WhatsApp recently announced that it will soon allow users to add contacts from any device, not just the primary phone, thus solving one of life’s little annoyances. An upcoming update will allow people to add and manage contacts via the web client, on Windows PCs and “eventually other linked devices.”
Users will also be able to save contacts specifically to WhatsApp without syncing them to the phone, which is useful when sharing a handset with others or for those who manage both work and personal WhatsApp accounts on the same device. Meta says this will also solve the problem of people losing all their contacts if they lose their phone, as contacts will be fully reinstallable.
Even better? The company says this is the first step towards what many consider the “holy grail” of potential improvements. WhatsApp is getting usernames, so you won’t have to save someone’s information via a phone number. Meta says this will add “an extra level of privacy” as you can share usernames without sharing phone numbers.
The multi-device contact tool is rolling out gradually “over the coming weeks and months.” There’s no ETA on dedicated usernames. WhatsApp has been busy lately in the wake of crossing audience retention milestones. The app recently unveiled improved video calling and passkey support on iOS.
After CES and ahead of Samsung’s Unpacked, the Engadget crew had a quick chance to catch its breath this week. But we took a look at the deal machine to see which tech sales are worth your money.
Right now, we’re seeing some good Apple deals — one on the latest iPad mini and another on the new 15-inch MacBook Air — as well as a first-time discount on the Kindle Colorsoft ereader. There are some Bluetooth tracker discounts to help you keep track of your keys and bag.
And Best Buy is still running a promotion for three free months of Apple TV+ so you can start watching the recently released season two of Severance. Here are this week’s best tech deals you can still find today.
That matches the price of this set for Black Friday. This is our current favorite premium power bank, thanks to its sleek design, easy-to-read display, and fast charging capabilities. But what really makes it stand out is the charging base. Magnets align the base with the battery, so it’s easy to put down and recharge. The base also offers additional USB ports, so you can charge other accessories at the same time.
All four colors are currently on sale at Amazon for the latest MacBook Air. We positively reviewed the laptop last year, with plenty of performance for both productive work and casual play. The keyboard and trackpad are fantastic, making the laptop fun to use. We currently recommend the M3 MacBook Air as the best MacBook for most people.