Category: Apps

Categories
Apps Featured Info

Google To Block All Third Party Call Recorder Apps On Android; How To Record Calls Post New Privacy Policies?

How to Remove Profile Picture from Google Account

Smartphones are the most potent gadgets of all time that lets us perform tasks beyond general calling or texting. With technologically advanced devices, we have the provision to do mobile photography, gaming, and various other tasks. Since communication has been the key usage for these handheld devices, the major focus of the smartphone OEMs has been to improve the calling and texting experience. And modern-day smartphones have made it easy for us to record audio as well as video calls with built-in or third-party app support.

But seems like Google is getting stringent with its mobile privacy policies and you might soon not see any third-party mobile app on the Android ecosystem that’ll support remote voice call recording. The search giant is reportedly taking down all the third-party apps for call recording from the Play Store starting next month. Why exactly Google is ending support for call recording apps on its mobile ecosystem? Details are below:

Google To Remove All Call Recording Android Apps From Play Store

Google has announced a new policy centered around the removal of third-party Android apps that supports call recording. The search giant is currently working on this new policy that is said to come in effect starting May 11, 2022. Notably, Google isn’t entirely killing the support for audio call recording on its platform but is rather modifying the Accessibility API for remote calling which will limit app developers from recording audio calls remotely.

The policy update post on the Google Play Console support page was initially reported by a Reddit user called NLL-APPS.

Who All Will Be Affected?

Google’s upcoming policy update that is said to come in effect starting May 11, 2022, will not allow apps from third-party developers to work around the Accessibility API to get access to call recording. Notably, Google already has been trying to block Android apps from recording calls or videos for privacy reasons.

The new policies will only restrict users from downloading third-party apps that support are asked permission for remote call recordings. If aby user’s smartphone has a built-in call recorder option as a part of the custom UI offered by the OEM, then there wouldn’t be any issues with the call recordings. For reference, Xiaomi’s MIUI OS comes with a built-in call recorder integrated within the dialer app.

Google has further specified that it is working on fixing all the loopholes with third-party call recording. Blocking the two-way call recording using wireless earphones or headphones will also be blocked once the new privacy policy comes into effect.

How Can You Record Calls On Android After Google Privacy Policy Are Updated?

As mentioned above, once Google makes updates its privacy policy and makes changes to the Accessibility API’s, third-party apps for recording apps won’t be useful. You’ll have to stick using to the default dialer app that has the call record feature integrated. A handful of smartphone OEMs do offer this support. If your device is one of them, you wouldn’t have to worry about the new Google policies.

Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below. You can follow the GizNext Tech Enthusiast Telegram group and GizNext Tech Enthusiast WhatsApp group for fresh technology updates.

Categories
Apps How To

No SIM Card Error: How To Fix No SIM Card Detected/ SIM Toolkit Issue With Smartphones

Smartphones have become an integral part of our modern-day lifestyle. These pocket-sized gadgets help users with daily communication, internet usage, gaming, and more. For mobile communication, smartphones use SIM cards. In India, we have multiple telecom brands such as Airtel, Vi, Jio, and others that we can use on smartphones from different brands.

Most smartphone OEMs pack their devices with a standard SIM card tray that is compatible with all SIM cards. But one of the most common issues users experience with SIM cards and their smartphones is the ‘No Sim Card’ or ‘SIM Toolkit’ error message. This issue has been prevalent with the newer generation of Android including Android 11 OS or Android 12 OS.

But in some cases, bugs and other issues causes can cause the ‘No Sim Card’ or ‘SIM Toolkit’ error message to pop up on your smartphone. Is this any concern? Or is this issue easy to fix or does your mobile phone needs a visit to the service center? Well, we have shared some troubleshooting steps to resolve this sim toolkit error message on your smartphones. Take a look:

Also Read: Lost Reliance Jio SIM Card? Here’s How To Block And Resume Your Jio Number

Methods To Fix No SIM Card/ SIM Toolkit Error Message On Smartphones

Step 1: Check if the SIM card is inserted properly. If not, remove and re-insert the SIM card into the SIM tray.

