Search This Blog

Friday, December 13, 2024

How to Unlock WhatsApp Chats on Android and iOS: A Step-by-Step Guide

WhatsApp continues to be a preferred platform for millions worldwide. With its focus on user privacy, WhatsApp offers a range of features to safeguard conversations, one of which is the Chat Lock feature. This tool allows users to secure specific chats with an additional layer of protection, such as a password, fingerprint or Face ID. This guide will walk you through the process of unlocking WhatsApp chats. We'll also cover how to set up and remove chat locks, as well as explore the benefits of using this feature.

What is WhatsApp Chat Lock?

WhatsApp's Chat Lock is designed for user privacy by allowing individuals to secure specific chats. Once locked, these chats are moved to a separate "Locked Chats" folder, which can only be accessed with the designated authentication method. This feature is especially useful for keeping sensitive conversations away from prying eyes, particularly on shared or borrowed devices.

Key Features of Chat Lock:

  1. Selective Locking: Lock only specific chats instead of the entire app.
  2. Hidden Notifications: Notifications from locked chats are concealed, ensuring added privacy.
  3. Multiple Security Methods: Depending on your device, you can use a PIN, password, fingerprint or Face ID to secure chats.

Now that we understand what Chat Lock is, let's dive into how to use this feature effectively, starting with locking chats.

How to Lock Chats on WhatsApp

Before unlocking chats, it's important to understand how to lock them. The Chat Lock feature ensures your private conversations are secure and here's how to enable it:

On Android

  1. Open WhatsApp and select the chat you wish to lock.
  2. Tap on the contact's or group's name at the top of the screen.
  3. Scroll down and choose "Chat Lock."
  4. Enable the toggle for "Lock this chat with fingerprint or PIN."
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm your authentication method.

On iOS

  1. Launch WhatsApp and open the chat you want to secure.
  2. Tap the contact's or group's name at the top.
  3. Select "Chat Lock" from the menu.
  4. Enable Face ID or passcode locking by toggling the option.
  5. Authenticate with your Face ID or passcode to complete the setup.

Once locked, these chats are moved to a "Locked Chats" folder, hidden from the main chat list. Notifications from these chats are also concealed to enhance privacy.

How to Unlock Chats on WhatsApp

When it's time to access your locked chats, the process is straightforward. Let's explore how to unlock chats on Android and iOS devices.

How to Unlock Chats on Android?

  1. Open WhatsApp and scroll to the top of the chat list.
  2. Tap on the "Locked Chats" folder.
  3. Authenticate using your fingerprint, PIN or pattern.
  4. Select the chat you want to view.
  5. While in the locked chat, tap on the contact's or group's name.
  6. Navigate to "Chat Lock" and disable the toggle.
  7. The chat will now return to the main chat list without requiring authentication.

How to Unlock Chats on iOS?

  1. Open WhatsApp and navigate to the "Locked Chats" section.
  2. Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode.
  3. Select the desired chat to access it.
  4. Long-press the contact's name at the top to open chat settings.
  5. Tap on the Unlock Chat option.
  6. The chat will appear in your main chat list without any lock.

How to Remove Chat Lock on WhatsApp?

If you no longer need to keep a chat locked, removing the lock is simple. Follow these steps:

  1. Open WhatsApp and go to the "Locked Chats" folder.
  2. Authenticate to access the list of locked chats.
  3. Select the chat you want to unlock.
  4. Open the chat, tap the contact's or group's name and navigate to "Chat Lock."
  5. Disable the toggle to remove the lock.

Once removed, the chat will be visible in your main chat list and accessible without any authentication.

Benefits of Using WhatsApp Chat Lock

The Chat Lock feature offers multiple advantages that make it a must-use tool for privacy-conscious individuals:

  • Enhanced Privacy: Keep sensitive conversations secure from prying eyes, especially on shared devices.
  • Selective Locking: Lock only specific chats rather than the entire app, offering greater flexibility.
  • Hidden Notifications: Notifications from locked chats are hidden to prevent unauthorised access.
  • Multiple Security Options: Use PIN, password, fingerprint or Face ID to protect your chats, based on your preference and device capabilities.
  • Separate Folder: Locked chats are stored in a dedicated folder, keeping them organised and out of sight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you lock group chats or muted chats in WhatsApp?

Yes, WhatsApp allows you to lock individual and group chats, including muted ones. The locking process remains the same for all types of conversations.

Will the recipient be notified if I lock the chat?

No, the recipient will not be notified if you lock a chat. The Chat Lock feature is private and does not alert the other participant.

