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Hindustan Times
17 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
WhatsApp to let users hide phone numbers with upcoming username privacy feature
WhatsApp is preparing to introduce a feature that will change how users share their contact information. Soon, users will connect through usernames instead of phone numbers. This update will address a long-standing privacy concern by allowing users to keep their phone numbers hidden while still chatting on the platform. For years, sharing a phone number on WhatsApp has involved risks. Many users (especially women) hesitate to give out their numbers due to privacy issues and the potential for unwanted messages or calls. Scams and spam have increased, especially those that target exposed phone numbers. In some cases, sharing a number once can lead to repeated unsolicited contact across various communication channels. Money-related scams that exploit phone numbers have also become more common. Recognising these problems, WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has decided to take a significant step toward protecting users' privacy. Also read: PlayStation Days of Play Sale: Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, and more games get big price cuts The upcoming username system will let users pick a unique identifier. This identifier will replace the need to share a phone number when making new connections. Similar to platforms like Telegram and Signal, WhatsApp's usernames will provide a layer of anonymity while maintaining ease of communication. The feature was recently spotted in beta testing versions of the app by WABetaInfo, a known source for WhatsApp updates. Although the feature is not yet available for beta testers, evidence shows that WhatsApp is actively working on building the system and its interface. Also read: Microsoft launches Xbox Copilot beta on Android app to assist gamers with real-time support The username rules are designed to maintain clarity and prevent misuse. Usernames cannot start with " to avoid confusion with official websites. Each username must include at least one letter, preventing usernames made up solely of numbers or symbols. Only lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), periods, and underscores will be allowed. These rules aim to create a consistent and straightforward format across all usernames. When users select a username, WhatsApp will confirm the choice with an animation. From that moment, the username will appear in conversations and group chats instead of the user's phone number. If a user decides to change their username later, WhatsApp will send a notification message in chats to inform contacts about the update. This approach follows the same system WhatsApp uses for profile photo or phone number changes. Also read: Uber users can now book Delhi Metro tickets within the app: Here's how to do it Additionally, a future update to WhatsApp Web will let users check the availability of usernames before selecting one. This small addition could help prevent confusion and streamline the process of finding a unique handle. Though the username feature is not yet available even to beta testers, ongoing backend development suggests it may launch soon. The feature follows several updates by WhatsApp in recent weeks, including the release of an official iPad app.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Uber users can now book Delhi Metro tickets within the app: Here's how to do it
Commuters in Delhi-NCR no longer need to wait in line for metro tickets. The Uber India has introduced metro ticket booking through its app by integrating with the government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This step allows commuters to book QR code-based tickets directly from the Uber interface. Uber introduced the feature shortly after Rapido, another ride-hailing platform, began offering metro ticket bookings in Delhi and Chennai through its ONDC partnership. With this integration, Uber users in Delhi-NCR can now plan their public transport rides and buy metro tickets from a single app. Also read: Realme Neo 7 Turbo key features tipped online ahead of May 29 launch: Here's what to expect The ONDC platform helps standardise communication between public transit systems like the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and private apps such as Uber. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to book metro tickets on the Uber app. How to Book Metro Tickets on the Uber App: Open the Uber app and tap on the 'Metro tickets' option. Enter your starting and ending metro stations. Choose the number of passengers. Check the total fare and apply any available coupon codes. Select a payment method and tap 'Continue to Payment.' After completing the transaction, Uber will generate a QR code. Also read: PlayStation Days of Play Sale: Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, and more games get big price cuts The QR code acts as your metro ticket. To travel, scan the code at the token gate at the metro station. The QR code remains valid until the end of the same service day. If you need a receipt, tap the 'Receipt' button in the app after your purchase. This will open a new page with the ticket details. Currently, Uber's metro ticket booking feature is limited to Delhi-NCR. However, the company plans to expand this service to more cities in the future. Some users may also receive a 20 per cent discount, although the availability of this offer is not confirmed for all users or future bookings. Also read: Moto G96 key specs, design and colour options tipped online - All details Currently, ONDC does not charge users a fee for transactions. However, from July 1, 2025, the platform plans to introduce a fee of Rs. 1.5 on transactions over Rs. 250. Users can also take advantage of coupons to avail discounts on their tickets up to 50%. Online Delhi Metro Ticket - Alternative Booking Options: If you prefer not to use Uber, you can still book Delhi Metro tickets via WhatsApp. Send 'Hi' to 9650855800 to begin the booking process. Other platforms offering metro ticket bookings include Paytm, DMRC Momentum 2.0, One Delhi, and Tummoc apps. Several websites also support ticket bookings for the Delhi Metro. First Published Date: 29 May, 13:44 IST
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Smartphone IP ratings explained: What are IP68 and IP69, and are they waterproof?
