WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature – Instant Video Messages!
Here is what you need to know about WhatsApp Instant Video Messages!
WhatsApp Introduces Instant Video Messages!
On 27 July 2023, WhatsApp announced that it is rolling out a new feature – Instant Video Messages!
Instant Video Messages allows you to record and share short videos of up to 60 seconds directly into any WhatsApp chat.
WhatsApp envisions this as a way for people to share personal moments or events, like wishing someone happy birthday, or sharing good news with family and friends.
Think of Instant Video Messages as the video version of the Voice Message feature many people have been using for years to send short voice messages.
All WhatsApp Instant Video Messages are protected with end-to-end encryption to ensure that they can only be viewed by people you send them to.
How To Record + Send WhatsApp Instant Video Messages
If you have used Voice Messages on WhatsApp, then you will be familiar with the method.
Tap on the voice recorder to switch it into video mode.
Tap and hold on the video recorder to record your video message.
You can also Tap and Swipe Up to record your video message in hands-free mode.
The Instant Video Messages that you send will play automatically with audio muted when the recipient views it in the chat. To listen to the audio, the recipient only needs to tap on the video.
When Will WhatsApp Instant Video Messages Appear?
According to WhatsApp, the Instant Video Messages feature have already started rolling out, and will be available to everyone in the coming weeks.
From what we can determine, you should be able to use Instant Video Messages if you are using:
version 23.15.0 (17 July 2023) for Apple iOS
version 2.23.14.79 (17 July 2023) for Android
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You can now use edit your WhatsApp message for up to 15 minutes!
You Can Now Edit Your WhatsApp Messages!
On Monday, May 22, 2023, Mark Zuckerberg announced that you will now be able to edit your WhatsApp messages up to 15 minutes after they’re sent!
This is, arguably, one of the most requested features to be added to WhatsApp, since many of us suffer from “fat fingers syndrome”, while others are forced to suffer through our typos!
Before this feature was introduced, the only way to “fix” a typo, was to post the corrected message, and delete the previous message with the typo(s). The only problem is you end up with a ton of “message deleted” remnants.
Here is how you can edit your WhatsApp messages:
Long-press on a sent message, and a menu will drop down.
Select the Edit option from the drop-down menu.
After editing your message, simply press Enter to save the edit.
Do note that the edited message will display “Edited” next to it, so your recipients know that it has been edited.
Also, this Edit option is limited to 15 minutes after you send a WhatsApp message. You cannot edit a message if you wait longer than 15 minutes after sending that message!
You Can Edit Your WhatsApp Messages… In Coming Weeks!
You can give it a try, but this feature likely isn’t available yet in your WhatsApp. Mark Zuckerberg and WhatsApp was just announcing a new feature.
You will have the ability to edit your WhatsApp messages for 15 minutes in coming weeks, as the update is rolled out globally.
For the moments when you make a mistake, or simply change your mind, you can now edit your sent messages.
From correcting a simple misspelling to adding extra context to a message, we’re excited to bring you more control over your chats. All you need to do is long-press on a sent message and choose ‘Edit’ from the menu for up to fifteen minutes after.
Edited messages will display ‘edited’ alongside them, so those you’re messaging are aware of the correction without showing edit history. As with all personal messages, media and calls, your messages and the edits you make are protected by end-to-end encryption.
This feature has started rolling out to users globally and will be available to everyone in the coming weeks.
Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp
Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Many websites are claiming that WhatsApp is forcing us to share our data with Facebook in February 2021.
Find out what’s going on, and what the FACTS really are!
WhatsApp Sharing Data With Facebook : What’s Going On?
We wrote about this earlier, but it looks like many websites (including very influential ones) are still peddling the claim that WhatsApp is going to force us to share data with Facebook in February 2021.
It all started with this pop-up alert that started appearing on WhatsApp a few days ago, alerting us to a change in its terms and privacy policy.
You must accept this new privacy policy to continue using WhatsApp from 8 February 2021 onwards. Otherwise, the alert subtly suggests, you should “delete your account”.
Since then, numerous articles have been written about how this new privacy policy is forcing us to share our WhatsApp data with Facebook.
This has led to many people switching to alternatives like Telegram and Signal, in fear that the new privacy policy would allow Facebook to access and read all of their WhatsApp messages.
