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!

WhatsApp has recently introduced a new feature known as Channel Categories, aimed at enhancing the user experience by simplifying the process of discovering and following channels that align with individual interests. This update is expected to significantly boost user engagement on the platform, which boasts over 500 million monthly users engaging with WhatsApp Channels.

Overview of Channel Categories

The new categorization system divides channels into seven distinct groups:

• People
• Organizations
• Lifestyle
• Sports
• Entertainment
• Businesses
• News & Information

Accessible through the Explore option in the Updates tab, this feature allows users to navigate easily through various categories, making it simpler to find content that resonates with their preferences. The automated categorization process means that channel owners no longer need to manually assign categories, streamlining the user experience further.

Enhancing User Experience

The implementation of Channel Categories is designed to improve how users interact with content on WhatsApp. By enabling users to filter search results by category, WhatsApp not only saves time but also encourages exploration of a wider range of channels. This could lead to increased satisfaction as users discover new interests and communities within the app.

The organized structure provided by Channel Categories is anticipated to enhance overall user engagement, allowing for a more intuitive browsing experience. As users delve into different categories, they may find channels that they might not have otherwise encountered, broadening their content consumption.

Celebrity Engagement

The timing of this new feature coincides with the rising popularity of WhatsApp Channels among public figures and celebrities. Notable Bollywood stars such as Kareena Kapoor Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Ayushmann Khurrana have launched their own channels, offering exclusive content and personal insights. For instance, Khurrana’s channel promises followers a glimpse into his life, sharing behind-the-scenes updates and creative endeavors like poetry. This personal touch aims to foster closer connections between celebrities and their fans.

Future Developments

In addition to Channel Categories, WhatsApp is enhancing its artificial intelligence capabilities. The platform plans to roll out a two-way voice chat feature powered by Meta AI, allowing users to interact with chatbots in a more personalized manner. This feature will offer various voice options, including those of celebrities, enriching user interaction on the platform.

The introduction of AI-driven features aligns with Meta’s broader strategy to integrate advanced technology into its messaging services. By providing users with unique voice interactions, WhatsApp aims to create a more engaging and dynamic communication experience.

Conclusion

WhatsApp’s launch of Channel Categories marks a significant advancement in creating a user-friendly environment for content discovery. By organizing channels into distinct categories and enhancing AI capabilities for personalized interactions, WhatsApp is positioning itself as a more engaging platform for its vast user base. As this feature gains traction, it will be interesting to see how both users and channel creators adapt to this new system, potentially reshaping the way content is consumed on the app.