Top 5 WhatsApp Tips & Tricks

Staff Writer / 23-05-2019 / Apps

Is WhatsApp your go-to messaging platform? Get ready, WhatsApp’s being revamped soon.


The new improvements will mean updates across user experience, privacy and security, and overall community reach and engagement. Mark Zuckerberg, Meta CEO, revealed that the enhanced privacy features will make the messaging platform “as private and secure as face-to-face conversations.”


We’ve got you covered with the top 5 new features you can look forward to.


  1. You Can’t See Me 

Do you feel obligated to reply immediately to your messages because contacts can see you’re online? Or get forced into conversations because of your ‘online’ status? For some users, this is fine, but if you don’t like the pressure this feature brings, WhatsApp has an update just for you. Previously, users could only control their ‘last seen’ information, but now WhatsApp is bringing more privacy to the table. Soon you will be able to hide your online status from some or all of your contacts. Of course, there’s still the option of indicating you’re online, in which case you can just choose ‘none’.


  1. Spread The Love With A Quick Tap

In May of this year, WhatsApp introduced quick tap emoji reactions, which appear under a message when you tap on it and hold it down for a second. It’s snappy and fun to use, allowing you to react to messages using any emoji. Building on this, a new update will soon enable emoji reactions to WhatsApp statuses as well, mimicking reactions to stories on Instagram. For now, the platform will introduce eight emojis to choose from, allowing you to interact easily with your friends and family in more ways than ever before.


  1. Ghosting Messages 

The platform has followed in the footsteps of Instagram with the ‘View Message Once’ feature. These messages are designed to disappear after being viewed once by the intended recipient, preventing them from possibly taking a screenshot and ensuring the privacy of the sender.

 

  1. A Connected Community

WhatsApp is busy working on one of its biggest updates yet, to compete with its closest competitor, Telegram. Say hello to WhatsApp Community, an interesting feature that will allow groups to join a larger central group called a Community. It aims to bring an array of group chats together in one place, where users can receive updates relating to the wider community

while enabling the setup of smaller discussion groups that share common interests. To join a Community, you’ll have to be invited as these won't be public or discoverable.


  • Exit groups quietly, but there’s a catch!

And finally, you may have heard that WhatsApp has noted the cries of all the introverts in the world by introducing a feature that will allow you to quietly exit group chats. However, just when you thought you could pull a disappearing act without the group noticing, WhatsApp is also implementing an update that shows all past group participants. This means even if you leave silently, you will still be traced back to the group as a past member.


With the new features coming to WhatsApp, you can express yourself freely, enjoy more privacy and connect to more people who share your interests.


Did you know you can sign up to Mondo’s newsletter and receive the latest news from social media, mobile tech, and more? Plus, you get exclusive access to the latest smartphone deals from South Africa’s leading network providers. We can’t wait to keep you in the loop!

