Online Tech Tips https://www.online-tech-tips.com Computer Tips from a Computer Guy Fri, 01 Nov 2024 05:15:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Search to Battle Google and Bing Search https://www.online-tech-tips.com/openai-launches-chatgpt-search-to-battle-google-and-bing-search/ Fri, 01 Nov 2024 09:30:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=103307 ChatGPT web search icon

OpenAI is incorporating web search functionality into ChatGPT to help users find better answers from relevant, trustworthy, and high-quality sources. The company calls it “SearchGPT” and notes that it’ll refine […]

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ChatGPT web search icon
Source: OpenAI

OpenAI is incorporating web search functionality into ChatGPT to help users find better answers from relevant, trustworthy, and high-quality sources. The company calls it “SearchGPT” and notes that it’ll refine how ChatGPT users engage information while helping content owners reach a wider audience.

With SearchGPT, the AI chatbot will search the web depending on the user’s query or question. Users can also manually perform a web search by selecting the new “web search icon” below the text box. Like Microsoft’s Copilot, ChatGPT will cite referenced web sources at the button of its responses.

Selecting the “Sources” button will open a citation sidebar showing exactly where the chatbot’s responses came from. The sidebar will include links to the web sources (blog posts, news articles, forums, etc.) and their publication dates.

ChatGPT search response page displaying web sources
Source: OpenAI

ChatGPT search uses content provided by its publishing partners, third-party search providers, and websites that allow OpenAI’s OAI-Searchbot crawlers. SearchGPT is available on desktop (via chatgpt.com) and the ChatGPT app for Android, iPhone, and iPad.

OpenAI intends to improve ChatGPT search, especially for shopping and travel. In addition to web search integration, ChatGPT will display visual (images and videos) results for weather, maps, news, sports, and stocks-related queries. According to OpenAI, these visual results will give users a richer understanding of responses to their queries.

SearchGPT first debuted as a temporary prototype about three months ago. The web search functionality is now live for ChatGPT Plus and Team users, as well as people who signed up for the SearchGPT waitlist. The feature will roll out to users on Enterprise and Education “in the next few weeks,” while Free plans will get access “over the coming months.”

OpenAI mentions that unregistered or logged-out users will also have access to ChatGPT’s new web search experience in the future. However, for now, only registered users (particularly paid subscribers) get priority access.

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WhatsApp Launches Cloud-Based Contact Managment Feature https://www.online-tech-tips.com/whatsapp-launches-cloud-based-contact-managment-feature/ Tue, 29 Oct 2024 09:30:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=102813 WhatsApp application on an Android phone overlayed by a WhatsApp logo

WhatsApp is introducing a new way for users to save and manage contacts on their devices. The instant messaging platform now lets users create a cloud-based contact list different from […]

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WhatsApp application on an Android phone overlayed by a WhatsApp logo

WhatsApp is introducing a new way for users to save and manage contacts on their devices. The instant messaging platform now lets users create a cloud-based contact list different from their device’s phonebook.

Adding a contact on WhatsApp requires scanning the person’s QR code or saving their phone number to your device. The new feature allows you to add WhatsApp contacts without saving their phone number to your device.

Users can toggle the new “Sync contact to phone” option on the contact creation/addition screen to save contacts exclusively to WhatsApp or locally on their devices.

Promotional graphic for WhatsApp's in-app contact management feature
Source: WhatsApp Blog

Contacts saved to WhatsApp are securely encrypted and saved within the platform using WhatsApp’s new Identify Proof Linked Storage (IPLS) technology. In the event of device change or loss, WhatsApp automatically restores your contact list to your new device.  

Additionally, users can access and manage WhatsApp-exclusive contacts across linked devices like WhatsApp Web and desktop apps.

According to WhatsApp, separating personal and business contacts on the same device would be a good use case for a WhatsApp-exclusive contact list. For instance, you can save personal contacts on your phone while business contacts stay on WhatsApp.

WhatsApp says the new feature is a strategic piece of a larger puzzle. Saving contacts to WhatsApp feeds into the company’s long-term plan of letting users save and manage contacts by username—just like Telegram. With usernames, WhatsApp intends to increase privacy by eliminating the need to reveal or share phone numbers.

The new contact syncing option will be available to all WhatsApp users globally in the coming weeks. While you await the feature, ensure you have the latest WhatsApp version installed on your mobile device and computer. Likewise, update your web browser if you use WhatsApp Web.

Check out WhatsApp’s official announcement to learn more about the new approach to contact management.

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Samsung Releases Stable One UI 6 Watch Update https://www.online-tech-tips.com/samsung-releases-stable-one-ui-6-watch-update/ Mon, 28 Oct 2024 09:30:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=103282 Person wearing a Samsung Galaxy Watch whose screen displays a "Watch updated to One UI 6.0 Watch." message

After several months of development, Samsung is releasing the stable version of the Wear OS 5-based One UI 6 Watch. The update is already rolling out to One UI Watch […]

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Person wearing a Samsung Galaxy Watch whose screen displays a "Watch updated to One UI 6.0 Watch." message

After several months of development, Samsung is releasing the stable version of the Wear OS 5-based One UI 6 Watch. The update is already rolling out to One UI Watch Beta program participants, while users who weren’t Beta testers will receive it in the coming weeks.

According to the release note (shared by some Reddit users), Samsung will no longer release any Beta version of the One UI 6 Watch. Samsung also urges Beta participants to install the stable version as it’s terminating support for Beta builds. The One UI 6 Watch is 136.33 MB and includes the October 1 security patch.

Samsung Galaxy One UI 6 Watch update information
Source: Reddit

One UI 6 Watch brings new Samsung Health functionalities, Galaxy AI-powered sleep analysis, improved navigation/gesture controls, more power-saving options, upgraded system font, and other exciting features to compatible Galaxy Watches.

Samsung’s newest flagship watches—the Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch Ultra—launched with One UI 6 Watch out-of-the-box. Devices eligible for this update include the Galaxy Watch 6, Watch 6 Classic, Watch 5, Watch 5 Pro, Watch 4, Watch 4 Classic, and Watch FE.