No, WhatsApp Is Not Forcing You To Share Data With Facebook
As we shared earlier, NO, the new WhatsApp privacy policy does not force you to share data with Facebook, because…
Fact #1 : It Has Been A Requirement Since September 2016!
It is perplexing why so many websites claim that this new privacy policy forces us to let WhatsApp share data with Facebook. After all, this has been a requirement since September 2016!
Back in August 2016, WhatsApp announced that they would start sharing data with Facebook. At that time, they gave existing users 30 days to opt-out.
This was a one-time offer that has never been repeated. Since then, every new and current user MUST agree to let WhatsApp share data with Facebook.
Fact #2 : WhatsApp Will Still Honour The Opt-Out
If you are a WhatsApp veteran who opted out of data sharing in August 2016, WhatsApp will still honour that opt-out.
You can safely agree to the new privacy policy – your data opt-out will remain active.
Fact #3 : WhatsApp Will Share MORE Information With Facebook
So while they DO NOT need your permission to continue sharing data with Facebook, they still need your permission to SHARE MORE data with Facebook.
This is the list of additional data that we must agree to let WhatsApp share with Facebook :
Status Information. You may provide us your status if you choose to include one on your account. Learn how to use status on Android, iPhone, or KaiOS.
Transactions And Payments Data. If you use our payments services, or use our Services meant for purchases or other financial transactions, we process additional information about you, including payment account and transaction information. Payment account and transaction information includes information needed to complete the transaction (for example, information about your payment method, shipping details and transaction amount). If you use our payments services available in your country or territory, our privacy practices are described in the applicable payments privacy policy.
Location Information. We collect and use precise location information from your device with your permission when you choose to use location-related features, like when you decide to share your location with your contacts or view locations nearby or locations others have shared with you. There are certain settings relating to location-related information which you can find in your device settings or the in-app settings, such as location sharing. Even if you do not use our location-related features, we use IP addresses and other information like phone number area codes to estimate your general location (e.g., city and country). We also use your location information for diagnostics and troubleshooting purposes.
User Reports. Just as you can report other users, other users or third parties may also choose to report to us your interactions and your messages with them or others on our Services; for example, to report possible violations of our Terms or policies. When a report is made, we collect information on both the reporting user and reported user.
Businesses On WhatsApp. Businesses you interact with using our Services may provide us with information about their interactions with you. We require each of these businesses to act in accordance with applicable law when providing any information to us.When you message with a business on WhatsApp, keep in mind that the content you share may be visible to several people in that business. In addition, some businesses might be working with third-party service providers (which may include Facebook) to help manage their communications with their customers. For example, a business may give such third-party service provider access to its communications to send, store, read, manage, or otherwise process them for the business. To understand how a business processes your information, including how it might share your information with third parties or Facebook, you should review that business’ privacy policy or contact the business directly.
Fact #4 : WhatsApp + Facebook Cannot Read Your Messages
WhatsApp finished implementing end-to-end encryption on 5 April 2016, about 4.5 months before instituting the requirement to share data with Facebook.
Since then, WhatsApp nor Facebook can no longer read your messages, as they are encrypted. Only the sender and receiver(s) can read them.
WhatsApp shares a considerable amount of data and metadata that Facebook can use to identify and track your movements and activities. But not the content of your messages.
Fact #5 : Telegram Is Less Secure!
For those who are fleeing to Telegram, you should note that Telegram does not encrypt messages (only Secret Chats).
In fact, all of your data – messages, photos, videos, documents – are stored in Telegram servers. Even though they are encrypted in storage, Telegram holds the encryption keys, NOT YOU.
In contrast, WhatsApp data is only stored in your devices. WhatsApp also does not retain messages in their servers after they are delivered, and will only store files (like photos and videos) and undelivered messages for 30 days.
WhatsApp will, however, store the time and date of the messages you send and receive.
Fact #6 : Signal Is The Most Secure Alternative
Those who want a more private and secure messenger should opt for Signal, instead of Telegram.
It offers end-to-end encryption using the open-source Signal protocol, the same protocol which WhatsApp uses in its own proprietary format.
On top of that, it offers a Sealed Sender feature which prevents everyone – including Signal – from knowing the sender and recipient of a message.
But best of all, Signal does not share your data with any third-party company. In fact, the only metadata it collects is your phone number, and even that is not linked to your identity.