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 vs. Apple iPad Pro 11

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 vs. Apple iPad Pro 11": Finding Your "Just Right" TabletNeed a new tablet that’s not too big and not too small, not too expensive and not too cheap, and premium but not the most premium? Something like the Goldilocks of tablets that has everything 'just right'.Say no more!It sounds like, you need the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 or the Apple iPad Pro 11" in your life.These 11-inch, 5G tablets are entry-level flagships that hit the sweet spot between size, affordability, and fancy features. But which one is right for you? Let’s help you answer that in our Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 vs. Apple iPad Pro 11" tablet takedown.Displays: Bringing the heatStart with the basics. Both of these bad boys bring the heat with displays that are simply spectacular. Scrolling is buttery-smooth, the screen resolution delivers crystal clarity even in the most challenging lighting conditions, and they feature premium hardware that supports all your questionable habits—whether it’s spending hours gaming each day or lounging in your PJs reluctantly watching the latest TikTok trends.A closer look at the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, shows it is a big upgrade from the previous generation. It’s the first time an entry-level device from the series sports a top-tier AMOLED screen. That's right, it ditched the standard IPS display and has joined the ranks of its pricier siblings, the Galaxy Tab S9+ and the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. Now, here's what really sets the Galaxy tablets apart from their competitors: the S Pen stylus is included right in the box! We love that Samsung is sticking to this tradition with the Galaxy Tab S9. It means your doodling days are far from over!On to the iPad Pro 11". Everything about it screams premium. From the stunning Liquid Retina screen to its adaptable refresh rate, ranging from a battery-saving 1Hz to a lightning-fast 120Hz. And let's not forget about that anti-reflective coating that ensures crisp outdoor use. When it comes to displays, Apple never disappoints. While it may not boast as significant an upgrade as Samsung, it stays true to its legacy of delivering amazing displays, just as we've seen in previous generations. The only downside? You’re not getting an Apple Pencil in the box. That's a doodle downer.Performance: Can you keep up?If you're in the market for some of the fastest tablets around (maybe even a bit too fast for your own good) then you've landed in the right spot. Both the Galaxy Tab S9 and the iPad Pro 11" are absolute speed demons, capable of blitzing through any task you throw their way, no matter how demanding. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 custom-made for Galaxy and the Apple M2 chip, it's no wonder these devices are powerhouses.But, since we're here to compare, we've got to hand the title of the fastest tablet in this showdown to the iPad Pro 11”. Benchmark after benchmark shows that the custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 doesn't quite stack up to the M2, although it does come close. Plus, the iPad Pro offers more RAM and storage options, starting from 8GB paired with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage, all the way up to 16GB RAM paired with a whopping 1TB or 2TB of storage.However, if expandable storage is what you're after, Samsung gives you that freedom with up to 1TB via MicroSD. The Galaxy Tab S9 is available with 8GB or 12GB RAM and 256GB onboard storage. So yes, it’s not as varied as the iPad, but major brownie points for the MicroSD slot.Cameras: Always ready for the funNobody really uses the cameras on their tablets for anything other than work stuff. Unlike the latest smartphones and DSLR cameras, tablets aren't designed to capture world-class images that will leave you questioning if you should leave your day job to become a full-time photographer. Instead, they're used for work calls, video meetings, and other fun activities like scanning documents and annotating images.With this in mind, the Apple iPad Pro 11" and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 don’t disappoint. The iPad Pro will have you looking dashing during FaceTime calls thanks to its 12MP front camera. Plus, it sports a dual-camera setup on the back, featuring a 12MP main camera and a 10MP ultrawide lens. Video recording is no slouch either. You can enjoy crisp 4K recording at 60fps, and with the new chipset, the iPad Pro now supports even higher-quality ProRes videos.The Galaxy Tab S9 packs one less rear camera than the iPad Pro. It boasts a 12MP selfie lens on the front and a 13MP camera on the back. You can shoot video in up to 4K resolution at 30fps. Overall, the iPad Pro edges ahead with better camera hardware, but it’s no biggie considering both tablets are geared toward basic tasks.Battery: Blitz that never quitsThe iPad Pro 11” and Galaxy Tab S9 pack some serious battery brawn and support pretty snappy charging. Inside the Galaxy Tab S9, you've got a huge 8400mAh battery that juices up in a flash with its 45W wired charging. The iPad's got a slightly smaller 7538mAh battery but still charges up decently with its 28.65W wired charge.Both tablets rock energy-efficient displays, so if you're just cruising for about 1-2 hours a day, they'll keep going for about a week before you need to charge up again. And when it comes to binge-watching new series, you can expect around 10 hours of streaming—though if you download that content ahead of time, you'll be stretching that battery life even further.Samsung's definitely flexing with slightly superior battery hardware. But here's the twist: The iPad throws in a power adapter right out of the box, while Samsung's making you dig into your pockets for that extra accessory. You could say, they’re charging us for charging.Verdict: Tablet takedown with a knock-out punchIn this tablet takedown, picking a clear winner is a tough call. Both devices have killer displays, yet Samsung sweetens the deal by bundling the S Pen Stylus at no extra cost. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 shines in the battery department with its larger capacity and faster charging but Apple's iPad Pro 11" wins points for including a power adapter right out of the box. And the deciding factor? The iPad Pro 11" packs a knock-out punch with its beastly M2 chipset, delivering slightly superior performance and more advanced camera capabilities.Ultimately, the best choice depends on what you consider right for your needs—that could mean choosing between doodling without dropping extra dough and charging without being charged. Decision, decisions!