Step 2: Look for physical damages on the SIM card. A faulty SIM card might be a reason for the ‘No SIM card’ error on your smartphone. Get the damaged SIM card replaced if you see the aforementioned error message on your screens.

Step 3: Reboot your Android or iOS devices. If for some reason, your smartphone is unable to read your SIM card then a quick reboot might resolve this issue.

Step 4: Check SIM card network settings manually. Go to the device settings menu and from the mobile network section select the ‘SIM& network’ option. See if the SIM card is active. In most cases, an inactive SIM card causes the No SIM Card message to pop up on your smartphone.

Step 5: You can also try toggling on Airplane mode on and off to get back your SIM status online.

Step 6: Try checking your SIM card on any other smartphone. If it is working on the other device then your smartphone’s hardware might be faulty and is unable to read your smartphone. Therefore, it would be wise to take your device to the service center to get it fixed.

Also Read: Tablet With SIM Card: List Of Top Tablets With SIM Card Slot In India

Categories
Apps Featured How To

WhatsApp Pay Tips And Tricks: How To Check Bank Account Balance On WhatsApp App

WhatsApp has been serving millions of users across the globe and in India with its instant messaging application for Android and iOS devices. Not just the end-to-end encryption, but the availability of numerous features and tools for enhanced messaging experience makes WhatsApp popular amongst all users. Lately, the company has been integrating additional services to its instant messaging platforms such as UPI payments and chatbots so that users can make the most of it.

WhatsApp Payments is the service that we are speaking of. The company released this UPI-based feature in India back in 2020. Similar to other existing digital wallet apps such as Paytm, GPay, and PhonePe, WhatsApp also allows users to complete UPI transactions. Besides sending or receiving money, WhatsApp Payments also lets users check their bank account balance.

Now, most of us are frequent with using WhatsApp for our day-to-day communication. There are situations where you might want to check your bank account balance in midst of any chat.   WhatsApp Payment’s balance check feature comes in handy then. But are you aware of the ways to check your bank account balance using WhatsApp Payments? This step-by-step guide article will help you with the same.

How Can You Check Bank Account Balance On WhatsApp Using WhatsApp Payments?

It is worth adding that to initiate the process to check the bank account balance using WhatsApp, you need to set up your WhatsApp Payments profile. Once you have completed your WhatsApp Payments registrations by adding up your bank account and UPI details, you will be able to check the account balance.

Step 1: Launch the WhatsApp app on your respective Android or iOS devices.

Step 2: Go to the menu option and scroll down to the Payments tab. Click on it.

Step 3: Complete the WhatsApp payments setup by adding bank details and verifying your registered mobile number with the bank account.

Step 4: Once your WhatsApp Payments profile is complete, go back and select the back account whose balance you want to check.

Step 5: Select the “View account balance” option.

Step 6: Enter the UPI privacy PIN that you have set up while creating the WhatsApp Payment UPI account. Click on Ok. Your bank account balance will be displayed on the WhatsApp screen.

As mentioned above, WhatsApp Payments also lets you transfer or receive money from contacts without using another third-party digital wallet app. The steps are easy to perform. You just have to open the WhatsApp app on your smartphone and from the menu option, you need to select the Payments option to complete any transactions.

Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below. You can follow the GizNext Tech Enthusiast Telegram group and GizNext Tech Enthusiast WhatsApp group for fresh technology updates.

Categories
Apps How To

Telegram Custom Chat, Auto-delete, Notification Sound, And More Features Released; How To Use Latest Custom Chat Features On Telegram?