That said, Signal lacks features found in WhatsApp and Telegram, so we cannot call it the best alternative, only the most secure alternative.
If you like our work, you can help support us by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!
People are worried that a new WhatsApp privacy policy update will force them to share data with Facebook.
Well, here’s the real surprise – don’t you know that WhatsApp is already doing that?
Find out what’s going on, and what WhatsApp is really changing…
New WhatsApp Privacy Policy : Share Data With Facebook?
Many of you may have woken up to this pop-up on WhatsApp, alerting you to a change in its terms and privacy policy, which takes effect on 8 February 2021.
While you can delay the decision by clicking NOT NOW, you have to accept the new terms and privacy policy, to continue using WhatsApp.
Otherwise, the alert subtly suggests, you should “delete your account”.
Hello? WhatsApp Is Already Sharing Data With Facebook!
Many WhatsApp users are shocked by this new development, and pondering about whether they should jump to Telegram or some other instant messenger.
What’s more egregious though is that many websites are “warning” their readers about this new, shocking development.
The fact of the matter is – WhatsApp has been sharing data with Facebook for years!
In The Beginning : Private Communication Assured
After Facebook bought WhatsApp for a cool US$19 billion, Jan Koum set the record straight on 17 March 2014 :
Respect for your privacy is coded into our DNA, and we built WhatsApp around the goal of knowing as little about you as possible: You don’t have to give us your name and we don’t ask for your email address. We don’t know your birthday. We don’t know your home address. We don’t know where you work. We don’t know your likes, what you search for on the internet or collect your GPS location. None of that data has ever been collected and stored by WhatsApp, and we really have no plans to change that.
2016 : WhatsApp Starts Sharing Data With Facebook
In August 2016, WhatsApp announced that they would start sharing data with Facebook, after rolling out end-to-end encryption.
[B]y coordinating more with Facebook, we’ll be able to do things like track basic metrics about how often people use our services and better fight spam on WhatsApp. And by connecting your phone number with Facebook’s systems, Facebook can offer better friend suggestions and show you more relevant ads if you have an account with them. For example, you might see an ad from a company you already work with, rather than one from someone you’ve never heard of.
At that time, WhatsApp offered existing users a special one-time only option to opt-out of the data sharing, but only if they did it within 30 days.
If you are an existing user, you can choose not to have your WhatsApp account information shared with Facebook to improve your Facebook ads and products experiences. Existing users who accept our updated Terms and Privacy Policy will have an additional 30 days to make this choice by going to Settings > Account.
If you did not opt-out within 30 days back in August 2016, your data would be shared with Facebook.
This opt-out option was NOT provided to new WhatsApp users who registered on or after 25 August 2016.
After 24 September 2016 : WhatsApp Has Been Sharing Data With Facebook
With the singular exception of existing users who managed to opt-out by 24 September 2016, the data of every other WhatsApp user has been shared with Facebook.
8 February 2021 Onwards : More Information Is Shared
What will really change from 8 February 2021 onwards is the additional information that WhatsApp will share with Facebook :
Status Information. You may provide us your status if you choose to include one on your account. Learn how to use status on Android, iPhone, or KaiOS.
Transactions And Payments Data. If you use our payments services, or use our Services meant for purchases or other financial transactions, we process additional information about you, including payment account and transaction information. Payment account and transaction information includes information needed to complete the transaction (for example, information about your payment method, shipping details and transaction amount). If you use our payments services available in your country or territory, our privacy practices are described in the applicable payments privacy policy.
Location Information. We collect and use precise location information from your device with your permission when you choose to use location-related features, like when you decide to share your location with your contacts or view locations nearby or locations others have shared with you. There are certain settings relating to location-related information which you can find in your device settings or the in-app settings, such as location sharing. Even if you do not use our location-related features, we use IP addresses and other information like phone number area codes to estimate your general location (e.g., city and country). We also use your location information for diagnostics and troubleshooting purposes.
User Reports. Just as you can report other users, other users or third parties may also choose to report to us your interactions and your messages with them or others on our Services; for example, to report possible violations of our Terms or policies. When a report is made, we collect information on both the reporting user and reported user.
