WhatsApp has introduced an innovative security feature known as Chat Lock, which enhances user privacy by allowing individuals to secure their personal chats from unwanted access. A key component of this update is the Secret Code option, enabling users to access locked chats through a unique code, thereby making private conversations even more discreet.

What is the Secret Code for Locked Chats?

The Secret Code feature allows users to set a custom code for their locked chats, effectively hiding them and making them accessible only through a specific search command. Instead of simply navigating to the Locked Chats folder within the app, users can assign a custom name or code that conceals these chats entirely from the main chat screen.

Once the Secret Code is established, users can easily search for it within the app to access their hidden chats. If someone attempts to enter an incorrect code, the locked chats will remain invisible, adding an extra layer of security.

Steps to Set Up a Secret Code for Locked Chats on WhatsApp

If you want to enhance the security of your chats with a Secret Code, follow this step-by-step guide:

• Lock Your Chats:

1. 1. • Select the chat you wish to lock.
      • Tap the three dots in the top-right corner and choose Lock Chat.

• Access the Locked Chats Folder:

1. 1. • After locking some chats, open WhatsApp and navigate to the Locked Chats folder.

• Set the Secret Code:

1. 1. • Tap the three dots in the top-right corner of the Locked Chats screen and select Chat Lock Settings.
      • Choose the Secret Code option.
      • Enter a memorable code of your choice (this can include words or emojis).
      • Tap Next, re-enter your code to confirm, and then tap Done to save your code.

• Hide Locked Chats:

1. • To make locked chats less visible, go back to the Chat Lock Settings page and toggle on Hide Locked Chats.

Important Considerations

• Code Access: After setting up your Secret Code, you will need to enter it each time you want to access your hidden chats.
• Privacy Caution: If someone knows your Secret Code, they can unlock your chats.
• Code Retrieval: If you forget your Secret Code, there is no recovery option unless you have a backup of your chats.

Benefits of Using the Secret Code Feature

The introduction of the Secret Code significantly enhances privacy for WhatsApp users. It allows individuals to keep sensitive conversations hidden from prying eyes, making it particularly useful for those who share their devices or are concerned about unauthorized access. This feature is ideal for various scenarios, such as discussing personal matters or planning surprises without fear of being discovered.

Conclusion

With its new Secret Code feature for locked chats, WhatsApp has taken a significant step toward enhancing user privacy and security. By allowing users to hide their sensitive conversations behind a customizable code, WhatsApp provides an effective solution for those looking to keep their communications confidential. As digital privacy becomes increasingly important, features like these empower users to take control over their personal information and interactions within the app.

If you’re ready to break free from Google’s two-decade reign in the search engine market, there’s an exciting new alternative: ChatGPT. OpenAI has introduced a web search feature in ChatGPT, positioning it as a robust competitor alongside established players like Bing and Microsoft’s AI-enhanced search tools. Here’s how you can set ChatGPT as your default search engine and explore its capabilities.

Setting ChatGPT as Your Default Search Engine

You can easily set ChatGPT as the default search engine on any Chromium-based browser that supports Chrome Web Store extensions. This includes popular browsers like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Brave, and Opera. To enable ChatGPT Search as your primary search engine, follow these steps:

• Install the ChatGPT Search Extension:

1. 1. • Go to the Chrome Web Store in your browser and search for the ChatGPT Search extension. Alternatively, you can use a direct link to the extension.
      • Click on “Add to Chrome” or “Add to [Your Browser]” to install the extension.
      • Ensure the extension is activated by checking under the “Extensions” tab in your browser settings.

• Pin the Extension:

1. • To prevent the extension from being automatically disabled by your browser, consider adding it to your favorites tray for easy access.

Limitations and Availability

Currently, the ChatGPT Search feature is available only for OpenAI’s Plus and Team subscribers, with plans to extend access to Enterprise and Education accounts soon. Free users will gain access eventually, although OpenAI has not specified a date. Users who joined the waitlist for the prototype, SearchGPT, should have access to ChatGPT’s search capabilities without needing a subscription.

This new AI-powered search feature enhances natural language understanding, allowing users to interact with ChatGPT as their default search engine and experience a fresh, conversational approach to web browsing.

