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WhatsApp Launches Channels: Discover, Follow, and Stay Informed
In an exciting development, WhatsApp has announced the launch of Channels, a new feature that offers users a simple, reliable, and private way to receive important updates from individuals and organizations. This feature aims to provide a separate space within WhatsApp for users to access updates, apart from their regular chats with family, friends, and communities.
What is WhatsApp Channels?
Channels serve as a unidirectional broadcasting feature, enabling administrators to seamlessly share a multitude of content types, including text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls, with their audience. To assist users in discovering relevant channels, WhatsApp is creating a searchable directory where they can find channels based on their interests, hobbies, sports teams, and local updates. Users will also have the flexibility to access channels through invite links shared in chats, email, or posted online.
Privacy lies at the core of WhatsApp’s design philosophy for Channels. The platform ensures the protection of personal information for both administrators and followers. As a channel admin, your phone number and profile photo will remain hidden from followers. Similarly, when you follow a channel, your phone number will remain undisclosed to both the channel administrator and other followers. WhatsApp emphasizes that the decision of whom to follow remains entirely private and up to the individual user.
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Use of Particular Channel
In line with their approach to messaging, WhatsApp believes that Channel updates should not have to be retained indefinitely. As a result, channel history will only be stored on servers for up to 30 days. Furthermore, WhatsApp intends to introduce features that allow updates to disappear even faster from followers’ devices. Additionally, admins will have the ability to block screenshots and forwards from their channels, further enhancing privacy controls.
WhatsApp recognizes the importance of giving admins control over their channels. Admins will be able to decide who can follow their channel and choose whether they want their channel to be discoverable in the directory or not. While Channels are not end-to-end encrypted by default, WhatsApp acknowledges that there may be specific cases, such as non-profit or health organizations, where limited-audience end-to-end encrypted channels could be useful. The company is exploring this as a potential future option.
Rolling out in Stages
The launch of Channels will commence with a collaboration with leading global voices and select organizations in Colombia and Singapore, where the feature will initially be available. WhatsApp plans to gather insights, learn from the experience, and make necessary adaptations before expanding Channels to more countries. The company also envisions supporting admins in building businesses around their channels by leveraging WhatsApp’s expanding payment services. Additionally, WhatsApp intends to provide the ability to promote certain channels in the directory to enhance visibility and awareness.
WhatsApp emphasizes that despite the introduction of Channels, the primary focus of the platform will always remain private messaging among friends, family, and communities. Channels mark a significant step forward in response to years of user demand. WhatsApp deems it an opportune moment to introduce a broadcast tool that is not only simple, reliable, and private but also anticipates users’ enjoyment and continued utilization in the months and years ahead.
OxygenOS 17 Features Overview
OxygenOS 17 features are finally starting to surface, bringing a mix of powerful customization tools and some disappointing changes for users in India. This upcoming update from OnePlus focuses heavily on UI personalization, smoother performance, and a refined user experience.
Major OxygenOS 17 Features Coming Soon
One of the biggest OxygenOS 17 features is a new deep customization suite, similar to Samsung Good Lock.
Key OxygenOS 17 features include:
- Advanced lock screen customization
- Always-On Display personalization
- Custom icon packs and themes
- Status bar and control center tweaks
- Improved animations and gesture control
These OxygenOS 17 features aim to give users more control than ever before. OPPO is also expected to enhance this ecosystem further.
OxygenOS 17 Features Bring a Major Drawback
Despite the exciting upgrades, OxygenOS 17 features come with one major downside. OnePlus is reportedly limiting beta testing to China.
This means:
- No early access to OxygenOS 17 features in India
- No open or closed beta builds globally
- Slower feedback cycle for improvements
For enthusiasts, this reduces the chance to experience OxygenOS 17 features before the stable rollout.
