WhatsApp Messenger is a cross-platform mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS.
WhatsApp Messenger is available for iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone and Nokia and yes, those phones can all message each other! Here are some useful tips that are unknown by many.
Mark as Unread
With the upcoming update, Android users will soon be able to mark messages as unread even after reading them. To be clear, this feature does not make it appear as if you have not read the message yet, and your messages will appear as read to senders even after you mark them as unread. Instead, it can be used to highlight messages so you can get back to them later. Also, marking a message as unread will not change the order of conversations on the app.
Custom notifications
WhatsApp is bringing its whole set of custom options, which are available only for the whole app at present, for individual contacts. For example, if you want to set a specific ringtone for a contact, you can select any song from your playlist, so you know the messages and calls are from that particular person even without looking at your Smartphone. Similarly, you can set notification light colours, separate call and message ringtones, enable or disable vibrations and pop-up notifications for each contact.
Mute individual contacts
At present, you can only mute group conversations, but with the next update you will be able to mute individual contacts as well. If you want to mute any person on your contact list, check the Mute bar in the about menu. Slide the Mute bar to the right and you will see duration for which you can mute the chat: 8 hours, a week, or a year.
Lower data consumption in WhatsApp calls
If you make a lot of WhatsApp calls and want to reduce your data consumption, WhatsApp has added a new option in the app for that purpose. Under Chats and Calls menu in Settings, you will notice a new option called Low Data Usage at the bottom of the scroll. Just click the box and you will be able to save some data while making voice calls using WhatsApp.
Google Drive integration
This feature is not live yet, but has been rumored for a long time. Now, this upcoming update brings another proof that WhatsApp chats will soon be backed to your Google accounts. If you want to check it out yourself, go to the Account option in Settings and you will see that the Network Usage menu mentions two new details about your data consumption: Google Drive backup bytes sent and Google Drive backup bytes received.
This is clearly a precursor of the long-awaited Google Drive integration to WhatsApp, which will make backing up your chats, images, videos, voice messages, etc, much easier.
Ten tips for every ANDROID user
Android is a mobile operating system (OS) based on the Linux kernel and currently developed by Google. With a user interface based on direct manipulation, Android is designed primarily for touch-screen mobile devices such as Smart phones and tablet computers, with specialised user interfaces for televisions (Android TV), cars (Android Auto), and wrist watches (Android Wear). Here are some useful tips that might assist you in realising the power of your android.
Set up Google Now
Think of Google Now as your personal assistant. Open the Google app, tap Get Google Now, and then fill in your preferences. You can tell Google Now your favourite stocks, sports teams, and more to get personalised notifications. You can also tell Google Now your preferred mode of transportation for Google Maps.
Use launchers and lock screen replacements
Sick of staring at that same weather widget every day? You can download apps in the Google Play store that actually let you change the interface of your Android phone. Check out some of our favourite Android launchers and lock screen replacements here.
Enable Power Savings mode
Navigate to the Settings menu and turn on the Power Savings mode to preserve battery life. Some phones come with a higher-level battery-saving mode, too. Galaxy S6’s Ultra Power Savings Mode, for example, allows you to send calls, texts, browse the internet and use a few stock apps, but that’s about it. Not all Android phones have a battery-saving mode, but many do.
Get an extra battery or a power bank
All phones die eventually, and you may not always be near an outlet to charge it. Since many Android phones come with removable backs, you can replace the battery with a fresh one when you’re on the go or grab a power bank, it’s very useful.
Sign into Google Chrome
If you sign in to your Google account in the Chrome browser on your phone, your bookmarks and preferences will automatically carry over.
Organise apps into folders
You can create folders to divide your apps into different categories. This reduces clutter and also makes it easier to find what you need fast. To create a folder, press and hold down on an app and drag it up to the ‘Create Folder’ option on the upper-left-hand side.
On some phones you can also drag and drop an app on top of another to create a folder, just like you can in iOS.
Use a third-party keyboard
Sometimes it’s easier to swipe than it is to type. You aren’t restricted to Google’s keyboard in Android — there are plenty of keyboard apps to choose from in the Google Play store. ‘Swype’, for instance, lets you type by swiping to each letter rather than typing.
Adjust bandwidth management in Chrome
You can turn on the ‘Reduce Data Usage’ option in Chrome, which removes unnecessary whitespace and translates images into a smaller format in order to cut down on how much data it uses while you browse.
Use Google Authenticator to keep data safe
Google Authenticator provides two-step verification security for your Google account. So, when you log in, you’ll need a code generated by the app in addition to your password. This ensures that strangers can’t log in to your account. I do hope these tips will come into use soon…give it a shot, it’s worth it!
