TheNewsGuru

Tag: WhatsApp

  • Seven new WhatsApp features you should know

    Seven new WhatsApp features you should know

    WhatsApp recently introduced some new features on the green app to aid smooth operations on it.

    These features are meant to improve the operations and tighen security on  the app.

    One Account, Many Gadgets

    WhatsApp introduced a feature that allows users use their account for up to four mobiles simultaneously,this was announced  recently.

    Every user can now log into the same WhatsApp account on up to four phones.

    While the multi-device feature has been long available, it could only be used through browsers, computers, or tablets. But now users, can use the feature to log in to multiple phones as well, according to a report.

    This feature will come in handy for those using separate phones for home, work or business that are looking to use one account to link them all.

    Chats Password Feature

    In order to further tighten security on WhatsApp, Meta CEO, Zuckerberg recently announced that WhatsApp will now make chats completely private, by allowing users to keep chats password protected. According to him, these chats will be hidden in a password protected folder, and won’t appear with the rest of your chats.

    Notifications from password-protected chats will not display any message content or even the sender.

    Edit Feature

    WhatsApp Users Can now edit sent messages using the edit feature icon on the top left corner of the app.

    This feature allows you edit and make corrections on already sent messages.

    Truecaller

    Truecaller will soon start making its caller identification service available over WhatsApp and other messaging apps to help users spot potential spam calls over the internet, the company told Reuters on Monday.

    Currently in beta phase, the feature will be rolled out globally later this month.

    Telemarketing and scamming calls have been on the rise in countries like India, where users gets about 17 spam calls per month on average, according to a 2021 report by Truecaller.

    Animated Emojis

    WhatsApp has developed an animated emojis feature, aimed to improve user experience by making messages more fun to share and enhancing communication.

    It’s designed with the help of Lottie, a library that allows designers to create simple animations, the animated emojis will be sent by default. This means that users may not have control over deciding whether the emoji they send will be animated or not.

     Saving Disappearing Messages

    WhatsApp users can now save disappearing messages, the features allows users to save any important messages that could possibly disappear.

    However, in this case,  the sender will be notified. In the notification, the sender can veto the decision, thereby keeping control of the message with the sender itself.

    The messages that have been ‘kept’ will then show up in a separate list called ‘Kept Messages’ which will appear in the chat info.

    Exiting Group Chats Without Notifying The Group

    You can now exit any group quietly without drawing the attention of other group members.

    Previously, when a member of a WhatsApp group exits the chat, all members are notified. After the privacy update, only the group admin will be notified of the departure, while the rest of the members remain unaware.

     

  • How to create a WhatsApp Channel

    How to create a WhatsApp Channel

    WhatsApp announced recently that it is expanding its Channels feature to all users in more than 150 countries.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports WhatsApp Channels has begun rolling out but is not available to everyone yet.

    WhatsApp Channels are a one-to-many broadcast service, separate from private messaging, designed to help people follow information from people and organizations that are important to them.

    In this guide, we will provide the steps to create a channel on WhatsApp via Android, iPhone, and Web or Desktop.

    How to create a WhatsApp channel on the Web/Desktop

    1. Open WhatsApp Web, and go to Channels by clicking the Channels icon
    2. Click + and then Create channel.
    3. Click Continue and continue through the onscreen prompts.
    4. Add a channel name to finish creating your channel. You can choose to change the name again at any time.
    5. Customize your channel: You can choose to customize your channel now by adding a description and icon or you can do that later.
    6. Add a channel description: Write a few words to help potential followers understand what your channel is about.
    7. Add a channel icon: Add an image from your phone or the web to stand out.
    8. Click Create channel, and you’re good to go!

    How to create a WhatsApp channel on iPhone

    1. Open WhatsApp on your phone, and go to the Updates tab.
    2. Tap the + sign and select Create Channel.
    3. Tap Get Started and continue through the onscreen prompts.
    4. Add a channel name to finish creating your channel. You can choose to change the name again at any time.
    5. Customize your channel: You can choose to customize your channel now by adding a description and icon or do that later.
    • Add a channel description: Write a few words to help potential followers understand what your channel is about.
    • Add a channel icon: Add an image from your phone or the web to stand out.
    1. Tap Create Channel, and that’s it!

    How to create a WhatsApp channel on Android

    1. Open WhatsApp on your phone, and go to the Updates tab.
    2. Tap the + sign and select New channel.
    3. Tap Get Started and continue through the onscreen prompts.
    4. Add a channel name to finish creating your channel. You can choose to change the name again at any time.
    5. Customize your channel: You can choose to customize your channel now by adding a description and icon or do it later.
    • Add a channel description: Write a few words to help potential followers understand what your channel is about.
    • Add a channel icon: Add an image from your phone or the web to stand out.
    1. Tap Create channel, and you’re done!