One UI 6 Watch Beta program was exclusive to the United States and Korea. Hence, we expect the update to be available in these markets in the first weeks before rolling out to other regions. You should get a notification to install One UI 6 Watch when it becomes available for your device or region. Alternatively, check for the update manually—see Samsung’s tutorial on updating Galaxy Watches.

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Chrome for Android Gets “Listen to this page” Mode (with Background Playback) https://www.online-tech-tips.com/chrome-for-android-gets-listen-to-this-page-mode-with-background-playback/ Tue, 22 Oct 2024 09:30:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=102578 Android phone with the Google Chrome logo on-screen

Months ago, Google introduced “Listen to this page” mode in Chrome (for Android) as an experimental flag. The accessibility feature reads texts from websites in over 25 languages, allowing users […]

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Android phone with the Google Chrome logo on-screen

Months ago, Google introduced “Listen to this page” mode in Chrome (for Android) as an experimental flag. The accessibility feature reads texts from websites in over 25 languages, allowing users to customize playback speed and voice. “Listen to this page” is now rolling out globally with even newer functionalities.

Minimizing the browser to use other apps paused the text-to-speech audio playback. Google’s latest update to the browser adds background playback to the feature, which fixes this shortcoming.

“Listen to this page” will continue audio playback on your device when you minimize Chrome or switch to another app. When minimized, Chrome displays a media player in your device’s notification panel.

Google Chrome's "Listen to this page" notification panel media player

The media player displays the page headline, website name, and basic controls to fast-forward, rewind, and pause/resume playback. The in-app mini-player has a progress indicator and more controls for adjusting speed, voice, and language.

Tap the More icon in the top-right corner and select Listen to this page to use the text-to-speech feature.

Steps to turn on "Listen to this page" mode in Google Chrome for Android

When you turn on the “Listen to this page,” the mini-player appears at the bottom of the webpage. Interestingly, the mini-player stays docked to the bottom of the browser even when you switch to other tabs.

The feature has ten voice options and eight playback speeds (0.5x – 4x). You can also configure “Listen to this page” to highlight text and auto-scroll the webpage as it reads the content.

Coogle Chrome listen to this page mode playback options

“Listen to this page” is available in the latest Google Chrome version in the Google Play Store. However, Google says the text-to-speed functionality doesn’t yet work on all websites. So, you may not find “Listen to this page” in Chrome’s menu for some websites.

If the feature doesn’t work for all websites, update Chrome (and your device) to the latest version and check again. Check out this Google Help Center page to learn more about “Listen to this page mode” in Chrome.

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YouTube Announces Over Two Dozen Features in New Update https://www.online-tech-tips.com/youtube-announces-over-two-dozen-features-in-new-update/ Fri, 18 Oct 2024 09:30:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=102571 person holding smartphone displaying the YouTube logo

Every year, YouTube releases a major update introducing new features to the video-sharing platform. According to YouTube, this year’s update comes with over two dozen features and improvements directly informed […]

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person holding smartphone displaying the YouTube logo

Every year, YouTube releases a major update introducing new features to the video-sharing platform. According to YouTube, this year’s update comes with over two dozen features and improvements directly informed by users’ feedback. These features include visual improvements and functional enhancements to the YouTube app for mobile, web, and TV.

First on the list is Sleep Timer. Previously restricted to Premium members, Sleep Timer is now available for all YouTube users. Anyone can now set YouTube to automatically pause videos on their mobile device after a specified duration. The preset Sleep Timer options are 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, and 1 hour. There’s also an “End of video” option that runs the timer for the full length of the video.

Sleep Timer options on YouTube mobile
Source: YouTube Blog

Another exciting improvement to the YouTube mobile app is the revamped mini-player. What used to be fixed to a horizontal bar at the bottom of the app is now a resizable and movable floating window. The new mini-player has more playback controls, and users can resize it using tap or pinch gestures.

Collaborative playlisting is another fresh introduction. The feature allows users to jointly create, share, and manage a YouTube playlist. Playlist collaboration is available in the mobile app but roll out to TVs at a later date.

The YouTube app for TV is also getting “pops of pink” to make content more dynamic and cinematic. Additionally, the new update will make channel pages more immersive in the YouTube app for TV. A creator’s page will now automatically play teaser videos in the background when users visit or explore their channel.

Thumbnail customization (for playlists) is another highlight feature in the update. Users now have access to tools for creating custom YouTube playlist thumbnails. These tools allow users to edit existing pictures/images (using texts, stickers, and filters) or create new thumbnails from scratch using generative AI.

Other features in this update include fine-tunable playback speeds and milestone badges (for YouTube and YouTube Music). Although the update is rolling out starting today, some features won’t be available until later in the year. Check out YouTube’s official announcement to learn more about all new features coming to YouTube.

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“Document Tabs” in Google Docs Will Help You Better Organize Information https://www.online-tech-tips.com/document-tabs-in-google-docs-will-help-you-better-organize-information/ Thu, 17 Oct 2024 09:30:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=102567 Three overlapping Google Docs logo on a blue background

“Documents tab” is now live in Google Docs, months after Google’s April announcement. The feature allows users to organize lengthy documents, making navigation and collaboration much easier.  Located on the […]

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Three overlapping Google Docs logo on a blue background

“Documents tab” is now live in Google Docs, months after Google’s April announcement. The feature allows users to organize lengthy documents, making navigation and collaboration much easier. 

Located on the left panel of the web editor, the tabs panel opens automatically for new documents and documents with two or more tabs. For existing documents, you can access the tab panel by selecting the “Tabs & outline” icon in the top-left corner. 

You can create up to three “subtabs” within a tab and share links to specific tabs within a document. Tabs and subtabs can also be deleted, duplicated, renamed, and assigned an emoji icon. Additionally, Google lets users move subtabs by dragging them from one (parent) tab to another.

Illustration showing Google Docs document tab
Source: Google

Documents tabs are available in the Google Docs mobile app and web editor. While you can view and navigate between tabs on mobile, only the Google Docs web editor supports tab creation.

The document tabs feature is a long-overdue addition to Google Docs. It’s like having multiple worksheets in a Google Sheets document. We anticipate further advancements to the feature, like the ability to hide, lock, or password-protect tabs.