Telegram has earned a good rapport in the market for being a WhatsApp rival. The instant messaging application is among the popular messaging services that are based on end-to-end encryption. Enhanced privacy and user-friendly features for private conversations are what make it popular amongst the audience. Telegram is also frequently adding new features to its platform to deliver an improved user experience. Keeping in line with the same, Telegram has released a bunch of custom chat and notification features for both Android and iOS platforms. Below are the latest features released for the Telegram and the steps to use them:

Telegram New Custom Chat And Notification Features Released

For an enhanced user experience on its instant messaging app, Telegram has rolled out a custom chat mute, custom notification sound, and auto-delete feature. Users will also be able to reply to forwarded messages and use the enhanced bot menu feature as well. Telegram has shared the details related to all the new features vis its official blog.

Telegram Custom Chat Mute Option: What Is It? How To Use?

Telegram currently allows the users to mute any single or group chat for a certain timeframe. This feature is similar to WhatsApp where users can set a time limit of either 8 hours or up to two days. But Telegram has now improved this feature by adding the option to mute chats for a specific time limit. Users will now be able to mute chats for just a few hours depending on their requirements. The steps to use the custom chat mute option are listed below:

Step 1: Android users would need to go to the chat window and click on the ‘Notification’ option.

Step 2: Now, click on the ‘Mute For’ option and click select the time schedule for which you want to mute the notifications. Notably, the steps are similar for iOS devices.

Telegram New Auto Delete Chat Feature: Steps To Use

Telegram has also added the option to auto-delete chats by setting up a flexible timer. With this new feature, the chats or send data in any chat window get auto-deleted without performing any manual steps. Below is the procedure to enable the auto-delete chat feature on Telegram:

Step 1: Open the Telegram app and click on the user profile or chat window.

Step 2: Click the menu option (three horizontal or vertical lines on iOS and Android respectively) and select “Enable auto-delete”.

Step 3: Set the timer post in which the messages sent on Telegram would be deleted automatically.

Telegram Custom Notification Sound Features: How To Use It?

Telegram has also released a new custom notification sound feature that will allow users to set short audio files or even voice notes as notification ringtones for Telegram. Currently, Telegram has set the limit for these custom notifications to up to 5 seconds. The maximum size allowed is 300 KB. To use this feature, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Open the Telegram app on your respective Android or iOS smartphones and go to the settings menu.

Step 2: Tap on the ‘Notifications and sounds option’.

Step 3: Now, click on the ‘Add new tones’ option.

Other New Telegram Features To Check Out

Telegram has also improved the picture-in-picture mode on both Android and iOS devices. Also, the language translation is now enhanced on iOS devices. Additionally, Telegram has added the provision for the users to reply to any forwarded message they receive via any contact. Also, Telegram has enhanced the bot development tools for a better user experience.

Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below. You can follow the GizNext Tech Enthusiast Telegram group and GizNext Tech Enthusiast WhatsApp group for fresh technology updates.

Categories
Apps Featured How To

WhatsApp Finally Bringing Option To Hide Last Seen From Specific Contacts; How To Hide Last Seen From Specific Users On WhatsApp

WhatsApp has added a slew of features to its instant messaging application on Android and iOS devices this year. The Meta-owned platform is also testing several other new features which it is expected to release in the coming months. The company is now said to be testing one of the most anticipated privacy features that users have been asking for since long. We are speaking of the option to hide the last seen option from specific contacts. When is this option being added to WhatsApp and how will you be able to use it? Read on to know:

WhatsApp New Last Seen Privacy Feature: When Is It Coming?

WhatsApp has started working on the option to let users hide their last seen from a specific contact. A fresh report via WABetaInfo hints at this latest development. Currently, the feature to hide last seen from specific contact is being tested for the iOS app. As of now, WhatsApp only lets the user hide their status from selected users on both Android and iOS apps. However, users have been asking for the option to hide their last seen as well from select contacts.

Once the stable version of this feature is released, WhatsApp users on iOS would be able to hide their last seen either from all contacts or some select users. The company should soon start testing this last seen hide option for the Android platform as well.  We might see the brand adding this option to iOS devices initially followed by Android.