Businesses On WhatsApp. Businesses you interact with using our Services may provide us with information about their interactions with you. We require each of these businesses to act in accordance with applicable law when providing any information to us.When you message with a business on WhatsApp, keep in mind that the content you share may be visible to several people in that business. In addition, some businesses might be working with third-party service providers (which may include Facebook) to help manage their communications with their customers. For example, a business may give such third-party service provider access to its communications to send, store, read, manage, or otherwise process them for the business. To understand how a business processes your information, including how it might share your information with third parties or Facebook, you should review that business’ privacy policy or contact the business directly.
Opted Out In 2016? It Is Still Honoured!
WhatsApp will apparently continue to honour the decision of those who opted-out of data sharing in August 2016.
For those who opted out, you can agree to the new policy, and your data will still NOT be shared with Facebook.
To check if you opted-out in August 2016, you will need to check in your WhatsApp account – Settings > Account > Request Account Info.
If you like our work, you can help support us by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!
Receiving limit : 20 transactions per day, or 5000 BRL per month (approx. US$977 / £775 / S$1361 / A$1412 / RM 4,181)
If you need to exceed that limit, you need to register for a WhatsApp Business account, which lets you accept unlimited payments, and credit card payments.
However, you will need to pay a flat 3.99% processing fee, irrespective of the payment sum.
In addition, WhatsApp insists that free transfers are strictly restricted to “personal transfers between friends and family”.
All businesses, even very small ones who do NOT exceed those limits, must also use WhatsApp Business and pay the 3.99% processing fee.
Otherwise, they risk the blocking of their personal account, if WhatsApp catches them receiving payments.
WhatsApp Payments : How Does It Work?
WhatsApp currently restricts access to their setup methods to users in Brazil, but from what we can tell – here is basically how WhatsApp Payments work.
Setting It Up The First Time
Install WhatsApp and setup your WhatsApp account, if you have not already done so.
Sign up for a Facebook Pay account, if you have not already done so.
Create and verify your 6-digit Facebook Pay PIN.
If you wish to use your fingerprint to authenticate payment, select the Use Fingerprint option.
Key in your full legal first and last names and your CPF (identity card number)
Add and verify at least one supported debit / debit-enabled combo card. You can add a credit card, but they can only be used to pay businesses.
To Make Payments On WhatsApp
Open a chat with the person or business you wish to send money to.
Tap the Attach (paperclip) icon, and select Payment.
Key in the amount you wish to send.
Authenticate the payment using the 6-digit Facebook Pay PIN or your fingerprint.
The money will be transferred to the recipient, and you will both receive notifications in the chat window.
WhatsApp Payments : What Cards Are Supported?
Currently, WhatsApp will support these Visa / Mastercard debit or credit cards in Brazil :
Banco do Brasil
Nubank
Sicredi
WhatsApp Payments : How Secure Is It?
To assure everyone that their transactions are secure, WhatsApp listed these security and privacy steps :
Encryption between your phone and WhatsApp servers keeps your payment information secure.
Advanced data storage contains multiple layers of hardware and software protection.
Facebook Pay PIN protection and device biometrics adds extra security before sending money.
You can only send money from your WhatsApp account once you have provided the correct debit or credit card information and verified that you’re the authorized user.
If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!
Freshworks just announced that their Omniroute and Proximity software have added support for WhatsApp Business to better deliver online customer support for businesses.
Here is a quick primer on what they did, and what it means for Omniroute and Proximity users!
Freshworks Omniroute
Freshworks Omniroute is a customer engagement software that helps businesses manage and direct user customer conversations. It gives their customer service agents a unified view of customer inquiries across multiple channels
Integrating Omniroute with WhatsApp Business was a logical move, allowing Omniroute to cover the massive network of 1.5 billion WhatsApp users.
This integration will make Omniroute more compelling, by giving their users the ability to directly and quickly contact their customers via WhatsApp.
“Users no longer have to jump through hoops to reach out to a business – all they have to do is flip out their mobile and engaging with their favorite brand is just a message away on WhatsApp,” says Girish Mathrubootham, CEO of Freshworks.
Freshworks Proximity For Freshchat
Freshworks Proximity has also added integration with WhatsApp Business. Proximity allows businesses to send our messages to their customers on a large scale.
Adding WhatsApp Business support will mean adding another avenue to reach out to that massive 1.5 billion user pool.
If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!
