In order to improve security and keep your chats private, WhatsApp is reportedly working on screen lock on desktop beta. This was spotted by reliable tech blogger WABetaInfo.
According to the tracker, the upcoming update will let you set a password to protect your account on desktop beta.
Recall that WhatsApp added a similar feature to the mobile version of its app some three years ago. The upcoming update will of course, improve the security of WhatsApp on desktop by adding additional layer of protection to it.
The feature is set for a future release, but will encourage users to now that the app is doing more to protect their privacy.
According to the above screenshot, a password will be required every time you open the app. This will become a useful feature when you share your PC with other people.
The feature is optional, and you will have the option to either turn it on or off; and of course, the password will not be share with WhatsApp; which means it is always saved locally. In case you lose your password, you may need to log out of the app and log into WhatsApp Desktop again by linking your device with a QR code.
A couple of days ago, WhatsApp launched a new business search functionality for users. The update was announced during WhatsApp’s first-ever Business Summit in Brazil by Mark Zuckerberg. Users of the app will be able to search for businesses by category or name directly in the WhatsApp UI.
A new search element dedicated solely for that purpose has been added. This is accessible via the search function in the app. The search function will include a mini-map, which will enable you to check out nearby businesses, along with category filters and verified business accounts. This will make it easier to access your various in-app shopping options.
For businesses, this could be a big boost, and will make their products and services accessible to millions of people via the platform.
Expansion of WhatsApp Payments.
In addition to the business search functionality, WhatsApp also announced that its payment service will be expanded to other regions. Payment is currently only available in India, but WhatsApp will now start testing the feature in Brazil.
WhatsApp Pay went live on India’s United Payments Interface [UPI] in 2020. WhatsApp was also told by the NPCI that expansion of payments to users can only be in “graded manner.”