It is currently not known if the brand will be releasing a stable version of this new feature in the coming months or later this year. But with the latest privacy feature being under the testing phase, it shouldn’t be long before the company brings this option to the Android and iOS platforms. We are waiting for some more developments on the same and will update you once the details are available. But if you are interested in knowing how you will be able to hide the last seen option on Android and iOS devices from select contacts or users, then below are the steps.

How To Hide Last Seen From Specific Contact/ Person On WhatsApp?

The option to hide the last seen from specific contact would be completed in just a few steps. The procedure would be identical to hiding the last seen from all users on WhatsApp or from specific contacts on WhatsApp status.

Step 1: Open the WhatsApp application. From the home page go to the settings menu (three dots on the top right).

Step 2:  Click on the ‘Account’ option.

Step 3: Now, select the privacy tab and click on “last seen”.

Step 4: Select the “My contacts except” option and add the contacts or users from whom you want to hide your last seen.

Step 5: Click on Done.

We would like to highlight that the steps mentioned above would only work once WhatsApp officially releases the stable update to hide last seen from specific contacts. If you try to perform these steps now, you only will get to select between “Everyone”, “My contacts”, and “Nobody”. Following the update, you will be able to select the “My contacts except” option to hide the last seen.

It is good to see that WhatsApp is constantly improving its privacy ecosystem on its platform. This is one of the prime reasons for its popularity amongst the users despite numerous such applications’ availability in the market. We are expecting WhatsApp to confirm the development of the same soon.

Do share your thoughts on the latest Sony smartphone. You can also follow the GizNext Tech Enthusiast Telegram group and the GizNext Tech Enthusiast WhatsApp group for more technology updates.

Categories
Apps Featured Mobile

ZestMoney App: How To Buy Smartphones On EMI

If you are looking for ways to purchase smartphones with EMI options, then several apps are providing the same benefit. Similarly, the ZestMoney app is providing EMI options that allow you to purchase the latest smartphones from Xiaomi, Motorola, Oppo, Vivo, Realme, Apple, and more.

The app offers EMI options without credit or debit cards along with zero down payment. Plus, you can use the ZestMoney EMI option on all e-commerce platforms and stores like Croma, Sangeetha, and more. For the unaware, creating an account on the ZestMoney app is very simple and it is online.

The app will provide a credit limit that you have to use to purchase the mobile phones and any other product you are looking for or want to buy. However, to access the app, you need to follow these steps.

Steps To Use Or Purchase Smartphone On EMI From Zest Money

Step 1: First, you need to verify your mobile number to signup for the ZestMoney credit limit.

Step 2: Now, submit all required KYC documents and set your repayment so that you can activate your credit limit. You also need to upload your Aadhaar card details under the KYC documents section.

Step 3: Choose a preferred partner to purchase a smartphone. You are allowed to use the credit limit on 1000+ partners.

Step 4: Now, you have to choose the EMI plan at your convenience.

Step 5: It’s done EMI plan has been approved and the order is placed. You will get the device as per the decided day.

Highlights Of Zest Money Application

ZestMoney EMI provides benefits like zero down payment, zero processing fees, zero application fee, no-cost EMI, and more. You can access the app while buying clothes, furniture, and more.

Secondly, an Aadhaar card is mandatory to avail the benefits of the ZestMoney application.

ZestMoney users don’t need credit or debit cards to purchase the EMI. This app also allows you to use EMI options on their partner stores so, that you can buy the products easily.

The app enables you to purchase products in stores like Sangeetha, Mi Mobile, and Croma.

Kindly follow the GizNext Tech Enthusiast Telegram group and the GizNext Tech Enthusiast WhatsApp group for all tech updates.