Anyone with a personal Google account can use tabs in Google Docs. The feature is also available to all Google Workspace customers and individual subscribers. However, Google says document tabs might take up to 15 days to roll out to some users. Refer to the Google Docs Editor resource for step-by-step instructions on using document tabs.

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Why Is My Phone Not Allowing Me to Make Calls Android? https://www.online-tech-tips.com/why-is-my-phone-not-allowing-me-to-make-calls-android/ Mon, 07 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=102564

There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to make a call on your Android device and having it fail. There are many reasons why your phone might not allow you to […]

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An Android phone unlocked.

There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to make a call on your Android device and having it fail. There are many reasons why your phone might not allow you to make calls on Android—some are out of your hands. For the most part, however, you can usually troubleshoot and fix calling problems on your device yourself.

In this article, you’ll find practical solutions and tips to resolve call issues on your Android device. I’ll cover a range of troubleshooting steps, from checking for software updates to resetting network settings to help you regain full use of your phone.

Why Is My Phone Not Allowing Me to Make Android Calls?

There are many reasons why your Android phone might not allow you to make or receive calls. For the most part, however, they’ll boil down to these core issues:

  • Network issues: A good start is to check for network outages or issues with your mobile service provider. Sometimes, network congestion or maintenance can affect your ability to make calls, especially if it’s localized to your particular area.
  • SIM card problems: If you’ve put your phone through some damage (or even just a quick rain shower), your SIM card might be in trouble. Water, fluff, or just a misaligned SIM card after removing and reinserting it could stop you from making calls.
  • Software issues: Android is a pretty stable system, but that doesn’t mean the apps you’re running on your phone are stable. A bad third-party app could block your calls, as could out-of-date device firmware or incorrect carrier settings.
  • Signal strength: You may need to move to make a call in many cases. Weak signal strength or network coverage can affect your call quality or stop you from making calls. Wi-Fi calling might be a fix if your carrier supports it, but you’ll need to make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi for this to work.

Tips To Resolve Issues With Phone Calls On Your Phone

The Android ecosystem doesn’t use a standard interface, but the steps you can try to resolve calling issues on your Android phone are roughly the same, no matter the device you’re using. You can follow these steps to resolve the calling issues you’re having.

Restart Your Phone

Can’t make phone calls? Before you try anything else, switch your Android phone off and on again. A restart is a good way to fix any temporary glitches your phone might have, especially if it’s been running without a restart for a long time.

Don’t underestimate this old IT trick. A restart will clear out your device’s active memory and will force your device to reconnect to your mobile network.

Disable Airplane Mode

If you’ve accidentally switched airplane mode on for your Android device, you won’t be able to make a call. You’ll be able to tell if this is the case because you’ll see a plane symbol appear in the upper right corner of your Android display.

On Android, swipe down from the top and tap the airplane mode icon in the quick settings options to disable airplane mode.

This is a quick and easy fix to resolve if this happens. Swipe down the top of your screen to access your device’s quick settings panel, look for the airplane mode icon, and then tap it to switch it off. You can also find it in your phone’s settings menu.

Check Your Network Settings

Bad carrier settings will prevent you from connecting to your network provider and might cause a drop in calls. Using the wrong network type (such as 3G in a 4G-enabled area) can also prevent you from using your phone properly.

You can check if you’re using the correct settings via your device’s network settings menu. Follow these steps to check this for yourself. These steps have been written with a Samsung Galaxy in mind but should be similar to those on other Android devices.

  1. Go to Settings on your device.
  2. Tap Connections or Network & Internet. If you don’t see either, look for options related to your mobile network.
In the Settings menu, tap Connections.
  1. Select Mobile networks.
In the Connections menu, tap mobile networks.
  1. Confirm that your preferred network type (4G or 5G) is enabled in the Network mode menu.
  2. Ensure that the correct mobile network and any network settings are correct and selected in the Network operators and Access Point Names menus.
Change the settings, as required, in the network mode, Access Point Names, and Network operators menus.
  1. Wait for any changes to activate. If they don’t, restart your phone to force the changes.

Check for Device Updates

Your Android phone should receive regular updates to help fix bugs and improve functionality and security. If you’ve not checked for or installed any Android updates recently, it’s a good idea to do this next.

  1. To start, open the Settings app.
  2. Look for the relevant Software Update menu. This might have its own option or be located in a sub-menu such as General.
Tips To Resolve Issues With Phone Calls On Your Phone image
  1. Tap the Download and install option to install any available updates on your device.
Tap Download and install to begin downloading a new Android system update.

Remove, Clean, and Reinsert Your SIM Card

Unless you’re using an e-SIM, you must ensure that your physical SIM card is in full working order. A dirty or poorly installed SIM card will prevent you from making calls. To resolve these issues, switch your phone off, remove your SIM card, give it a quick clean, and then reinsert it.

An example phone with the SIM card removed and showing the SIM card removal tool.

You’ll need to check for specific instructions on how to remove your device’s SIM card, but you’ll usually need a SIM ejector tool to eject the SIM card first. If you do this, clean the SIM card with a dry cloth and rubbing alcohol (if you have some handy), then reinsert it into the device.

Remove Any Third-Party Party Apps Impacting Calls

Finding third-party apps that might impact your ability to call out on your Android device is rare but not impossible. If you’re using apps that impact your mobile network usage, such as forcing you to use a specific network type, these apps might block your calls.

The same applies to parental control apps on your device and third-party call apps. You’ll need to look through your apps list and determine if there are any apps that are likely culprits. If you spot any, you can remove them using these steps.

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap the Apps or Applications menu.
Tips To Resolve Issues With Phone Calls On Your Phone image 2
  1. Locate the app that might be blocking your calls.
  2. Tap Force Stop to stop it from working temporarily. You can use this to see if it restores your call functionality.
  3. If it does, tap Uninstall or Remove to remove it from your device, then follow any additional on-screen instructions to complete the process.
In the app settings menu, tap Force Stop or Uninstall to stop or remove the app from your device.

Perform a Factory Reset

If all else fails, it might be worth performing a factory reset. A factory reset will restore your device to its default configuration, wiping away any apps or settings that might be secretly affecting your ability to call. It’ll also reset your device’s network settings.

