but consumers can get a refresh with Google’s Contacts app. You can download the app from the Google Play Store for your Android device for free.
WhatsApp has released a fresh update for beta users on Android with version 2.24.21.26. This update introduces a new feature that gives users more control over how their contacts are synced across different devices on WhatsApp.
The latest update allows users to add, edit, or delete contacts from any device linked to their WhatsApp account, such as tablets or computers. It means that any changes made on one device will automatically sync to all other connected devices. It helps contact list up-to-date no matter where you are.
For those who want to keep personal and work contacts separate, there’s an option to disable syncing for specific accounts. This lets users prevent certain contacts from showing up in their WhatsApp to maintain privacy.
Moreover, WhatsApp also adds extra security by using cryptographic hashes to protect the phone numbers of contacts who aren’t on the app. This ensures that user data remains safe while still allowing WhatsApp to monitor for any unusual activity related to contact uploads.
Users can still chat with their existing contacts as the app remains fully functional, even with contact syncing turned off. If someone switches to a new phone or reinstalls WhatsApp, their linked contacts will automatically be restored easily.
WhatsApp contact syncing feature was already available to iOS users, and now Android beta testers can enjoy the same benefit. As the update rolls out, more users will have the chance to try this privacy feature.
WhatsApp is bringing a new feature to improve notification management, especially for group chats through a new beta update. The fresh version of WhatsApp is available with version 2.24.21.22 in the Google Play Beta Program.
The new beta update of WhatsApp adds a new notification activity feature for group chats. It will let users choose how they want to receive notifications. There are two choices – All and Relevant to me.
- All: Users can get notifications for every message in the group.
- Relevant to Me: They will receive only important ones like mentions and replies.
In this way, users can easily manage large groups as the features help to reduce unnecessary messages. This change is particularly helpful for those in large groups.
Additionally, the new notification activity screen will help explain how muting group chats works. Currently, some users find it confusing when they still receive notifications from muted groups.
The new feature aims to make this clearer as it allows users to see exactly what types of notifications they can still receive, even when a group is muted.
WhatsApp is currently working on these features to enhance user experience and will make them available in future updates. Till then, stay tuned with us.
WhatsApp introduces new filters and backgrounds for video calls
Samsung Galaxy users are excitedly waiting for the upcoming One UI 7 update after the release of One UI 6.1.1. There have been some leaks and rumors about its features and release date. Even though the Beta Program hasn’t started yet, Samsung is already updating its stock apps to get them ready for One UI 7 software.
You might be wondering why Samsung is bringing One UI 7 support to Galaxy apps ahead of its release. The reason behind it is very simple. The company is ensuring that these apps work smoothly with One UI 7 when it’s released.
By updating these apps ahead of time, Samsung aims to avoid issues like lagging or crashing to provide users with a better experience from the start. At the moment, Samsung has rolled out One UI 7 support to some Galaxy apps including Galaxy Store, Galaxy Themes, and Samsung Wonderland.
Overall, Samsung’s early updates to its apps are all about making them compatible with the new operating system. Users can expect a seamless transition when One UI 7 finally releases.
As we enter October 2024, many users are eagerly waiting for more news about the One UI 7 Beta. So far, Samsung hasn’t shared any official details, leaving everyone curious about what’s coming.
However, there’s a chance for good news soon. Samsung is going to host the Samsung Developer Conference 2024 (SDC24) on October 3, 2024. This event might include announcements related to One UI 7, like its features and when it will be available. Stay tuned for more information.
One UI 7 may expand One UI 6.1.1 features to non-flagship devices