How do you access locked chats on WhatsApp?

To access locked chats, go to the "Locked Chats" folder at the top of your chat list. Authenticate using your chosen method such as PIN, fingerprint, Face ID, etc. to view and interact with the chats.

 



from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/jx04VGd

Earth’s Inner Core Might Be Slowing Down and Changing Shape, New Study Reveals

Research indicates that Earth's solid inner core, a metal sphere encased within the molten outer core, could be undergoing changes in both rotation and surface structure. Studies involving seismic waves from earthquakes have revealed that the core's rotation may have slowed, paused or even reversed relative to Earth's surface approximately 15 years ago. New findings presented by John Vidale, a geophysicist at the University of Southern California, during a meeting of the American Geophysical Union suggest that additional changes to the inner core's surface could also be occurring.

Earthquake Waves Reveal Inner Core Dynamics

Insights into the inner core rely on seismic waves generated by earthquakes, as no instrument can directly access Earth's core. According to reports, geophysicists often examine seismic waves originating from the South Sandwich Islands near Antarctica. These waves traverse the Earth, passing through its layers and arriving at recording stations such as those in Alaska. Waveform discrepancies between similar earthquakes occurring at different times indicate changes within the inner core.

Surface Changes and Deformation Hypotheses

Reportedly, Vidale and his team analysed seismic data from around 200 earthquake pairs recorded between 1991 and 2024. Discrepancies in waveforms were observed in recordings from Yellowknife, Canada but not from Fairbanks, Alaska. Vidale attributed these differences to possible deformation of the inner core's outer surface. According to reports, the entire core might be subtly reshaping or localised regions could be swelling or contracting. These changes might be influenced by gravitational interactions with the mantle or material flow within the outer core.

Diverse Perspectives on Core Behavior

The interpretations remain debated. Lianxing Wen, a geophysicist from Stony Brook University, has suggested in a statement that surface changes alone, without rotational differences, might explain these observations. Meanwhile, Xiaodong Song of Peking University emphasised in his statement that both rotational and surface changes could be contributing factors.

Current findings remain limited in their implications for Earth's surface, as stated in reports. Until further research clarifies the processes, the potential impact remains uncertain.

 



from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/sPNbKFy

Thursday, December 12, 2024

WhatsApp Rolls Out New Effects for Video Calls, Group Calling Improvements

WhatsApp is rolling out several new features to improve the audio and video calling experience on desktop and mobile platforms ahead of the holiday season, the company announced on Thursday. The social media platform now lets users pick from even more effects in video calls. Further, it adds the ability to select specific participants for calls in group chats. WhatsApp also claims to improve the calling experience by introducing higher-resolution video.

WhatsApp Adds 10 Effects for Video Calls

In a blog post, WhatsApp detailed the new features on desktop and mobile platforms. The company highlighted that users can now pick from 10 effects in video calls, including puppy ears, underwater, and a karaoke microphone. In group chats, users can select specific participants for calls without disrupting the entire chat.

The social media platform says that it brings more options to the Calls tab on the WhatsApp desktop app. There are now options for starting a call, creating a call link, and dialling a number. It also introduces higher-resolution video calling with a clearer picture in individual as well as group calls.

Notably, these features add to the recent introductions on WhatsApp in recent months.

WhatsApp previously introduced typing indicators for real-time engagement in chats earlier this month. Visual cues appear in chats along with the profile picture of the user who's typing when they are engaged in active conversations in both one-to-one and group chats. The feature is claimed to be particularly useful when multiple users are typing simultaneously in group chats.

Further, it also rolled out voice message transcripts last month. This is said to make sending voice messages a more convenient process. The feature provides users with a text-based transcription of the voice message received from others. However, only the recipient can see a transcript of the voice message and not the sender. WhatsApp emphasises that transcripts are generated on-device and no one else can hear or read its content.



from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/EszAa9i

Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro With Intel Lunar Lake Processor and Galaxy AI Launched: Specifications

Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro was launched on Thursday, months after it unveiled the Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 in September. The latest laptop from the South Korean technology conglomerate joins the Galaxy Book 5 series and boasts the new Intel Core Ultra series 2 processor dubbed Lunar Lake, Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, and Thunderbolt 4 ports. It also gets artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, leveraging Microsoft's Copilot+ platform as well as Galaxy AI — Samsung's AI suite.

Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro Availability

Samsung says Galaxy Book 5 Pro will initially be available for purchase in South Korea starting Janaury 2. Potential customers can sign up to be notified of the sale and receive a discount coupon.