    How to find and follow WhatsApp Channels

    Find channels with topics that interest you by:
    • Browsing the channel list: See all channels available to you. The list is automatically filtered to show channels based on your phone number’s country code and your language preference, but you can explore all channels by changing the country, category, filter option and more.
    • Checking out recommended channels: See the channels recommended to you by scrolling to the bottom of the Updates tab to view the Find channels section. Channels are recommended based on channel metrics, like how popular and active they are.
    • Finding channels through external links: Channel admins can share a link outside of WhatsApp to help people to find their channel. Use the link to open a channel in WhatsApp and browse updates.
    Check out the list of channels available to you by:
    • Tapping the Updates tab.
    • Tapping

      > Find channels.

    Channels with a green checkmark  next to their name have been verified by WhatsApp as being authentic. From there you can sort the list based on what interests you most:
      • Browse categories and filter channels by topic: See which channels are new, popular, or most active. Filter channels by your interests like sports, news, culture and more.
      • See channels from other countries: See the list of channels available in other countries by changing the country.
      • Search for a channel: Tap to search through all channels available to you. Search results may be prioritized by channel metrics, like how popular and active they are. When you search for channels, search terms are logged to make it easier to find channels and improve the search and channels experience.
    You can preview channel updates before you follow:
      • To see what type of updates a channel posts, tap the channel name to preview recent updates.
      • Learn more about a channel by checking out their channel info page. Tap on the channel name or tap> Channel info.
    How to follow channels
    • Quick follow from list of channels: You can quickly follow a channel from the directory by tapping the Plus next to the channel name.
    • Follow from channel: Open a channel you’re interested in, and tap the Follow button.
    You can also follow channels from their channel info page.
  • WhatsApp introduces new screen sharing feature

    WhatsApp introduces new screen sharing feature

    Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Meta says the company has introduced a new WhatsApp feature with the ability to screen share during video calls.

    AT3 Resources, a consulting firm managing Meta in Nigeria, said Zuckerberg made the announcement on his Facebook page on Tuesday.

    It said that the latest update offered users the ability to share their screens in real-time during conversations.

    According to Meta, by clicking on the designated ‘Share’ icon, users can choose between sharing a specific application or their entire screen.

    It said that this function opened up variety of possibilities, from collaborating on work documents to browsing through photos with family, planning trips, shopping online with friends, or providing technical assistance to grandparents.

    It said that the screen sharing adds a dynamic dimension to calls which enables users to provide a live view of their screen content during conversations.

    “This feature is particularly useful for both personal and professional scenarios.

    “Also, WhatsApp users can now enjoy video calls in landscape mode on smartphones.

    “This enhancement offers a wider and more immersive viewing and sharing experience during video calls,” it said.

    The platform, initially, introduced video calling for its users in November 2016.

    Since then, the platform has consistently added features to enhance the user experience and meet evolving communication needs.

    In addition, WhatsApp is rolling out message editing support for media with captions on iOS devices.

    This feature allows users to edit messages that include media, offering a greater level of control over their communication.

  • Kebbi Gov fires aide over WhatsApp status

    Kebbi Gov fires aide over WhatsApp status

    The Governor of Kebbi State, Nasiru Idris has relieved his Special Adviser on Youths, Babangida Sarki of his appointment.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this is sequel to an indecent post reportedly made by Sarki on his WhatsApp status.

    The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris made this known in a statement on Monday in Birnin Kebbi.

    “The governor, who was enraged by the obnoxious development said the aide trampled on the moral and social ethos of the Kebbi society, which is largely Islamic.

    “Idris promised that his administration would not condone any of such acts that denigrate the morality and integrity of the people of the state,” the statement reads.

    The spokesman said the Governor has cautioned all public officers in the State against making such indecent postings on their social media handles and other public fora.

    However, the content of the WhatsApp status Sarki was fired for was not made public.

  • Regina Daniels’ leaked WhatsApp conversation stirs uproar

    Regina Daniels’ leaked WhatsApp conversation stirs uproar

    A leaked conversation between popular actress and Senator’s wife, Regina Daniels, and a lady on WhatsApp has caused a stir online.

    In the screenshot, Regina Daniels made it clear that she was enjoying wealth as she paid for a full $9000 charter flight and also planned to book a jet.

    The lady she was chatting with identified as Pretty Woman shared the screenshot via her Instagram page with the caption:

    “People like Regina Daniels that can travel this period.”

    See the screenshot below:

    The leaked WhatsApp conversation has left social media users talking in various platforms.

    This is coming days after the actress gushed over her billionaire husband, Ned Nwoko, who sponsors her bills.

    Regina Daniels had shared stunning photos of herself and the father of her sons, Ned Nwoko.

    In the photos, the couple posed together with Regina looking radiant in a stylish outfit and Ned looking dapper in a crisp white senator.