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Our First Impressions Of The Apple Vision Pro

If you have $3500 lying around, would you splurge on Apple's first mixed-reality headset?The Apple Vision Pro comes with an exorbitant price tag of around R65 000, placing it well beyond the budgets of most South Africans. But let's indulge in a little hypothetical dreaming. Imagine getting your hands on this device - what could you expect?Let’s help you answer that with our hands-on impressions of the Apple Vision Pro.All you need to know about the Apple Vision ProApple describes the headset as a spatial computer, meaning it brings together virtual and physical worlds, all while understanding the depth of your surroundings. It introduces an immersive way of interacting with content through virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).VR immerses you in entirely digital environments, whether they're animated or digital scenes, while AR enhances the real world with digital elements like visuals, sounds, and more. It’s this combo of AR and VR tech that makes the Apple Vision Pro a mixed-reality headset.Get ready to bug out Before getting hands-on with the Apple Vision Pro, you need to get comfortable wearing the headgear even if it makes you look a bit like a bug. Made from premium materials like aluminium, magnesium, carbon fibre, and woven fabric, it's evident that Apple spared no expense in its construction.To get started, simply pull the device over your head, turn a dial to tighten the headband, and set up eye-tracking and hand-tracking features. Interaction with the system involves your gaze and gestures, like wrist flicks and finger pinches and taps. The entire setup is straightforward, and intuitive, and takes just a few minutes to complete.Now you’re ready for the Apple Vision Pro. You don’t need much practice to navigate menus and select apps, but there is a slight learning curve involved since digital content is blended into your physical space and floating in front of your eyes. But once you get over a few clumsy interactions and gain control of your overly enthusiastic fingers, it’s time to immerse yourself in the magic of VR and AR.Enjoy movies like a supporting characterGreg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, wasn't kidding when he called the Apple Vision Pro "the ultimate entertainment device." It's like having front-row seats to every show, game, and adventure imaginable, all from the comfort of wherever you happen to be.A great way to showcase its entertainment chops is through the movie experience. With the Apple Pro Vision strapped around your head, you’re in for an adventure that places you right in the middle of the action. It projects a screen equivalent to a staggering 100 feet, offering a theatre-like environment minus the kicking on the back of your chair and popcorn in your hair.With mesmerising graphics, impeccable detail, and spatial surround-sound audio, it’s not hard to imagine that this is the future of entertainment. The headset is compatible with most streaming apps, including Apple TV, Paramount Plus, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Max. It even supports 3D movies, boasting a library of around 150 titles available right now. This is a 3D experience free of those flimsy glasses we've all come to despise.The Apple Vision Pro opens up a level of immersion like never before thanks to its personalised adjustments for your face and eyes. Characters take on an unparalleled depth, every little detail rendered in stunning clarity, as if you're standing right beside them as the supporting character who constantly judges the bad decisions and plot holes in the story. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, the whole experience is enhanced by a new feature called Environments.Escape to the moon The Environments feature allows you to step into another world entirely while you watch movies, listen to music, play games, stream audiobooks and podcasts, or go about your daily work tasks. It’s a world filled with breath-taking landscapes and captivating soundscapes.Just imagine getting lost in your favourite songs while sitting on the moon covered in stars or responding to your emails while atop the massive Hawaiian volcano Haleakalā. The magic of Environments is that they're living, breathing spaces that feel real. They’re not basic static images. There are many more environments to choose from, including the lakeside, desert, mountain, and a whole light collection that’s perfect for cosplaying a fairy in an enchanted garden, because why not?The Cinema Environment is activated when you hit the play button for a movie. The lights around you go dim while the large screen in front of you takes centre stage. Streaming on Apple TV takes this to the next level by transforming your space into a personal theatre, complete with the freedom to choose your favourite seat on the balcony, floor, or various rows. You can even sit in the Avengers Tower while streaming movies on Disney. Seriously, how cool?An endless display for endless work Let's shift the focus to work because, let's face it, you're going to need to work extra hard to pay off this technological masterpiece. But don't stress, the Apple Vision Pro will make you so much more productive and organised that it’ll all be worth it in the end.It seamlessly connects to your Mac via the Mac Virtual Display, enabling you to view a 4K virtual display of your desktop or laptop within the device. You can open multiple windows anywhere around you, even in different rooms, making an endless desktop now a reality. You can even add multiple visionOS and Mac apps to your workspace, like Messages, Music, and Siri.Think of your workspace as floating displays and apps that you can freely move around, make larger or smaller, and move closer or further away. They are crystal clear and flow amazingly.It’s beauty, it’s grace, it’s only available in the United States (for now)The Apple Vision Pro is nothing short of spectacular. Its power lies in the apps specifically designed for the headset that redefine immersive technology, most offering interactive 3D experiences that transport you to new realms of reality and fantasy. Right now, there are more than 600 new apps built for the device. Can you imagine all the experiences just waiting to be explored? Unfortunately, this new reality is only available to those who can afford it, and that deserves a moment of silence.If you do have enough dough to drop on the Apple Vision Pro, you have to wait a little longer because it's only available in the United States with the possibility of a global release later this year.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Rumours