The laptop will be offered in two colourways — gray and silver.

Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro Specifications

Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro has been launched in two sizes — 14-inch and 16-inch. It is equipped with a Dynamic AMOLED 2X touchscreen display with an anti-reflective coating on top and Vision Booster feature. It is powered by an Intel Core Ultra Processor Series 2 (codenamed Lunar Lake) along with a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU), supporting up to 47 trillion operations per second (TOPS).

Courtesy of the NPU, it supports on-device AI capabilities. The Galaxy Book 5 Pro is a Microsoft Copilot+ PC and also gets Samsung's Galaxy AI suite. The latter supports functions such as AI Select — a visual lookup feature similar to Google's Circle to Search. Users can highlight a part of the screen by circling or drawing on it and search for it on the web. Further, it taps the NPU to access Optical Character Recognition (OCR), enabling them to select text from images and scan QR codes by circling on them.

Then there's the Photo Remaster feature which can upscale old images into high-definition resolution.

Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro features a webcam with Staggered HDR technology, a quad speaker setup, and Dolby Atmos support. It can run up to 25 hours on a single charge. For connectivity, there are Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, USB Type-A ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a microSD card reader.



from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/6tVGucz

Mars Dust Storms May Be Predictable Based on Surface Heating Patterns

New research has indicated a strong connection between warm, sunny days on Mars and the occurrence of dust storms, with nearly 78 percent of storms preceded by increased solar heating, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union in Washington, D.C. The study, led by Heshani Pieris and Paul Hayne of the University of Colorado, Boulder, analysed data from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, revealing patterns that could help predict these atmospheric phenomena.

Insights into Dust Storm Patterns

The researchers investigated data spanning eight Martian years—approximately 15 Earth years—collected by the Mars Climate Sounder instrument. Observations focused on two types of dust storms, categorised as "A" and "C" storms, which primarily originate in the planet's northern hemisphere and travel through Acidalia Planitia and Utopia Planitia. The study found a direct correlation between prolonged surface heating and the emergence of these storms.

In a statement, Pieris highlighted the significant impact dust storms have on Mars missions, noting their tendency to coat solar panels with fine particles, which can disrupt operations. This was exemplified by NASA's Opportunity rover, which was rendered inoperable during a global dust storm.

Potential for Forecasting Dust Storms

Pieris and Hayne's research suggests the possibility of predicting Martian dust storms based on patterns of surface heating. An algorithm developed during the study has shown a 64% confidence level in forecasting "A" and "C" storms, offering a potential tool for managing the risks posed to future crewed missions.

While the study marks progress, as per reports, Hayne pointed out that fundamental questions about dust storm formation remain unanswered, including the factors that allow localised storms to grow into global events. Data from NASA's deactivated Mars Global Surveyor supports the findings, showing that imbalances in solar energy absorption during warmer periods can fuel storm activity.

 



from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/maBfidV

I Am Kathalan OTT Release: When and Where to Watch Naslen's Thriller?

I Am Kathalan, directed by Girish AD and starring Naslen K Gafoor, is reportedly gearing up for its OTT release. The film, which delves into a gripping tale of cybercrime and revenge, has captured attention for its unique take on the techno-thriller genre. As per a recent report, the digital rights have been secured by the Manorama Max platform, and viewers can expect an official announcement of the release date soon.

When and Where to Watch I Am Kathalan

As per a report by TImes of India, I Am Kathalan digital rights have been secured by Manorama Max for an undisclosed amount. That said, there is no official confirmation about the OTT release date of the latest movie. But reports suggest the streaming debut may happen by mid-December 2024.

Official Trailer and Plot of I Am Kathalan

I Am Kathalan introduced audiences to the character of Vishnu, a tech-savvy young man grappling with academic setbacks and personal loss. The plot revolves around his attempt to take revenge on a fraudulent chit-fund company, leading him into a web of danger and emotional turmoil. Written by Sajin Cherukayil, the narrative blends technology and suspense, offering a darker tone than director Girish AD's earlier works.

Cast and Crew of I Am Kathalan

The film features Naslen K Gafoor as Vishnu, supported by Lijomol Jose, Dileesh Pothan, and Anishma Anilkumar in pivotal roles. Cinematography by Sharan Velayudhan and editing by Akash Joseph Varghese contribute to the film's intense atmosphere. The music, composed by Sidhartha Pradeep, complements the gripping storyline. The production was handled by Gokulam Gopalan, Dr. Paul Varghese, and Krishnamoorthy under Dream Big Films.