    The post has quickly gone viral with netizens expressing their admiration for the couple’s love and affection for each other. Many have praised Regina for her beauty and grace.

    In the caption, Regina expressed her gratitude for having a wonderful father to her kids and a wonderful husband to herself. She also wished him a long life with good health.

     

  • I don’t tweet, I don’t WhatsApp – Wole Soyinka

    I don’t tweet, I don’t WhatsApp – Wole Soyinka

    Literary icon and Nobel laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka has revealed why he does not use social media as he expressed concern over its negative impact.

    The 88-year-old disclosed this on Friday in Lagos at the unveiling of his latest interventions volume, titled: “The Putin Files,” at Freedom Park Lagos

    Soyinka said the use and gratification of social media over the years had taken humanity backward due to the abuse of technology.

    While stating that he is not a fan of social media, Soyinka said; “I don’t tweet, I don’t WhatsApp. I tried WhatsApp but I stopped.”

    Reading from the book, Soyinka said: “Project Nigeria, I must confess, has become near terminally soul-searing. Do I still believe in it? I am no longer certain, but first we must rid ourselves of the tyranny of the ignorant and the opportunism of time-servers.

    “In any case, there is not much else to engage one on a foundation of ownership stakes. There is, of course, always the possibility of a revolution, with a clarity of purpose and acceptance of all attendant risks, including costly errors.

    “Revolutions are not, however, based on the impetus of speculative power entitlement. No matter, until that moment, the structures that ensures just and equitable cohabitation must be protected from partisan appropriation – be it from material inducement, fake news or verbal terrorism – the last being the contribution of one who is positioned to assume co-leadership of the nation, no less.”

    According to him, the whole concept of democracy needs to be re-examined.

    He added: “Revolution is not about lining up behind nearest available symbol. When a symbol does emerge, however, we are still obliged to examine every aspect of what is fortuitously an offer, and continue to guard our freedoms every inch of the way.”

    He said Putin, as used in his book, is a metaphor and reality, adding: “We can’t be shielded from what is happening.”

    He however described EndSARS as one of the most successful movements in this country because it was based on truth.

  • You can now use one WhatsApp number on two or more phones

    You can now use one WhatsApp number on two or more phones

    WhatsApp has announced one phone number can now be used with the messaging app on two or more phones. The app now supports the use of one WhatsApp number on multiple smartphones.

    This could be useful if you have both personal and work phones, and want to be able to use your WhatsApp account on both. The company believes it will also be useful to small businesses, who can now let several employees use the company WhatsApp account.

    Up to now, the only way to do this was to use the web version of WhatsApp on your second phone, but now you can use the app on both.

    It uses exactly the same approach as linking a Mac or iPad to the account on your phone, where you scan a QR code to grant access.

    A WhatsApp statement on the development reads:  “Today, we’re improving our multi-device offering further by introducing the ability to use the same WhatsApp account on multiple phones.

    “A feature highly requested by users, now you can link your phone as one of up to four additional devices, the same as when you link with WhatsApp on web browsers, tablets and desktops.

    “Each linked phone connects to WhatsApp independently, ensuring that your personal messages, media, and calls are end-to-end encrypted, and if your primary device is inactive for a long period, we automatically log you out of all companion devices.

    “Linking phones as companion devices makes messaging easier. Now you can switch between phones without signing out and pick up your chats where you left off. Or if you’re a small business owner, additional employees are now able to respond to customers directly from their phones under the same WhatsApp Business account”.

    Speaking of which, if you ever need to access WhatsApp on the web, there’s now another way of authorising the computer, without the need to scan a QR code.

    “Now you can enter your phone number on WhatsApp Web to receive a one-time code, which you can use on your phone to enable device linking, rather than having to scan a QR code,” the statement added.

    Both new features have begun rolling out globally, though the company does warn that it will take several weeks until everyone has them.

  • BEWARE: Navy raises alarm over fake recruitment notice circulating in WhatsApp

    BEWARE: Navy raises alarm over fake recruitment notice circulating in WhatsApp

    The Nigerian Navy has raised an alarm over fake 2023 recruitment exercise circulating in WhatsApp platforms.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this was contained in a statement issued and signed by Director of Information, Commodore A.O Ayo-Vaughan on Monday stating that:

    “The attention of the Nigerian Navy has been drawn to a message circulating on
    social media groups which states that Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital is
    conducting Recruitment for 2023 hence the message called interested and eligible candidates to submit their written application letter and other relevant credentials to
    Naval Headquarters, Abuja (Attention: The Director of Naval Medical Services).

    “The message further advised applicants to include contact phone number and
    addresses of 3 referees one of whom must be from the applicant’s institution.
    For the avoidance of doubt, there is no such recruitment by the Nigerian Navy
    Medical Services.