Categories
Apps Featured

WhatsApp Will Make It Hassle-Free To Text, Call Unsaved Contacts: All You Need To Know

Key Highlights

  • WhatsApp is a leading instant messaging mobile app on both Android and iOS platforms
  • It is popular among desktop and laptop users worldwide
  • WhatsApp is constantly working on adding new features, and it is currently testing a feature to facilitate easy texting with unsaved contacts

WhatsApp has become a household name in the top instant messaging mobile application race across both the Android and iOS ecosystems. The Meta-owned messaging service is also popular amongst desktop and laptop users globally. It is undoubtedly one of the most feature-rich messaging apps available for mobile and desktop users. Despite the availability of multiple features, WhatsApp is hardly seen resting and not working on additional features for its platform. This time, WhatsApp is said to testing a new feature that will help users with easy texting with unsaved contacts. Here’s how:

Also Read | WhatsApp Screen Sharing Feature For Video Calls In Works: How To Share WhatSApp Screen on Android?

How WhatsApp Plans To Simplify Texting With Unsaved Contacts?

If you have been using WhatsApp, you must be aware that you need to save a contact before you can initiate a conversation with that person. However, users have been asking for an easy workaround for this for a long. WhatsApp is already in the process of making it easy for users to send messages to any mobile number without saving it.

As per a fresh report via WABetaInfo, WhatsApp has already started working on the feature where users will no longer need to save any contact to start sending messages. The company is currently said to be testing this feature with the Android beta app. The upcoming feature has been spotted with the Android beta with 2.22.8.11 built.

Also Read | No More Switching Between Devices: WhatsApp Now Allows Account Use On Up To Four Phones

The report further explains how the upcoming WhatsApp feature will work. It suggests that users will now be able to send messages to any unsaved contact provided that person is also using WhatsApp in his/her respective device. Once you go to the bubble from the WhatsApp homepage, an in-app menu will pop up with the option to chat. In addition to chat or text, the upcoming in-app menu feature will also allow users to save or call the unsaved contact.

It is worth mentioning that this crucial WhatsApp feature that will allow users to send messages or make calls to unsaved contacts is still under the testing phase. There is currently no word from WhatsApp when it plans to release the stable version of this feature at a mass level. Nevertheless, it is possible we get to see the stable rollout for WhatsApp Android first and then the iOS version.

Update

Making calls to unsaved contacts is now an easy task for WhatsApp users. Both Android and iOS WhatsApp app now integrates the support to call unsaved contacts. In addition to this, WhatsApp has also recently released a new call link feature with which users will be able to share voice/video call links to the users who are;t added as contacts or the ones who aren’t a participant of the group. If you wish to know how the call link feature works and how it takes on Zoom, Google Meet, or other popular online conferencing apps, read on the steps here.

Also Read | WhatsApp Chat Lock Privacy Feature Released For Android, iOS: How To Lock WhatsApp Chats Using This New Feature?

Categories
Apps Featured

Instagram Brings Multiple New Features; Silent Messages, Quick Reply, Song Share, More

Instagram is rapidly expanding its user base and simultaneously improving the user experience on its platform by adding new features and services. The Meta-owned instant photo-sharing app is now a hub for social media influencers. However, the general audience is equally contributing to the app’s popularity. The company has introduced multiple new features for its platform for improved messaging experience, media playback, and more.

What All New Features Instagram Has Released?

Amongst the newly introduced Instagram features are the new revamped DM UI with a dedicated column for online contacts, quick share, and quick reply feature. Similar to the Meta (Facebook) home feed where you can see the list of friends who are online, Instagram will also show your contacts that are online at the top of the DM section.  

The Quick share feature introduced by Instagram will let users share any post with their frequent contacts. All one needs to do is press and hold on the send button which is located alongside the like and comment tab below any post. Once you tap a hold the send key, you will see the list of four contacts that you are frequent chatting with. With this option available, one wouldn’t require to scroll down the entire contact list on the Instagram direct message window.

Instagram has also added the Quick reply option that will allow users to continue conversations or reply to a message directly from the notification bar. This option comes in handy when you don’t want to pause your browsing session and have to reply as well.

One of the most interesting and useful features which Instagram has added to its platform this time is music sharing via Amazon Music and Apple Music. Users will now get the option to share up to 30 seconds of music preview on Instagram direct messages.