Reception of I Am Kathalan

The film has a rating of 7.1 / 10 on IMDb. It has been praised for Naslen's performance, the technical aspects and the innovative storytelling approach.

 



from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/naJZ93z

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Mary Now Streaming on Netflix: Watch Noa Cohen and Anthony Hopkins in Biblical Drama

The highly anticipated biblical drama Mary has arrived on Netflix, featuring Noa Cohen in the titular role. Directed by DJ Caruso and penned by Timothy Michael Hayes, the film delves into Mary's life, depicting her journey as the chosen one to bear the Messiah. Produced under the banners of Luna Film Productions, PeachTree Media Partners, Aloe Entertainment, and Ludascripts, Mary has already become a focal point of discussions, both for its storytelling and the controversies it has sparked.

When and Where to Watch Mary

Mary was released on Netflix on December 6, 2024. Subscribers to the streaming platform can now watch the drama, which presents a blend of faith, courage and resilience in its narrative. The movie offers an intimate look at Mary's life as she navigates societal rejection and the immense responsibility of her divine selection.

Official Trailer and Plot of Mary

The official trailer of Mary sets the tone for a deeply emotional narrative, showcasing Mary's struggles after her miraculous conception. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the Middle East, tracing her journey with Joseph as they protect their newborn son, Jesus, from King Herod's deadly pursuit. The film seeks to portray Mary not just as a saint but as a relatable young woman, adding depth to her character and the challenges she faced.

Cast and Crew of Mary

Noa Cohen leads the ensemble cast, portraying Mary, alongside Anthony Hopkins as King Herod. Ido Tako plays Joseph, with Hilla Vidor and Ori Pfeffer appearing as Anne and Joachim, respectively. Other notable cast members include Stephanie Nur, Mili Avital, Salim Benmoussa, and Keren Tzur. The production is helmed by a team of seasoned producers, including Mary Aloe and Hannah Leader.

Reception of Mary

Mary has garnered mixed reactions, with its portrayal of biblical events sparking significant debates. Critics have highlighted the casting of Noa Cohen, an Israeli actress, as a point of contention. Despite the controversies, the film has succeeded in drawing attention to its unique perspective on a well-known narrative. It has an IMDb rating of 5.3 / 10.

 



from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/ZR5iarI

iOS 18.2 for iPhone With Image Playground and More Apple Intelligence Features Rolls Out: What’s New

Apple rolled out the iOS 18.2 update for iPhone globally on Wednesday. It arrives a day after the release of iOS 18.2 Release Candidate (RC) 2, expanding the set of Apple Intelligence features that the Cupertino-based technology giant previously introduced. Its latest update brings Image Playground, Genmoji, and ChatGPT integration. It also bundles a new visual lookup feature exclusive to the iPhone 16 series while expanding the availability of Apple's artificial intelligence (AI) suite to more languages.

iOS 18.2 Compatible Models

Apple says all iPhone models compatible with the initial iOS 18 update are eligible to download the latest iOS 18.2 update. However, the Apple Intelligence features are limited to the iPhone 16 lineup, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

It is being expanded to more English-speaking locales such as Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK. The AI suite is available globally on the iPhone except for China and the EU, but it will introduced in the latter starting April next year.

iOS 18.2 Update Features

In a newsroom post, Apple detailed the new features arriving on the iPhone with the iOS 18.2 update. One of the highlights is Image Playground — a new standalone app that bundles three capabilities and brings more ways for users to express themselves better. It leverages generative AI to generate images in distinct styles such as animation or illustration, based on textual prompts. Then there's Genmoji, which has similar functionality but works for emojis. The created images and emojis can be shared in apps such as Messages, Notes, and Keynote, as per Apple.

Meanwhile, Image Wand transforms a rough sketch into a related image in the Notes app, similar to Samsung's AI-powered Sketch to Image feature. It can also create an image in the app based on the handwritten or typed text using on-device generative AI models.

While Apple introduced Writing Tools with iOS 18.1 in October, the latest iOS 18.2 update expands their capabilities. It brings a new Describe Your Change option which enables users to specify the changes they'd like, such as making it more dynamic or rewrite it in the form of a poem. It joins the existing Rewrite, Proofread, and Summarise tools and is available system-wide and in third-party apps.

iPhone 16 series users can now take advantage of the new Visual Intelligence feature. Apple says it is a visual lookup tool which helps them learn about objects and places instantly, leveraging the new Camera Control button. It can summarise and copy text, translate it between languages, and detect phone numbers or email addresses with the option to add to contacts. It also allows them to search Google for a product they like, solve a math equation, or simply ask ChatGPT to provide more information.