Many smartphones, be it mid-rangers, flagships, or sometimes even entry-level ones, sport an IP rating, or Ingress Protection Rating for durability. We have seen smartphones support dual IP ratings or single IP ratings, and each time the number could be different. A smartphone might support IP68, while another may support a dual IP rating of IP68 + IP69. Now, as a general consumer, it might be confusing as to what these numbers mean in real life. It is not really hard to understand. These numbers denote different levels of protection in different ratings. What you need to understand before getting started is that the first digit of this number denotes protection against dust, and the second digit denotes protection against water. When a smartphone features a combination of two different ratings, that means it is protected against the different types of ingress that particular rating allows for. So here, without much further ado, let us understand different types of popular smartphone IP ratings. Also Read: PlayStation Days of Play Sale: Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, and more games get big price cuts If a smartphone has an IP68 rating, this means that the device is dust-sealed and can be submerged in water for long periods, often beyond 1 metre in depth, under conditions specified by the manufacturer. This makes a smartphone suitable for accidental submersion in freshwater bodies like a lake or river, but, of course, it cannot be too deep, or this protection will not apply. If a smartphone has an IP69 rating, this allows for dust sealing as well as the ability to withstand high-pressure and high-temperature water jets. This allows for endurance during extreme conditions, such as very harsh environments and industrial cleaning processes. If your smartphone has an IP rating that starts with 'X' (eg, IPX8), this means it has not been officially rated for dust resistance. The subsequent digit for water resistance still applies. So, if a phone has an IPX8 rating, that means your phone will function even after being submerged in freshwater for up to 30 minutes, under specific conditions. It goes without saying, but even if your phone has the best IP rating and you're ready to submerge it in a pool, if for some reason it gets water-damaged, your smartphone company won't repair it under warranty. The key word here is 'water-resistant', not waterproof. So, if they detect water damage, your phone's warranty will be void. MOBILE FINDER: iPhone 16 LATEST Price, Specs And More
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
PlayStation 'Days of Play' sale announced with discounts on PS5 games and accessories
Sony PlayStation India has announced its annual "Days of Play" sale starting May 28, offering significant discounts on popular PS5 and PS4 titles along with gaming peripherals. The two-week promotional event runs until June 11 across major retail platforms including Amazon , Flipkart, Croma, and Sony Center. PlayStation 5 exclusives are seeing substantial price cuts, with premium titles like Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, Gran Turismo 7, and The Last of Us Part I Remake dropping from Rs 4,999 to Rs 2,999 each. Other popular games including Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Sackboy: A Big Adventure are now available for Rs 1,999, down from Rs 3,999. PlayStation 4 users can also benefit from the promotion, with titles like Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut, God of War Ragnarök, and Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales all priced at Rs 1,999. Budget-friendly classics including Bloodborne Game of the Year Edition, Days Gone, and Detroit: Become Human are available for just Rs 1,499. PS5 games on discount by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here To Read More - micro segmentation software Expertinspector Click Here Undo Game Title Original Price Sale Price Spider-Man 2 ₹4,999 ₹2,999 Rise of the Ronin ₹4,999 ₹2,999 Gran Turismo 7 ₹4,999 ₹2,999 God of War Ragnarök ₹4,999 ₹2,999 The Last of Us Part I Remake ₹4,999 ₹2,999 Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut ₹4,999 ₹2,999 Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart ₹4,999 ₹2,999 Returnal ₹4,999 ₹2,999 Demon's Souls ₹4,999 ₹2,999 Until Dawn ₹3,999 ₹2,999 Horizon Forbidden West: Complete Edition ₹3,999 ₹2,999 Lego Horizon Adventures ₹3,999 ₹2,499 Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales ₹3,999 ₹1,999 Sackboy: A Big Adventure ₹3,999 ₹1,999 The Last of Us Part II Remastered ₹2,999 ₹1,999 Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered ₹2,999 ₹1,999 Helldivers 2 ₹2,499 ₹1,999 Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection ₹2,999 ₹1,499 PS4 games on discount Game Title Original Price Sale Price Gran Turismo 7 ₹3,999 ₹1,999 God of War Ragnarök ₹3,999 ₹1,999 Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut ₹3,999 ₹1,999 Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales ₹3,999 ₹1,999 Sackboy: A Big Adventure ₹3,999 ₹1,999 Horizon Forbidden West ₹2,999 ₹1,999 Marvel's Spider-Man: Game of the Year Edition ₹2,999 ₹1,999 The Last of Us Part II ₹2,499 ₹1,499 Days Gone ₹2,499 ₹1,499 Detroit: Become Human ₹2,499 ₹1,499 Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition ₹1,999 ₹1,499 Uncharted Collection HITS ₹1,499 ₹999 The Last of Us Remastered HITS ₹1,499 ₹999 God of War HITS ₹1,499 ₹999 God of War III Remastered HITS ₹1,499 ₹999 PlayStation VR2 and accessories also discounted The sale extends beyond games to include significant savings on PlayStation hardware and accessories. The PlayStation VR2 headset receives a Rs 5,000 discount, now priced at Rs 39,999 instead of Rs 44,999. Premium accessories like the DualSense Edge controller and Pulse Explore wireless earbuds are marked down by Rs 3,000 each. DualSense controllers in various colorways, including the new Chroma Collection and standard White and Black editions, are discounted to Rs 4,390-Rs 4,849 from their original prices exceeding Rs 6,300. Product Original Price Sale Price PS VR2 (Standalone) ₹44,999 ₹39,999 Pulse Explore Wireless Earbuds ₹18,990 ₹15,990 PS DualSense Edge Controller (White & Midnight Black) ₹18,990 ₹15,990 PS5 DualSense Metallic Blue/Red/Silver Controllers ₹6,849 ₹4,849 PS5 DualSense Chroma Collection Controller ₹6,849 ₹4,849 PS5 DualSense White Controller ₹6,390 ₹4,390 PS5 DualSense Black Controller ₹6,390 ₹4,390 PS5 DualSense Ice Blue Controller ₹6,390 ₹4,390 PS5 DualSense Grey Camo Controller ₹6,390 ₹4,390 PS5 DualSense Cosmic Red Controller ₹6,390 ₹4,390 The sale is available through both online and offline retailers including Amazon, Flipkart, Croma, Sony Center, and Vijay Sales, with availability subject to stock limits. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