Benefits of Using ChatGPT as Your Search Engine

By setting ChatGPT as your default search engine, you can enjoy several advantages:

• Conversational Queries: You can ask questions in a more natural way, and ChatGPT can respond with information sourced from the web.
• Contextual Understanding: The AI takes into account the full context of your queries, providing more relevant answers based on previous interactions.
• Up-to-Date Information: ChatGPT integrates real-time data from various sources, including news articles and statistics, enhancing the relevance of its responses.
• No Ads: Unlike traditional search engines that often display ads alongside results, ChatGPT offers an ad-free experience.

Expanded Device Compatibility and Access

The upgraded ChatGPT Search will also be accessible on other devices through compatible browsers. Users can expect consistent functionality across their devices by logging into their OpenAI accounts.

Conclusion

Making ChatGPT your default search engine is a straightforward process that opens up a new world of possibilities for how you interact with information online. With its conversational capabilities and advanced AI features, ChatGPT promises to deliver a more engaging and efficient search experience than traditional engines like Google. As you explore this innovative tool, you’ll not only enhance your browsing experience but also contribute to the growing shift towards AI-driven solutions in everyday tasks.

If you’re ready for a change, follow the steps above and say goodbye to Google—ChatGPT is here to redefine how you search!

Looking to add more personality to your Instagram profile picture? Now, you can create a dynamic profile that seamlessly displays both your static profile photo and a custom animated avatar—perfect for sharing a bit more of your personality.

Instagram’s dynamic profile picture feature, launched in January 2023, combines your standard profile photo with a customizable animated avatar. This allows followers to flip between your static image and your animated self-portrait with a simple swipe. If you’re not familiar with avatars on Instagram, they were first introduced in early 2022 for Stories and messages and are now available for profile pictures.

Customizing Your Avatar

Instagram’s animated avatars are customizable, similar to Apple’s Memoji and Samsung’s AR Emoji, with no fixed gender settings. You can personalize various features to match your style. Avatars are public by default, but privacy settings allow you to control who can see them.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Dynamic Profile Picture

Step 1: Start Creating Your Avatar

1. Ensure you have the latest version of Instagram on your Android or iOS device.
2. Go to your profile page and tap “Edit Profile.”
3. If you haven’t created an avatar before, you may see a prompt inviting you to “Create Your Avatar.” Select it, or tap “Edit picture or avatar” to get started.

Step 2: Customize Your Avatar

1. Begin by selecting a skin tone, then dive into customizations such as hairstyle, face shape, and outfit.
2. The options are extensive, allowing adjustments from facial features to makeup, accessories, and body type.
3. Use a two-finger pinch to zoom in or rotate the avatar with a swipe for better detail viewing.
4. For more personalization options, select “More Personalization” for finer adjustments like brows, lashes, and facial hair.
5. Instagram includes a virtual store for additional personal touches; once satisfied, tap “Save” to finish your avatar.

Note: If your Instagram is synced with Facebook, it will offer the option to “Sync” avatars across both platforms.

Step 3: Add the Avatar to Your Profile Picture

1. Head back to the “Edit Profile” page.
2. Instagram may prompt you to “Enhance your profile picture with your avatar.” If not, select your avatar and enable the “Add to profile picture” option.
3. This action combines your profile photo and avatar into a double-sided profile picture that followers can swipe to see both versions.

Step 4: Personalize Background and Pose (Optional)

1. To add final touches, adjust the avatar’s background color and choose from various poses for a more personal look.
2. Swipe to show the avatar on the “Edit Profile” screen, tap to adjust, and select your preferred background and pose options.

If you ever want to remove the avatar, use the ellipsis (•••) menu in the profile editor to hide it.

Conclusion

Creating a dynamic profile picture on Instagram allows you to showcase both your static image and animated avatar, adding depth and personality to your online presence. This feature not only enhances user engagement but also provides an innovative way for individuals to express themselves creatively.

As this feature becomes more widely adopted, it will be interesting to see how users leverage it for personal branding and community interaction on the platform. By following these steps, you can easily set up your own dynamic profile picture and make your Instagram account stand out!