OxygenOS 16.1 Before OxygenOS 17 Features Rollout
Before OxygenOS 17 features arrive, users will get OxygenOS 16.1 with improvements like:
- Redesigned camera interface
- Layered notification system
- New lock screen UI with interactive controls
- Smoother animations
- Enhanced tablet multitasking
These updates prepare devices for upcoming OxygenOS 17 features.
Final Thoughts on OxygenOS 17 Features
Overall, OxygenOS 17 features focus on customization and smoother UI performance. While the lack of beta testing in India is disappointing, the final stable update could still deliver a polished experience for most users.
Also Read: Apple 200MP pApple 200MP Periscope Camera Leak Signals Massive iPhone Upgrade
Apple 200MP periscope camera development is reportedly underway, suggesting a major shift in how future iPhones will handle zoom photography. A recent leak indicates that Apple is testing a high-resolution 200-megapixel periscope telephoto sensor, which could significantly improve long-range image quality and detail.
Apple 200MP Periscope Camera Could Redefine iPhone Zoom
The Apple 200MP periscope camera is expected to be a major leap from the current 48MP sensors used in iPhones. Periscope lenses use a folded optical design that allows higher optical zoom without increasing the thickness of the device.
With a 200MP sensor, users could see sharper zoomed images, better cropping flexibility, and improved low-light performance. Apple is likely to combine this hardware with its strong computational photography to maintain consistent color accuracy and detail.
How Apple Plans to Compete with Android Flagships
Android smartphone brands have already introduced 200MP sensors in recent flagship models. However, Apple typically focuses on real-world performance rather than just specifications.
If Apple moves forward with this upgrade, it would not only match competitors in megapixel count but also potentially outperform them in processing and optimization. The Apple 200MP periscope camera could bring a balanced combination of hardware and software.
Expected Launch Timeline
The leak suggests that this technology is still in testing and may not arrive before 2027. Apple usually takes extra time to refine new hardware, so the final product could differ from early reports.
Still, this development highlights Apple’s long-term vision for iPhone cameras and its intent to push boundaries in mobile photography.
Source: weibo
Also Read: OxygenOS 17 Eligible Devices List Revealed: Check If Your OnePlus Gets the Big Android 17 Update
OxygenOS 17
OxygenOS 17 Eligible Devices List Revealed: Check If Your OnePlus Gets the Big Android 17 Update
OxygenOS 17 eligible devices list has surfaced online, revealing which OnePlus smartphones are expected to receive the Android 17 update. This upcoming version of OxygenOS is likely to bring performance improvements, refined UI elements, and enhanced system stability.
OxygenOS 17 Eligible Devices List for OnePlus Phones
According to recent leaks, OnePlus is preparing to roll out OxygenOS 17 to multiple devices across its flagship and Nord lineup.
Flagship Models in OxygenOS 17 Eligible Devices List
- OnePlus 15 series
- OnePlus 13 series
- OnePlus 12 and 12R
- OnePlus 11
Nord Series in OxygenOS 17 Eligible Devices List
- OnePlus Nord 5
- OnePlus Nord CE 5
- OnePlus Nord 4
Tablets in OxygenOS 17 Eligible Devices List
- OnePlus Pad series
This shows OnePlus is continuing its software support strategy for newer devices.
OxygenOS 17 Features and Expected Improvements
OxygenOS 17 is expected to introduce smoother animations, better battery optimization, and improved privacy controls. The update will likely focus on delivering a cleaner and faster user experience.
Users may also see deeper AI integration and smarter background app management with Android 17.
OxygenOS 17 Update Rollout Timeline
The OxygenOS 17 update rollout is expected to begin in Q3 2026. Flagship devices will likely receive the update first, followed by Nord devices and tablets.
Final Thoughts on OxygenOS 17 Eligible Devices List
The OxygenOS 17 eligible devices list gives OnePlus users a clear idea of what to expect from the Android 17 rollout. If your device is listed, you can expect new features and performance upgrades in the coming months.
Source: Gizmochina
Also Read: Google Gemini Nano Banana: The Smartest AI Innovation for Faster, Private Performance