WhatsApp develops its own cloud backup service with default encryption

WhatsApp is developing and testing a special standalone mode that will allow the application to be used on tablets. Previously, using WhatsApp on tablets required having the main smartphone.

Functionality of the new mode

Thanks to this standalone mode, the tablet can be used as the primary device. This feature was reported by the website Wabetainfo, which tracks upcoming updates and features of WhatsApp.

Access and Interface

Some users have been given access to the new beta version. According to Wabetainfo, a new screen with the 'Choose An Option' option at the top will appear on the tablet. Below, two options will be available: 'Login Into WhatsApp' and 'Transfer Your Account.'

Description of Usage Options

The first option allows users to connect their main device, which requires linking the WhatsApp account using a quick response code (QR Code). The second option allows the tablet to become the primary device. For this, it is necessary to enter a phone number and authenticate it.

Significance of the Primary Device

Using WhatsApp as the primary account on a tablet or smartphone will lead to automatic logout from all old devices. Furthermore, if chat backups have not been synchronized, they cannot be restored. However, if the primary WhatsApp account is used on a tablet, it will not automatically log out after 14 days, which will improve the user experience and eliminate the need for users to constantly carry two devices.

The artificial intelligence platform Luzia has introduced the assistant Spilo in Brazil, which can be used both through WhatsApp and via a dedicated application. This new feature aims to replace the common habit of users saving information by messaging themselves.

Spilo Features

Spilo offers categorization, advanced search, and reminders. When receiving data—whether through the messenger or the app, available for web, Android, and iOS—the artificial intelligence classifies the content into ten predefined categories.

One of Spilo's main advantages is allowing the user to use natural language commands to find specific data. This eliminates the need to navigate through long lists of files and links; one just needs to type what they are looking for, even if it is a summary or an answer. Additionally, the assistant can schedule reminders based on the provided information and allows the creation of shareable lists with contacts.

In terms of storage capacity, the initial service offers 10 MB, which limits saving to only a few images or documents. However, this limit can be increased by completing certain actions within the application, such as using it for seven consecutive days or recommending the assistant to other people.

Data Security and Privacy

Regarding privacy, Spilo uses an OpenAI API to perform tasks such as categorizing, tagging, summarizing, and enriching the material sent by the user. It is guaranteed that all submitted content and information added by the AI are stored on servers located in the European Union.

The creators assure that the data will not be used in training AI models and that all processing occurs anonymously. Furthermore, the company formally declares that personal data will never be shared with third parties for advertising purposes.

WhatsApp is developing several new features for iPhone, including a redesigned Contacts tab and a private panel dedicated to interacting with Meta AI. Currently, these features are in the testing phase and have only been made available to a limited group of users, according to Mac Magazine.

Focus on Online Contacts

One of the planned changes involves reforming the Contacts section, which should appear in the bottom bar of the application on the iOS system. In addition to changing position, this tab will start showing contacts who are currently active or who have had recent connections. Users who chose to keep the privacy setting to hide the 'Last seen and online' option will remain excluded from this list. However, this novelty has not yet been implemented for all participants in the beta program nor for users of the stable version.

Introduction of AI Side Chat

Another feature under test is Side Chat. Unlike interrupting the main conversation, this feature opens an isolated panel to allow the user to converse privately with Meta AI. According to WABetaInfo, this function is already accessible to a very limited group of users on both Android and iOS. This feature offers several capabilities, such as conversing with Meta AI in a private environment, receiving contextualized answers based on conversation history, using the Private Processing architecture, and enriching answers with web searches. It is important to note that, unlike messages sent using @MetaAI, all communication occurs within the user's individual space.

Privacy Protection in Side Chat

WhatsApp ensures that Side Chat operates using the Private Processing architecture, which prevents any processed data from being linked to the user. Access to this function can be done by swiping the 'Ask privately' option, located on the right side of the screen. Even when the system uses conversation context to formulate answers, it is designed so that this content is not exposed to Meta.

Limitations and Launch Forecasts

In this experimental phase, Side Chat is not compatible with temporary conversations or chats with advanced privacy activated. Both innovations remain without a defined date for release to all users, as part of the tests conducted by WhatsApp before a possible wider availability.