    “It is an attempt to mislead and possibly defraud innocent and unsuspecting members of the public. Against this backdrop, members of the public
    are advised to be careful and cautions so as not be defrauded by criminals and
    fraudsters who are behind the false recruitment exercise.

    “The Nigerian Navy’s
    Recruitment exercises are duly publicized and announced on both traditional and
    social media.

    “Please disregard the false and fake message.

  • NCC recommends 2FA to secure WhatsApp

    NCC recommends 2FA to secure WhatsApp

    The Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) has recommended that users of the popular messaging app, WhatsApp, set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to avoid falling victim to account takeover by hackers.

    In an advisory issued on Tuesday, NCC-CSIRT noted that WhatsApp, which is a Meta-owned service, is increasingly becoming a prime target for hackers and scammers who are always looking for ways to gain unauthorized access to users’ accounts.

    The CSIRT described two-factor authentication (2FA) as an identity and access management security method that requires two forms of identification to access resources and data.

    According to the advisory, “In the world of messaging apps, one of the most popular and recognizable is WhatsApp. WhatsApp is 100 per cent free to use, has a great mobile app, and supports audio and video calls. Whether you rely on WhatsApp for all your messaging needs or just use it from time to time, it is recommended to set it up with two-factor authentication (2FA). With this enabled, you will need to enter a custom PIN every time you log in to WhatsApp from a new device, adding an extra layer of security to your account.”

    The Team said, “2FA gives businesses or people the ability to monitor and help safeguard their most vulnerable information and networks. The 2FA is important because it prevents cybercriminals from stealing, destroying, or accessing your internal data records for their own use”. The advisory stated.

    The recommendation further states that, “WhatsApp provides two-factor authentication so you can further secure your account using a PIN. It is an optional feature that adds more security to your WhatsApp account, so it is recommended that everyone installs 2FA”.

    The CSIRT stated ten steps for enabling 2FA on WhatsApp, which include the following steps:

    Open WhatsApp, Tap Settings, Tap Account, Tap Two-Step Verification, Tap Enable, Enter the Six-Digit PIN you wish to use, Tap Next, then enter it a second time to confirm it, Tap Next, Add an email address for extra security (this step is optional but it is an extra way to retrieve your account if you forget your Pin) and then Tap Next.

    For those concerned that their PIN might have been compromised or is easy to guess, they can change their WhatsApp PIN or email address by tapping settings.

    Two-Step Verification, tapping Change PIN or Change Email Address, Entering a new PIN or email address, and then tapping ‘next’ to effect the necessary changes.

    The CSIRT is the telecom sector’s cyber security incidence center set up by the NCC to focus on incidents in the telecom sector and as they may affect telecom consumers and citizens at large.

    The CSIRT also works collaboratively with ngCERT, established by the Federal Government to reduce the volume of future computer risk incidents by preparing, protecting, and securing Nigerian cyberspace to forestall attacks, and problems or related events.

  • Data breach: NITDA issues advisory steps on WhatsApp usage

    Data breach: NITDA issues advisory steps on WhatsApp usage

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has warned WhatsApp users to be careful while using the application following an alleged data breach by the company.

    Mrs Hadiza Umar, Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations of the agency gave the warning in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.

    On Nov. 16, an actor posted an advert on a popular hacking community platform claiming they were selling a 2022 database of 487 million WhatsApp user mobile numbers.

    The database was alleged to contain WhatsApp user data from 84 countries, with over 32 million US user records included.

    The post also said that the most phone contacts belonged to citizens of Egypt with 45 million, Italy with 35 million, Saudi Arabia with 29 million, France with 20 million and Turkey with 20 million.

    “Following the alleged leak of nearly 500 million WhatsApp users’ mobile phone numbers globally and this includes over nine million contacts from Nigeria.

    “There is an impending danger of threat actors using these data to carry out malicious activities, thereby putting many at risk.

    “Such information could be used to perpetrate cyber attacks such as smishing and vishing,’’ Umar said.

    According to her, smishing involves sending unsuspecting users text messages and asking them to click on links or provide personal information which can be used to scam victims, launch attacks.

    Umar said: “Vishing entails the use of phone calls, voice messages by cyber criminals to manipulate or device unsuspecting recipients into revealing sensitive information for fraudulent acts.

    “In this regard, NITDA’s Computer Readiness and Response Team (NITDA-CERRT) is alerting the public, most especially instant messaging platform users to be wary of unsolicited calls, voice notes and messages from unknown numbers.

    “To avoid being victims, users are to enable two-factor authentication on your instant messaging app.

    “Do not reveal personal information on your profile and do not respond to requests from untrusted or unknown contacts asking for personal data, passwords or other verification code through messages or calls.’’

    Umar urged the public to contact CERRT.ng on cerrt@nitda.gov.ng or call +234 817 877 4580 for more enquiries.