This step should be a last resort because it will remove data from your phone (unless you choose a less invasive reset method).

To perform a factory reset, follow these steps:

  1. Back up any important data on your phone first.
  2. Open the Settings app.
  3. Look for the reset options in the General management or System menus.
In the Settings menu, tap General management.
  1. Tap Reset.
Tap the Reset settings option.
  1. Choose the Factory data reset option and follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the process.
Tap the Factory data reset option to begin the reset process.
  1. Your device will restart while your device resets. This may take some time to complete.
  2. Once the reset is complete, your device will restart, and you’ll need to set it up again. Try a call to see if the problems are resolved.

Managing Call Issues on Android

There isn’t always an obvious cause behind calling issues on an Android smartphone. If your phone isn’t allowing you to make calls on Android, you can follow the steps I’ve outlined above to help you fix the problem.

These fixes are a good start, but if you still have issues, you should contact your carrier or device manufacturer for further support. If your device is still under warranty, you can request a repair in case of hardware failure.

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Spotify Rolls Out “Offline Backup” to Premium Users https://www.online-tech-tips.com/spotify-rolls-out-offline-backup-to-premium-users/ Mon, 07 Oct 2024 09:30:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=102547 Screenshot showing Spotify's "Offline Backup" playlist

Spotify’s Offline Backup feature has been in the testing phase for months. The streaming service provider is now rolling out Offline Backup to Premium subscribers using the Spotify Android and […]

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Screenshot showing Spotify's "Offline Backup" playlist.
Image credit: Spotify

Spotify’s Offline Backup feature has been in the testing phase for months. The streaming service provider is now rolling out Offline Backup to Premium subscribers using the Spotify Android and iOS app. The feature will also be available on Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Spotify designed Offline Backup to keep the music playing, especially when users lose an internet connection. The feature automatically compiles your queued and recently streamed tracks into an “Offline Backup” playlist in the Spotify mobile app.

Offline Backup doesn’t use any extra data or storage space. That’s because tracks in the playlist already exist on users’ devices as cached data. Say your phone loses internet connectivity while hiking. There are songs in the Spotify “Downloaded” playlist, but you want to listen to something new and different. Offline Backup provides an offline listening alternative.

Unlike Offline Mode, which entails manually downloading songs for internet-free listening, Offline Backup automatically collates songs in your device’s cache and makes them available for offline listening.

Spotify Offline Backup infographic
Image credit: Spotify

To use Offline Backup, you must enable Offline Listening and have listened to more than five songs with an internet connection. An “Offline Backup” card will appear on the “Home” feed when your device is offline. You can add Offline Backup to your library, just like Daylist and other auto-generated playlists. Additionally, Spotify lets you sort the playlist and filter songs by mood, genre, artist, and other options.

Per Spotify, Offline Backup will roll out to Premium users globally this week. Update Spotify to the latest version on your Android and iOS device and wait until it’s available in your region.

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You Can Now Mention People in Your WhatsApp Status https://www.online-tech-tips.com/you-can-now-mention-people-in-your-whatsapp-status/ Sat, 05 Oct 2024 09:30:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=102543 Illustration of the WhatsApp Status "Private Mention" feature

WhatsApp status is now more intimate with “Status Likes” and “Private Mentions.” The latest WhatsApp update lets users like a contact’s status or mention people in a status they create. […]

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Illustration of the WhatsApp Status "Private Mention" feature

WhatsApp status is now more intimate with “Status Likes” and “Private Mentions.” The latest WhatsApp update lets users like a contact’s status or mention people in a status they create. The Meta-owned instant messaging platform Beta-tested these features for weeks before the global rollout. Status likes and mentions are live in the WhatsApp mobile and web applications. 

Users can like status by tapping the heart icon next to the reply box. When you like a status, a green heart icon—only visible to the creator—appears next to your name in the status viewer list. Like Instagram Stories, WhatsApp won’t have a counter for status likes. This means that creators won’t see the total number of viewers who liked their status. You’ll have to count your status likes manually to get that figure.

A WhatsApp Status views list showing a green heart icon next to a viewer

WhatsApp is also letting users mention up to five people on a status. When you’re mentioned in a status, WhatsApp privately notifies you (of the mention) in the “Chats” tab.

You can edit and share a status you’re mentioned in with your audience. However, WhatsApp hides the creator’s identity for privacy purposes. People viewing the reshared status (or other people mentioned in the same status) won’t know that you were mentioned.

Interestingly, WhatsApp says anyone can mention you in a status, even people not in your contacts. For instance, people you share a Group or Community with can mention you in a status. Blocking or reporting someone stops them from mentioning you. Alternatively, archive or mute your chat with the person to stop receiving notifications for status mentions.

Although status likes and private mentions are available to all users, WhatsApp is gradually rolling them out. If you don’t have these features, update WhatsApp on your device and check again.

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How to Remove Shorts From YouTube https://www.online-tech-tips.com/how-to-remove-shorts-from-youtube/ Wed, 02 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=102541

YouTube Shorts is a feature designed to compete with the rise of short-form video content. It lets you create and watch quick, engaging videos directly on the platform. While popular […]

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Featured image screenshot of YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts is a feature designed to compete with the rise of short-form video content. It lets you create and watch quick, engaging videos directly on the platform. While popular for its bite-sized entertainment, YouTube Shorts has also sparked mixed reactions, with some people finding the endless stream of short videos disruptive to their usual YouTube experience.

Are you among those who prefer a more traditional YouTube interface without Shorts? This article will guide you through the steps to disable or minimize their presence on your feed and tailor your viewing experience.

Why Some Users Prefer to Disable YouTube Shorts

While YouTube Shorts has quickly gained popularity for its quick and engaging format, only some people are on board with this feature. Others prefer to disable YouTube Shorts for several reasons, primarily because they prefer longer, more in-depth content.

People find that Shorts can be a distraction, unintentionally pulling them away from the longer videos they initially visited the platform to watch.

Also, the continuous stream of short, looping videos can overwhelm the interface, disrupting the cleaner, more organized experience that many prefer. Again, this makes it harder to discover long-form content.

Screenshot of a YouTube Short on desktop

Can You Use YouTube Shorts Outside the Mobile App?