Whether you call them flip phones, flippable foldables, or clamshells, one thing is for sure: this form factor has made a huge comeback since the early 2000s.There's no denying Samsung's pivotal role in bringing this type of phone back into the mainstream with the launch of the Galaxy Z Flip series in 2020. Now, four years later, the tech giant is gearing up to release the highly anticipated Galaxy Z Flip 6. It follows in the footsteps of the iconic Galaxy Z Flip 5, which took notes and improved in all the right places – from a bigger cover display and better cameras to a sleeker, gap-free design.Get ready to mark your calendars for July or August because that's when the new Samsung flip phone is expected to make its debut. But if you're impatient like us and can't wait until then, we've got you covered with all the juiciest rumours surrounding the Galaxy Z Flip 6. If the Galaxy Z Flip 5 was a game changer, you’re in for an exciting ride because the new generation looks set to take things to a whole new level!Flexing Muscle A recent patent filing by Samsung Display to trademark the term 'IronFlex' with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) has sparked intense speculation. Word is this development will mean a stronger folding screen than previous generations thanks to IronFlex. But with Samsung staying tight-lipped, IronFlex might surprise us all by rocking up as something entirely unexpected.And there's more to the story – both the outer and inner screens of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 are said to become more durable. It’s rumoured that these screens will be built from the toughest Gorilla Glass yet, the Corning Gorilla Armor, just like the Galaxy S24 series. If these speculations prove true, Samsung will be poised to outmuscle the competition!With stronger screens taking centre stage, we can't help but wonder if the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 will be dust-resistant. While the tech giant has hinted at introducing dust resistance in its Z Flip line-up, the big question remains: which generation will kick things off? Hopefully, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 will be the first generation to say no to the dust bunnies.Breaking BarriersWhen the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 hit the scene last year, it shook things up with its revamped cover display. Suddenly, that once-tiny 1.9-inch strip ballooned into an impressive 3.4-inch, giving users a playground of widgets and app functionalities without needing to pop open the device. And just like that, this upgrade obliterated one of the biggest obstacles with this form factor – always needing to flip open the device, even for the smallest tasks, like answering calls or previewing messages before deciding to ignore them.Now, with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 drawing closer, rumour has it that the range is not done breaking barriers. We could see an even larger cover screen at 3.9 inches, making it significantly better than competitors like the 3.6-inch Razr+ and unlocking even better app experiences. Talk about levelling up. Here’s to flip phones that you don’t need to flip open that often – unless you really, really want to.Compact Clamshell With Clever CamerasFlip phones may be smaller by design, but don't let that fool you. While you won't find a 200MP main camera crammed into these devices, they excel in capturing odd angles that bar-shaped phones can only dream of.The compact Galaxy Z Flip 6 doesn't leave much wiggle room for major camera upgrades. Expect the usual suspects: a 10MP front camera and a 12MP ultrawide lens. However, there's a rumour suggesting that the main camera might see a massive bump up to 50MP from the standard 12MP. This would mean higher-quality pictures without needing to redesign the entire phone.The good news is that the Galaxy Z Flip 6 isn't just relying on hardware. It's packing some serious brain power with Galaxy AI, promising cool software tricks to elevate your photos even further.Flippin’ Awesome PerformanceNow, for some rumours that are almost certain to come true. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 will more than likely be powered by the same top-tier chipset inside the Samsung Galaxy S24 range – the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. In some regions, we may even see it powered by the Exynos 2400 chip.RAM could jump to 12GB. If not, we can still expect a solid 8GB, with storage options of 256GB and 512GB. Although, wouldn't it be awesome if a 1TB version was added to the mix?Too Thicc To Quit It seems like the Galaxy Z Flip 6 might be getting a bit thicc. Recent high-res renders show that the device has a little more junk in the trunk, sparking speculation that it's making space for a larger 4000mAh battery. This means we can anticipate improved battery life and fewer worries about running out of power during the day.Make Room For The Money-Saver The juiciest rumour so far, is that Samsung may be releasing a new, more affordable option - the Galaxy Z Flip 6 FE (Fan Edition). Given that these devices are usually priced above R20 000, it would be fantastic to see a budget-friendly option added to the line-up.Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: We can’t wait for sassy snapping There's some serious sleuthing happening to uncover the secrets of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, and the early chatter looks promising! If these rumours turn out to be reality, you might have found your next clamshell chommie. We’re hoping to see a bigger cover screen, even stronger screens all-round and high-end hardware to elevate the whole experience. Plus, a stronger phone means a sassier snap after ending an annoying phone call. What more could we ask for?

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