WhatsApp, the popular messaging app, is taking a significant step to combat the spread of misinformation by integrating Google Search directly into its platform. This new feature will allow users to verify the authenticity of WhatsApp web links and news articles.

How It Works

Users must long-press on a link or text within a WhatsApp chat to use this feature. This action triggers a Google Search query, opening a preview of the search results directly within the app. Users can then explore the search results to verify the information and identify potential misinformation.

The Benefits of This Integration

1. Enhanced Fact-Checking: WhatsApp empowers users to independently verify information by providing easy access to Google Search. This can help reduce the spread of false news and rumours.
2. Improved Digital Literacy: This feature can promote digital literacy by encouraging users to evaluate information and develop critical thinking skills critically.
3. Stronger Community: WhatsApp aims to create a more robust and trustworthy community by fostering a more informed and discerning user base.

Addressing the Challenge of Misinformation

Misinformation has been a persistent issue on social media platforms, including WhatsApp. While the platform has implemented various measures to curb the spread of false information, such as limiting message forwarding and introducing labels for forwarded messages, this new integration with Google Search takes the fight against misinformation to the next level.

By collaborating with Google, WhatsApp is leveraging the power of one of the world's most powerful search engines to provide users with a reliable tool to verify information.

The Future of Fact-Checking on WhatsApp

This integration is a significant step forward, but it's important to note that it could be a better solution. While it can help identify blatant misinformation, users must remain vigilant and critically evaluate the information they encounter, even after using the Google Search tool.

As technology evolves, WhatsApp and other social media platforms will likely explore more innovative ways to combat misinformation. By combining technological solutions with user education and community engagement, we can create a more informed and trustworthy digital landscape.

The next operating system (OS) from Google, aka Android 16, is now arriving sooner than expected. It is the successor to Android 15, which was released in September. Google has confirmed a timeline for the release of the new update, but is yet to reveal the exact date. A recent report indicates that Android 16 may arrive on devices earlier than previous updates, with a launch expected as soon as next summer.

Google also launched the Pixel 9 series smartphone this year with the older version of Android 14 out of the box. The company plans to address this timing gap by releasing the Android 16 update earlier to align with the next Pixel launches in 2025.

Android 16 Release Date in 2025: Google's Plans Revealed

The most significant shift with Android 16 will be its release date, as Google appears to be targeting Q2 2025 rather than the usual Q3 timeframe. This adjustment hints at a broader strategy by Google to roll out new products slightly ahead of its typical schedule.

Additionally, Google is planning a minor Android update in Q4 2025, which is expected to introduce support for upcoming hardware upgrades.

According to the report, Android 16 is set to be moved to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) on June 3. Android 16 is also expected to roll out as an over-the-air (OTA) update for Google Pixel devices on launch day, allowing Pixel users to be among the first to access the latest features.

Android 16: Features to Look Out for

According to the reports, Android 16 may allow third-party developers to utilize Rich Ongoing Notifications, the OS’s version of Dynamic Island. This feature enables developers to customize status bar chips with tailored text, background colours, and icons. However, for users to experience this, apps will need to integrate these capabilities first.

Additionally, Android 16 is rumoured to introduce a "bubble anything" feature, potentially allowing users to open any app in a floating window on smartphones and tablets, enhancing multitasking capabilities.

Realme has finally announced the launch of its new flagship smartphone, the GT 7 Pro, in China. This smartphone is powered by The Realme GT7 Pro is powered by Qualcomm's newest Snapdragon 8 Elite System-on-Chip (SoC) and packs a 6500mAh battery. The smartphone, which runs Android 15 and Realme UI 6.0, introduces additional artificial intelligence features such as image editing tools and game graphics upscaling.

The Realme GT7 Pro features a 6.78-inch Eco2 Sky OLED Plus display with a quad-curve design created by Samsung. This display is supposed to be more power efficient, with up to 6000 nits of peak brightness and a refresh rate of 120Hz. Qualcomm's ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is built beneath the display to enable faster biometric authentication, which means that you can unlock your phone in a split second!

AI in Focus: Realme GT7 Pro: AI Features

The GT7 Pro comes pre-installed with Realme UI 6.0, which is based on Android 15. It has advanced AI capabilities such as better imaging tools. "AI Motion Deblur" and "AI Telephoto Ultra Clarity" are notable features that improve image sharpness. There's also a "AI Sketch to Image" capability, which creates images from simple sketches. Realme presents "AI Game Super Resolution," a feature that uses artificial intelligence to upscale in-game visuals to 1.5K quality.

Specifications revealed: Realme GT7 Pro.

• Display: 6.78-inch Eco2 Sky OLED Plus with 6000 nits peak brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, 1264 x 2780 resolution, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
• RAM: up to 16 GB (LPDDR5X).
• Storage capacity: up to 1TB (UFS 4.0).
• The rear camera features a 50MP primary with OIS (Sony IMX906), a 50MP periscope telephoto with OIS (Sony IMX882, 3x zoom), and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. Camera: 16 MP.
• Battery: 6500 mAh.
• Charging: 120W wired.
• IP Rating: IP68, IP69.

Apple has announced its latest Mac Mini today, featuring the new M4 and M4 Pro chips. This powerful desktop computer is designed to deliver exceptional performance and efficiency, making it ideal for a wide range of users, from content creators to professionals.

Key Features of the New Mac Mini:

• M4 and M4 Pro Chips: The new Mac Mini is powered by Apple's custom-designed M4 and M4 Pro chips, offering significant performance and energy efficiency improvements over previous generations.
• Compact Design: The Mac Mini's compact and sleek design makes it perfect for any workspace, and its powerful internals handle demanding tasks with ease.
• Multiple Connectivity Options: The new Mac Mini offers various connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4 ports for high-speed data transfer and external display support.
• Enhanced Performance: The M4 and M4 Pro chips enable the new Mac Mini to deliver impressive performance for video editing, music production, and software development tasks.
• Silent Operation: The fanless design ensures quiet operation, making it ideal for home and office environments.
• Pricing and Availability:

The new Mac Mini with M4 and M4 Pro chips will be available in India at Rs 59,900. It will be available through Apple's official website, Apple Stores, and authorised resellers.

What to Expect:

With the new Mac Mini, Apple has again raised the bar for desktop computing. The M4 and M4 Pro chips offer impressive performance and energy efficiency, making these new models a compelling choice for consumers and professionals. The compact and sleek design, coupled with a wide range of connectivity options, further enhances the appeal of the new Mac Mini.

As the new Mac Mini becomes available in India, it's expected to be a popular choice for those seeking a powerful and versatile desktop computer. Whether you're a content creator, developer, or simply looking for a powerful machine for everyday tasks, the new Mac Mini has something to offer.