YouTube Shorts was initially designed as a mobile-first feature, only accessible through the YouTube mobile app. This design allows users to easily create, watch, and interact with short-form videos directly from their smartphones. However, as the popularity of Shorts has grown, YouTube has expanded its availability to other platforms, including desktops and tablets.

Accessing YouTube Shorts on Desktop

While you can view YouTube Shorts on the desktop version of YouTube, the experience is not as seamless as on the mobile app.

Screenshot of YouTube Shorts menu

On a desktop, Shorts appear in a dedicated section. Still, the interface lacks some interactive features available on mobile, such as the ability to quickly swipe through videos or use the full suite of creation tools. Additionally, creating Shorts is still limited to the mobile app, meaning desktop users cannot upload or edit Shorts directly from their computers.

Limitations on Other Devices

You can view YouTube Shorts on tablets through the mobile app, but similar to the desktop experience, the creation tools and some interactive features are optimized for only smartphones. There is no dedicated Shorts app, so all Shorts interactions are tied to the main YouTube app.

So, to sum up, while YouTube Shorts is accessible outside the mobile app, the full experience of creating new Shorts and intuitive browsing is best on a smartphone. Desktop and other device users can watch Shorts, but they’ll encounter limitations in functionality and ease of use.

What Happens If I Hide YouTube Shorts?

Hiding or disabling YouTube Shorts can simplify your browsing experience, reduce distractions, and help you engage more deeply with the content you value most on the platform.

Screenshot of a list of YouTube Shorts on desktop

At the same time, disabling YouTube Shorts doesn’t negatively affect other YouTube functions. Your ability to search, watch, and interact with regular videos remains unchanged. However, it’s worth noting that while Shorts will no longer appear prominently in your feed, the underlying algorithm that suggests content based on your viewing habits will still operate. You will still encounter short-form videos in other areas of the platform, such as in search results or recommended videos, though they won’t be as pervasive.

For many, hiding YouTube Shorts can lead to a more focused and personalized viewing experience. Without the distraction of rapid-fire content, you may find it easier to immerse yourself in the longer videos you enjoy. Additionally, a streamlined feed can enhance your ability to discover new content that interests you, rather than being diverted by quick, less substantial videos.

How To Disable YouTube Shorts On Desktop?

While YouTube doesn’t offer a direct option to disable Shorts on the desktop, there are a few workarounds to minimize their presence.

Method 1: Use a Browser Extension

If you often use YouTube on your desktop, one of the easiest ways to remove YouTube Shorts is by installing special add-ons or browser extensions. Follow the steps below.

  1. Open your preferred web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).
  2. Search for a YouTube customization extension using keywords like “Block YouTube Shorts” in the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons. If you’re using Google Chrome, one extension we can recommend is Shorts Blocker for YouTube.
Screenshot of Shorts blocker Chrome extension
  1. Install the extension and follow the on-screen instructions to activate it.

The extension automatically hides short videos from your YouTube feed, allowing you to browse without interruptions.

Method 2: Adjust Your YouTube Preferences

You can also let YouTube know you’re not interested in viewing the Shorts content to make these videos disappear. Here’s how to do that.

  1. Open YouTube on your desktop and log in to your account.
  2. Navigate to a YouTube Short in your feed or search results.
  3. Hover over the video and click the three dots icon next to the title.
  4. Select Hide from the dropdown menu.
Screenshot of how to hide Shorts on desktop

Repeat these steps for other Shorts that appear in your feed. Over time, this will signal to YouTube that you prefer to avoid seeing Shorts, reducing their presence.

Method 3: Use an Alternative YouTube Link

Another method you can try if you want to avoid installing add-ons and extensions is to use an alternative link to watch videos on YouTube.

  1. In your browser’s address bar, replace “youtube.com” with “youtube.com/feed/subscriptions” and hit Enter.
Screenshot of alternative YouTube link
  1. This will take you directly to your subscription feed, where Shorts are less likely to appear, focusing on content from your subscribed channels.

While this method won’t eliminate YouTube Shorts, it can help you effectively reduce them and improve your desktop experience.

How To Disable YouTube Shorts On Mobile?

Disabling YouTube Shorts on the mobile app isn’t straightforward, as YouTube doesn’t provide a direct option to turn off Shorts. However, you can use several methods to minimize or hide Shorts from your feed.

Method 1: Mark Shorts as “Not Interested”

One method you can use on desktop and mobile is marking YouTube Shorts as “Not Interested” so the algorithm can take a hint and stop showing them to you. Here’s how to do it on your mobile phone.

  1. Open the YouTube app on your smartphone.
  2. On the YouTube homepage, scroll through your feed until you see a Short.
  3. Tap the three dots icon at the bottom-right corner of the Short.
  4. Select Not Interested from the menu.
Screenshot of marking Shorts as Not Interested on mobile

Repeat this for other Shorts you encounter. Over time, YouTube’s algorithm will adjust and show fewer Shorts in your feed.

Method 2: Downgrade the YouTube App Version

Another technique is to uninstall the current YouTube app from your smartphone and use an old version that doesn’t have YouTube Shorts.

To do that, download an older APK version of YouTube that predates the introduction of Shorts from a trusted source like APKMirror. Install the older version and disable auto-updates for the YouTube app in the Google Play Store (for Android). That’s it—you’ll no longer have YouTube Shorts.

Screenshot of older YouTube APK versions

However, remember that this method might limit access to newer YouTube features and pose security risks.

Method 3: Use the YouTube Vanced App

If you want a more customizable YouTube experience, the YouTube Vanced app can disable Shorts and several other enhanced features. YouTube Vanced is a third-party app that gives users access to YouTube without ads, the ability to play videos in the background, and more control over their viewing preferences.

Screenshot of YouTube Vanced app

Visit the official YouTube Vanced website or a trusted third-party app store to download the app on your Android device. Follow the installation instructions provided to get the app up and running.

After you install the app on your smartphone, open it and log into your YouTube account. In the app’s settings, you can find the Shorts section. Toggle the switch to disable the feature and remove the YouTube Shorts videos from your feed and search results for good.