And on a related note, ChatGPT comes to the iPhone. Siri, which is Apple's voice assistant, can now leverage the capabilities of OpenAI's AI chatbot to provide users with more in-depth responses to queries and document and image-understanding capabilities. Siri can suggest a user access to ChatGPT for certain requests and provide direct answers. Further, it can also generate content using native writing tools. Apple says this feature requires optional sign-in, and iPhone users with a paid ChatGPT account can use their account for access to more powerful OpenAI models.

The company emphasises that OpenAI does not store requests, nor does it use the data for training its models. It also obscures their IP addresses to prevent sessions from being linked together.

What's Ahead

Apple Intelligence capabilities will be expanded further in the coming months, as per Apple. Siri will get contextual awareness to deliver tailored responses. It is also claimed to be able to have on-screen awareness with new actions across Apple and third-party apps. Other expected features include Priority Notifications and a new sketch style for Image Playground.



from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/C5L3Yyq

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Samsung Galaxy XCover 8 Pro Likely to Launch With a Bigger Battery

Samsung Galaxy XCover 8 Pro has surfaced online and could see a launch soon. The model number of the anticipated handset as well as a probable launch timeline had previously been tipped. Now, the battery details of the phone have been spotted on a certification site. The purported rugged smartphone is expected to arrive as a successor to the Samsung Galaxy XCover 6 Pro, which was unveiled in July 2022. Notably, Samsung introduced the Galaxy XCover 7 in India in February.

Samsung Galaxy XCover 8 Pro Battery Size

A battery with the model number EB-BG766GBY has been spotted on the Safety Korea website. The battery has a rated capacity of 4,265mAh and a typical capacity of 4,350mAh. A Galaxy Club report claims this is the battery of the Samsung Galaxy XCover 8 Pro. If true, the purported Galaxy XCover handset will get a larger battery than the 4,050mAh cell in the Galaxy XCover 7 and the Galaxy XCover 6 Pro.

Samsung Galaxy XCover 8 Pro Launch (Expected)

An earlier report suggested that the Samsung Galaxy XCover 8 Pro with model number SM-G766B is in the works. It is expected to launch around mid-2025 alongside a new Galaxy Tab Active model. They are tipped to arrive after the launch of the Galaxy S25 series and the Galaxy A56 model. Other details about the rumoured rugged smartphone and tablet aren't known yet. 

The Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 with MIL-STD-810H certification and an IP68-rated build, was launched in India in February this year. In select global markets, it was unveiled alongside the Galaxy Tab Active 5. The rugged tablet has yet to see an India launch.

Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 price in India starts at Rs. 27,208, while the Enterprise Edition was priced Rs. 27,530 at launch. The standard and the Enterprise Edition offer a one-year and a two-year warranty, respectively. The phone comes in a lone 6GB RAM and 128GB onboard storage configuration.



from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/k2H5rap

Instagram Rolls Out Trial Reels to Help Creators Test New Content With Non-Followers

Instagram is rolling out a new feature dubbed trial reels which makes it easier for creators to experiment with new content, it announced on Tuesday. This feature was first announced in May this year and was rolled out in the test phase. With its arrival, the social media platform will enable Instagram creators to create trial reels and show them to users who do not follow them first for feedback, helping them gauge their interest.

Trial Reels on Instagram

In a blog post, Instagram announced that trial reels help creators experiment with content beyond their niche, such as a new genre, storytelling format or topic, to see if it resonates with their audience. It will be shown to only non-followers in the feed and the Reels section. Instagram will provide key performance insights like views, likes, comments and shares of the trial reel after 24 hours, giving them a choice to share it with their followers too, if it does well.

Creating trial reels on Instagram requires creators to follow the same pathway except for one added step. Before sharing the reel, they must turn on the Trial toggle which appears below the caption text box. After sharing the Instagram reel, it can be viewed on the profile next to drafts.

While trial reels won't be visible on the creators' profiles, their followers may still be able to see them if it is shared with them directly, as per Instagram. They may also appear on a page which shows reels with the same audio, filter, or location. The platform says it will automatically share the trial reel with followers if it is found to be performing well within the first 72 hours. However, creators have control over it and can change this setting anytime.

The social media platform says trial reels have already started rolling out and will be globally available to all eligible creators in the coming weeks. The only prerequisite is having a professional account



from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/AkQo9RE