Currently, you will be able to share any song’s 30-second preview audio with your friends from Apple Music and Amazon Music only. Instagram will soon be bringing in support for Spotify as well. However, by when it will be available is hard to say.

The remaining new Instagram features include the option to send silent messages and create polls in any group chat. To send a silent message on Instagram without notifying the receiver, you will need to type @silent before the message and then send.

Do let us know your thoughts in the comment section below. You can also follow the GizNext Tech Enthusiast Telegram group and the GizNext Tech Enthusiast WhatsApp group to stay updated with the latest happenings around the tech world.

Categories
Apps Featured How To

Twitter Gets WhatsApp-Inspired Direct Message Search Feature; How To Use?

Twitter is a noted microblogging website accessed by millions of users globally. Like most of the modern social media platforms, Twitter is also frequent with adding new updates and features. Twitter has majorly improved services on its mobile app as well as the desktop version. We have seen a trend with social media platforms and instant messaging apps borrowing features from their rivals. Twitter is also following the same lead and has introduced a long-awaited WhatsApp-like feature for the masses. The latest feature that Twitter has announced for users will enhance the direct messaging experience on both the mobile app as well as the web version.

Here’s How Twitter Is Enhancing Direct Messaging Experience On Its Platform

Twitter has released a new update that will simplify the process to search for any specific chat in any conversation window. This feature seems to be borrowed from WhatsApp where users can easily read specific older texts in any chats by searching with a single keyword. Twitter has announced the availability of this new direct message search feature on its mobile app as well as the desktop version via its official blogsite.

It is worth adding that Twitter has been offering the direct messaging service for a while. However, it only allowed users to look for specific or multiple user names in the direct message section. But now, it will get easier for the audience to locate a particular message in any conversation window.

Twitter in a statement said, “We know you’ve been waiting for the option to search your DMs Now you can use the search bar in your inbox to find specific messages using keywords and names”.

It isn’t much of a task to use this new Twitter direct message search feature. You just have to head to the DM (direct message) section and open the required chat window. Once you are on the conversation window just click on the search option and enter the message keyword that you need to search.

Do let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. If you want to stay updated with the latest technology news, you can follow the GizNext Tech Enthusiast Telegram group and GizNext Tech Enthusiast WhatsApp group.

Categories
Apps Featured How To

Facebook Tips And Tricks: Here’s How You Can Easily Change Facebook Profile Name

Facebook, now renamed Meta is amongst the most accessed social media platforms globally. Facebook has quite a large user base and is rapidly adding more profiles with each passing year. If you have been using Facebook services, then you must have definitely created one user profile with which you access all the services. While creating a Facebook profile option, you must have entered several personal information such as name, email address, and other contact details.

It’s always advised to cross-check the details while creating a profile before the final submission. However, there are instances when you might want to change your Facebook name. That could be due to an error or a change of mind. If you are having difficulties changing your Facebook name, then you have stopped at the right place. This article is the step-by-step guide that will help you change your Facebook profile name easily. Let’s take a look:

What Are The Steps To Change Facebook Name?

Step 1: Open the Facebook app or log in to the desktop version on your respective smartphones or tablets/ PCs.

Step 2: Click on the menu option (three horizontal lines) and select the “Settings and privacy” option.

Step 3: Next, tap on the “Settings” option again.

Step 4: You will now need to select the “Personal and account information” and then click on the “Name” tab.

Step 5: Enter the new name that you want to update as your Facebook name.

Step 6: Now, click on the “Review Change” option and then select the “Save Changes”.

It is worth adding that Facebook has a certain set of guidelines that need to be followed in order to change the Facebook name or any other personal information. You can read all the Facebook guidelines for changing names and other profiles details by clicking on this link. The aforementioned steps make it easy for you to change your Facebook name easily on the mobile app as well as the desktop version.

Do share your thoughts in the comment section below. You can also follow GizNext Tech Enthusiast Telegram group and GizNext Tech Enthusiast WhatsApp group for more such tech tips and tricks.