Things to Consider When Trying These Methods

Disabling or minimizing YouTube short videos on mobile can affect how you interact with the app. By marking Shorts as Not Interested, you may also impact the variety of content YouTube recommends, potentially leading to less diverse video suggestions.

Additionally, using older app versions or third-party apps can pose security risks and may limit your access to newer features or bug fixes.

Can I Disable YouTube Shorts on iPhone?

iPhone users face more restrictions when disabling YouTube Shorts, as there are fewer customization options within the iOS environment.

The “Not Interested” method relies on YouTube’s algorithm to gradually adjust to your preferences, which may take some time. You can also try using the desktop mode in Safari, but it’s not as convenient as the YouTube app, especially for mobile viewing.

Overall, while these methods can help reduce the presence of Shorts on your iPhone, completely disabling them remains a challenge.

Manage Your YouTube Distractions

Whether you prefer longer content or simply want a cleaner interface, disabling YouTube Shorts can enhance your browsing experience by reducing distractions and focusing on the content that matters most.

Following the different methods in this article, you can easily customize your YouTube feed to better align with your viewing preferences. Taking control of your YouTube experience is just a few clicks away, allowing you to enjoy the platform on your terms.

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Google Launches Pixel Buds Web App for Windows and Mac https://www.online-tech-tips.com/google-launches-pixel-buds-web-app-for-windows-and-mac/ Wed, 02 Oct 2024 09:30:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=102527 Google Pixel Buds in Case with open lid

The Pixel Buds Web Companion App, previously limited to Chromebook, is now available for Windows and Mac computers. Computers running macOS Sonoma 14 or Windows 11 (or newer version) can […]

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Google Pixel Buds in Case with open lid

The Pixel Buds Web Companion App, previously limited to Chromebook, is now available for Windows and Mac computers. Computers running macOS Sonoma 14 or Windows 11 (or newer version) can access the app in any web browser. Accessible via mypixelbuds.google.com, the web app requires a Google account and an internet connection.

The Pixel Buds web app for Mac, PC, and Chromebook have the same features. Users can check their Pixel Buds’ battery status and install firmware updates in the web app. Other controls like multipoint connectivity, volume balance, conversation detection, equalizer, and active noise cancellation are also available.

Desktop support for the web app means Pixel Buds users no longer need Google devices (Android smartphone or Chromebook) to manage their earbuds. Enhanced desktop controls could also be the unique selling point that wins potential customers who were initially hesitant about the Pixel Buds.

Google Pixels Buds web app connection page

If you have the Pixel Buds, connect it to your Mac or PC and visit mypixelbuds.google.com in any web browser. The companion app has instructions on setting up Pixel Buds and troubleshooting connectivity issues.

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Meta Debuts the Quest 3S, Its Cheapest Mixed-Reality Headset https://www.online-tech-tips.com/meta-debuts-the-quest-3s-its-cheapest-mixed-reality-headset/ Sat, 28 Sep 2024 09:30:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=102523 Meta Quest 3S and Quest 3, and two Touch Plus Controllers

Meta announced several products at its Meta Connect 2024 event in California, but Quest 3S stood out for many reasons. It’s the company’s cheapest mixed-reality headset, featuring a similar chipset […]

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Meta Quest 3S and Quest 3, and two Touch Plus Controllers

Meta announced several products at its Meta Connect 2024 event in California, but Quest 3S stood out for many reasons. It’s the company’s cheapest mixed-reality headset, featuring a similar chipset (Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2) and software functionalities as the older and pricier Meta Quest 3.

Meta Quest 3S features a refreshed Meta Horizon OS that better supports 2D applications. Meta says the new OS will also deliver improved spatial audio and better Passthrough contrast and color.

The new Quest 3S is compatible with all applications and games in the Meta Store. Also, the headset comes bundled with exclusive games (like Batman: Arkham Shadow) and Quest 3-specific performance updates.

Despite sharing a similar form factor, the Quest 3S and Quest 3 have varying display quality, optical lenses, and camera setups. The new Quest 3S has its sensors and Fresnel lenses arranged in triangular clusters, while the Quest 3’s Pancake lenses and sensors have a pill-shaped setup.

Meta Quest 3S (left) and Meta Quest 3 (right)
Meta Quest 3S (left) and Meta Quest 3 (right) | Source: Meta

Additionally, Quest 3 has a better display (2,064 x 2,208 pixels per eye) and will provide more realistic graphics and sharper videos than the Quest 3S (1832 x 1920 pixels per eye).

The Quest 3 remains Meta’s most powerful mixed-reality headset. However, the new Quest 3S doesn’t seem like a watered-down version, especially spec-wise. 

Quest 3S starts at $299.99 for the base (128GB) version and $399.99 for 256GB, while the 512GB version will retail for $499.99. Interested buyers can pre-order the Quest 3S from Meta’s website before it hits the shelves on October 15.

In other news, the retail price for the 512GB Meta Quest 3 is dropping from $649.99 to $499.99. Meta is also discontinuing the Quest 2 and Quest Pro. The company says it’ll sell whatever’s left of both models through the end of 2024 or until they’re out of stock. According to Meta, the new Quest 3S will provide outstanding value “both for those new to VR and those looking to upgrade from Quest or Quest 2.

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Gmail for Android and iOS Now Supports Checkmark for Verified Brands https://www.online-tech-tips.com/gmail-for-android-and-ios-now-supports-checkmark-for-verified-brands/ Thu, 26 Sep 2024 09:30:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=102520 Gmail mobile app displaying a verified sender's logo and checkmark

The Gmail app on Android and iOS devices will now display brand logos and checkmarks from verified senders. Last year, Google introduced the Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) system […]

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Gmail mobile app displaying a verified sender's logo and checkmark

The Gmail app on Android and iOS devices will now display brand logos and checkmarks from verified senders. Last year, Google introduced the Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) system as a pilot program for Gmail. BIMI allowed individuals or businesses to replace avatars with verified brand logos and checkmarks.

Previously limited to Gmail on the web, BIMI indicators are rolling out to the Gmail app for Android and iOS. Verified checkmarks and logos add an extra layer of security to Gmail and, according to Google, “help users identify messages from legitimate senders versus impersonators.” These indicators should help reduce spam and increase recipients’ confidence in the legitimacy of an email [source].

When users tap the checkmark, a message confirming that the sender has verified their [domain name] and logo pops up. For Gmail on the web, hovering on the checkmark or brand logo displays the pop-up message.

Email message in Gmail for web showing a sender's verified logo

A sender’s BIMI certificate determines whether they get a validated logo and checkmark—or just a logo. BIMI-verified senders with Verified Mark Certificates (VMCs) will carry a checkmark and brand logo. Emails from senders with a Common Mark Certificate (CMC) will only display a validated logo.

BIMI logos and checkmarks will be available in the Gmail mobile app starting September 24. Google says availability might take up to 15 days for some users. Keep Gmail up-to-date and expect verified brand logos and checkmark icons in your inbox.

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How to Read Minecraft Enchanting Table Language in 2024 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/how-to-read-minecraft-enchanting-table-language-in-2024/ Wed, 25 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=102519

Have you ever wondered if the strange text you see on the enchantment table in Minecraft has any meaning? Can it even be read? Let’s find out. As the enchantments […]

The post How to Read Minecraft Enchanting Table Language in 2024 first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

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How to Read Minecraft Enchanting Table Language in 2024 image

Have you ever wondered if the strange text you see on the enchantment table in Minecraft has any meaning? Can it even be read? Let’s find out.

As the enchantments you get from an option are randomized, the enigmatic glyphs staring at you take on even greater importance. Especially since the symbols aren’t random—the glyphs repeat, and there are exactly 26 of them, mirroring the English language alphabet.

In this guide, we will go over everything there is to know about the Minecraft enchanting table language, from its history and origin to its meaning and relevance in the game. We will also discuss how you can translate the language and all the online tools to help in this endeavor.

Minecraft Enchanting Table Language

Procedural generation is at the heart of Minecraft. The entire map is generated when starting a new game, with its own distribution of biomes and resources.

This randomization is seen in other aspects of the game systems as well. Minecraft’s enchantment table, for example, displays every enchantment as a collection of words in a weird-looking language, indecipherable at a glance.

Minecraft Enchanting Table Language image

This makes it impossible to tell what a particular enchantment does by the text alone, besides giving it the look of a mysterious runic inscription from a fantasy world. And the letters aren’t entirely random — they are in a different alphabet, with each symbol corresponding to a letter in English.

The symbols resemble blocky glyphs, which is intentional; it can be represented accurately even with square pixels on a low resolution. It isn’t designed to be handwritten and has no real flow, so sentences are just a bunch of glyphs.

Role of Enchanting in Minecraft

Once you have crafted a tool with the best material available, enchanting is the only way to further upgrade it. A staple borrowed from other fantasy video games, enchanting lets you give special, magical properties to any piece of equipment.

The exact effects of enchantment vary greatly – different tools and equipment can access different enchantments. Any piece of armor, for example, can be enchanted with Blast Protection (really handy if you like throwing around TNT), while only an axe can be given Cleaving.

The enchanting process itself is simple enough. You need to place your item on an enchantment table and select one of the three options that appear, offering Lapis Lazuli and experience points to imbue the item.

Role of Enchanting in Minecraft image

These options are in strange glyphs (more on this in the next section), but hovering your pointer over the option displays at least one of the enchantments that would be applied by the option (the actual enchantment ends up applying several). As you might expect, choosing a particular enchantment is difficult, as this list is randomized.
It does depend on your level, and enchanting anything resets the list, so once you have enough experience and lapis lazuli, it might be worth it to go on an enchanting spree until you find the one you want.

What Is Minecraft’s Enchanting Table Language?

If you try enchanting anything in Minecraft, you will notice that the enchantments aren’t in English but a cryptic language you have never seen. This is Minecraft’s enchantment table language, used to uniquely identify every enchantment.

But it is not a language created by Minecraft – it is from the Commander Keen game series by Microsoft. The Standard Galactic Alphabet (SGA) was created to make various texts and signs look more alien in the game.

What Is Minecraft’s Enchanting Table Language? image

This is the same reason Minecraft borrowed the alphabet, combining the SGA with procedural generation to create esoteric representations for the enchantments in the game.

And this works well—each letter of SGA has a blocky appearance, making it seem like a rare runic language used in ceremonies instead of a flowing language for everyday use. Part of why it is designed in such a way is to be compatible with low-res pixel art, allowing for SGA to be easily written with blocky pixels.

How to Read Enchanting Table Language in Minecraft

Surprisingly enough, reading the enchantment table language isn’t that hard. This is because it is not strictly a different fictional language; it is simply a different script that switches the English alphabet for a different one.

It’s called a substitution cipher. A system like this has the same number of letters as in English, making it easy to translate once you know the key. All you need to do is to match every symbol with its corresponding English letter.

If that sounds tedious, you can just use an online translation tool – these will usually have an easy interface to help you enter the enchantment table words and get their English equivalent. We will demonstrate the process using the dcode website.

  1. Head to Dcode’s Standard Galactic Alphabet webpage.
How to Read Enchanting Table Language in Minecraft image
  1. On the right, you will find all the symbols of the Standard Galactic Alphabet listed. Clicking on any symbol enters it, letting you construct sentences the sentences you see on the enchantment table in Minecraft.
How to Read Enchanting Table Language in Minecraft image 2
  1. Hit the Decrypt button below it once you have entered the entire phrase.
How to Read Enchanting Table Language in Minecraft image 3
  1. The translation will be generated in a small box on the left—you can easily miss it due to the poorly designed interface, but the result text will be bolded.
How to Read Enchanting Table Language in Minecraft image 4

Best Minecraft Enchanting Table Language Translators

You don’t need to learn the Galactic Alphabet yourself to be able to read the words written on Minecraft’s enchantment table – there are plenty of great translators available online. You simply put in the cryptic phrases and get the English language results.

You can do it the other way, too. Put in the English text and convert it into its SGA equivalent. The utility is limited, though, unless you want to create cool-looking messages or integrate the glyphs into your DnD session.

  1. The best Minecraft enchantment table language translator online is Decode’s webpage for the Standard Galactic Alphabet. It is one of the few tools that provides an easy way to enter phrases in the enchantment table language and translate them into English. It also does it the other way around – enter English sentences and convert them into SGA images (or Unicode characters if you want it that way).
Best Minecraft Enchanting Table Language Translators image
  1. Lingojam’s SGA converter has a cleaner interface, making it our second-best pick. The only problem is that while converting English words into SGA is easy, translating enchantment table words requires you to type the message in the SGA font.
Best Minecraft Enchanting Table Language Translators image 2
  1. An Android app by Black Envelop lets you type in English and get its SGA equivalent easily. Translating SGA text is trickier but can be done by spotting which symbol is associated with which English letter. Still, this tool is not recommended for that purpose.
Best Minecraft Enchanting Table Language Translators image 3
  1. If you are looking for a handy reference to convert SGA to English or vice versa, this page has a color-coded table. You must translate the words manually, which is easy enough once you know what each glyph stands for.
Best Minecraft Enchanting Table Language Translators image 4

What Is the Enchantment Table Language Used for in Minecraft?

What Is the Enchantment Table Language Used for in Minecraft? image

The enchantment table language is fascinating, but unfortunately, it has no practical value in the game. The translations of the words have no bearing on the enchantments you can create or their effects.

The language is only used to include easter eggs and references to other media, including the works of H.P. Lovecraft (particularly the phrase “dead Cthulhu waits dreaming”) and, of course, the Keen video game series.

And even that’s a small subsection – for the most part, the enchantment table sports a random smattering of words that individually translate to something but are not meaningful as a sentence.

Is the Minecraft Enchantment Table Language Readable?

Well, yes and no. Yes, because each word of the strange-looking script can be translated into English and usually into meaningful words. No, because the sequence translates to random English words, no meaningful sentences can be found.

Ultimately, Minecraft’s enchantment table language aims to confer an aura of mystique and grandeur to the enchantment process, with the occasional Easter egg thrown in to reward the diligent translator. It’s not a readable guide to the enchantments themselves.

In 2011, when the first screenshots of the in-development enchanting system were revealed, the enchantments translated into actual sentences that were a cheeky nod to fans who noticed and translated them.

Is the Minecraft Enchantment Table Language Readable? image

The first enchantment reads: “Well Played Internets You Are Good” (yes, the misspelling of the internet is in the original screenshot).

The second says, “These Names Will Be Random And Confusing,” while the third informs us that “Each Spell Costs Experience Levels.”

With these three lines, Notch – the now legendary creator of the game – clarified the enchantment system, making it clear that the glyphs were going to be random words, and while they could be translated, they wouldn’t amount to anything meaningful.

What Is the Galactic Alphabet in Minecraft?

The text on the enchanting table isn’t just in a different language; it’s in a different script. Many players immediately recognized the script as the Standard Galactic Alphabet, which features as an alien language in the Commander Keen games.

Designed by Tom Hall in Keen 1, the script originated as modified versions of the standard alphabet to create an alien-looking “Exit” sign. He kept creating more similar signs, ultimately ending up with a new version of every English letter, creating the Standard Galactic Alphabet.

What Is the Galactic Alphabet in Minecraft? image

Years later, Notch, the creator of Minecraft, picked up this very same alphabet to represent enchantments. The aim was simple: giving a magical and otherworldly flair to randomly generated English words in a different script.

And it works – every time you put a piece of equipment into the enchanting table, you get three options written in strange blocky glyphs that look arcane. Hovering over the options gives you one of the effects but still leaves enough mystery for the enchantment to seem more magic than science.

Conclusion

Like most gameplay aspects in Minecraft, Enchanting is a simple but deep system with which you can spend hours tinkering. Unlike the other systems, it also comes with glyphs in a strange new language – and they are not just gibberish.

Written in the Standard Galactic Alphabet from the Commander Keen games, the script is just a cipher for words written in English, easily translated when you know the corresponding alphabets.

And while they don’t have any gameplay significance (the words are chosen randomly from a list), they lend a certain mystique to enchanting. Some words even refer to works like Lovecraft’s Cthulhu novels.

The post How to Read Minecraft Enchanting Table Language in 2024 first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

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WhatsApp to Help Users Auto-Block Messages from Unknown Numbers https://www.online-tech-tips.com/whatsapp-to-help-users-auto-block-messages-from-unknown-numbers/ Sun, 22 Sep 2024 09:30:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=102497 An Android smartphone showing a list of WhatsApp conversations, overlayed by a red block icon

About a year ago, WhatsApp released a privacy feature that silences unknown callers. Now, WhatsApp is developing a similar message-focused variation to help users block messages from unknown or unsaved […]

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An Android smartphone showing a list of WhatsApp conversations, overlayed by a red block icon

About a year ago, WhatsApp released a privacy feature that silences unknown callers. Now, WhatsApp is developing a similar message-focused variation to help users block messages from unknown or unsaved numbers.

WhatsApp introduced the feature (dubbed “Block unknown account messages”) in an earlier Android beta release (2.24.17.14). However, all beta testers can now access and use the feature in the latest beta version (2.24.20.16).

"Block unknown account messages" feature in the WhatsApp beta for Android app version 2.24.20.16
Source: WABetaInfo

The screenshot above says WhatsApp will only block messages from unknown accounts “if they exceed a certain volume.” That means the feature won’t block all messages from unknown senders. Instead, WhatsApp blocks messages from unknown numbers that usually send excessive messages within a short period. That’ll prevent users from missing important messages from unknown accounts.

WhatsApp will reportedly use an algorithm that tracks messaging rates to identify accounts that send an unusual number of messages in a short period. It’ll then block messages from unknown accounts with suspicious or spam-like messaging rates. Beta testers also report that WhatsApp automatically recommends the feature to users who often receive spam messages from unknown accounts.

It’s important to note that the messaging restriction placed on unknown accounts isn’t permanent. The algorithm keeps tracking blocked accounts and lifts the restriction when their messaging rate/volume becomes normal.

The feature is available in the advanced privacy menu of the latest WhatsApp beta version (for Android). Users can turn it on via Settings > Privacy > Advanced > Block unknown account messages.

We’re sure it’ll take a few weeks (of rigorous testing and enhancement) before the feature rolls out to the public version.

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