Up to 32-Person Group Video Call Unveiled by WhatsApp Beta for Windows

WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform, has recently introduced an exciting new feature to its Beta version for Windows. Users can now enjoy group video calls with up to 32 people simultaneously, enhancing their communication experience and allowing for more inclusive conversations.

The introduction of group video calls on WhatsApp Beta for Windows is a significant development, as it expands the platform's capabilities and brings it closer to other video conferencing applications. With this feature, users can now connect with multiple contacts at once, whether it's for professional meetings, catching up with friends and family, or organizing virtual events.

By incorporating group video calls, WhatsApp aims to provide a seamless and user-friendly experience to its Windows Beta users. This addition aligns with the platform's commitment to continuously enhance its features and meet the evolving needs of its global user base.

To initiate a group video call on WhatsApp Beta for Windows, users simply need to select the "New Call" button and choose the "New Group Call" option. They can then select up to 32 contacts from their list to join the call. This streamlined process ensures that users can effortlessly connect with their desired participants and engage in meaningful conversations.

During group video calls, participants can enjoy a range of interactive features to make their communication more engaging and convenient. They can toggle between the front and rear cameras, mute or unmute their audio, and switch their video on or off. These controls allow users to adapt their video call settings to their preferences and optimize their experience based on their current environment or requirements.

WhatsApp Beta for Windows also provides a user-friendly interface that displays participants' video streams in a grid layout, ensuring everyone is visible on the screen. This arrangement allows for better visual interaction, making it easier for users to follow conversations and actively participate in group discussions.

Additionally, WhatsApp Beta for Windows introduces a chat feature during video calls, enabling participants to send text messages to the group. This functionality enhances the collaborative aspect of the video call, allowing users to share important information, links, or simply engage in side conversations while the call is ongoing.

The integration of group video calls on WhatsApp Beta for Windows aligns with the platform's commitment to privacy and security. WhatsApp employs end-to-end encryption to safeguard user conversations, ensuring that only the intended recipients can access the shared content. This encryption mechanism adds an extra layer of protection and instills confidence in users, knowing that their communications are secure and private.

WhatsApp Beta for Windows continues to evolve with frequent updates and feature enhancements. Users who participate in the Beta program have the opportunity to test new functionalities before they are officially rolled out to the wider user base. This iterative development approach allows WhatsApp to gather valuable feedback and make necessary improvements to optimize the user experience.

In conclusion, the introduction of group video calls on WhatsApp Beta for Windows enhances the platform's capabilities and offers users a more inclusive and interactive communication experience. With the ability to connect with up to 32 participants simultaneously, users can engage in productive discussions, host virtual events, or catch up with loved ones in a seamless and convenient manner. WhatsApp's commitment to privacy and security, coupled with its user-friendly interface and interactive features, solidifies its position as a leading messaging platform in the digital landscape.

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by Ayesha Hasnain via Digital Information World

Meta Enhances Understanding of Feed Algorithms with AI Integration

Meta, the parent company overseeing Facebook and Instagram, has provided a new elucidation of its feed algorithms and the utilization of sophisticated AI systems to deliver pertinent content to its users. The objective is to augment transparency, empowering users to comprehend the variables impacting their feed and furnish marketers with valuable insights to foster stronger connections with their intended audience.

During a recent examination, Nick Clegg, Global Affairs President at Meta, underscored the importance of openness when employing AI in recommendation systems. Meta's AI assesses the significance of content to each user by taking into account factors like post distribution, user actions, and survey responses. By amalgamating these diverse predictions, Meta aims to deliver the most fitting content to its users.

Previously, Meta has provided information about its algorithms to clarify how users view particular content in their feeds. The system takes into account important factors such as user interaction with profiles or individuals, the timing of posts, and the potential to generate engagement. By incorporating AI technology, these fundamental aspects are reinforced, with the goal of enhancing the user experience in real time.

Meta has unveiled twenty-two "system cards" that elucidate the ranking of content in its feed algorithms. These cards function as a valuable resource for users and marketers to enhance their understanding of content performance and reach assessment. Although the explanations deliberately lack specificity to deter system manipulation, they provide valuable insights for improved comprehension.

Meta emphasizes its utilization of AI in its ranking process, utilizing enhanced content comprehension to interpret the semantic significance of diverse content formats, such as text, images, videos, and audio. Advanced AI models facilitate tasks like recognizing visuals, detecting objects, extracting text, recognizing audio, classifying topics, predicting hashtags, finding similar content, and grouping related items. Through comprehensive analysis of content, Meta's systems strive to present users with the most pertinent material aligned with their interests.

Similar to TikTok, Meta's algorithms prioritize visual cues over hashtags or keywords alone, making the content selection more compelling. Meta is also incorporating this approach into Reels, a feature that has driven engagement growth on Instagram and Facebook. However, Meta refrains from disclosing precise methods to increase one's reach, focusing instead on enhancing users' comprehension of the ranking system's factors and empowering them to impact their feed through their manual adjustments and actions.

Meta intends to improve transparency by updating the "Why Am I Seeing This?" feature in Reels, which will provide users with additional details on how their past actions influence the Reels they come across. Furthermore, Meta will introduce content control features on Instagram and Facebook, allowing users to exert more control over the content they view on both platforms. Users will have the ability to adjust feed preferences and access suggested content control centers, enabling them to personalize their overall experience.

Meta's transparency tools offer significant information about the ranking models and key factors taken into account, although they don't disclose all the undisclosed aspects of the algorithms. For marketers, having an understanding of the specific elements Meta emphasizes at different times can be advantageous. However, due to the ever-changing nature of the algorithms and the associated risks of exploiting the system, Meta is cautious about revealing intricate details.

In conclusion, Meta's transparency tools provide valuable insights into its feed algorithms and the utilization of AI systems. The objective is to enhance user understanding of content selection and empower marketers to better connect with their target audience. While not divulging all algorithmic secrets, Meta's transparency efforts contribute to a more informed user experience. The company aims to deliver relevant content through advanced content comprehension and user control features. While specific strategies for increasing reach are not disclosed, Meta's focus on transparency ensures a dynamic and evolving platform.

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by Ayesha Hasnain via Digital Information World

Google Is Crossing The Line By Serving Ads For Brands On Fake And Spammy Websites

A new study is lashing out at tech giant Google and how the company seems to be engaging in behavior that goes against its own policies.

The tech giant was recently accused of putting out ads for leading brands across web pages that are operated by spam and serve as the clear definition of being fake.

It’s thanks to a detailed report by Misinformation Monitor that we’ve gotten this news says researchers at Newsguard Technologies detailed more about a massive breakdown involving the issues of today’s advertising market.

It’s amazing how so many ads failed to pass the test which comprised of matching with the target audience in question. They also failed big time in terms of respecting the wishes of brands when it came down to safety.

The report further delineates how top brands from around the world were showcasing support for the expansion of news that’s fake and developed through artificial means and published across such spammy locations. And as you can imagine, this is a major problem and it’s gaining support for sites that are not only poor in quality but also filled with all sorts of misinformation.

It’s interesting how the report by NewsGuard failed to delineate which websites were involved but they did boldly outline how top-of-the-range blue chip firms were involved. And that entails two global market leaders in this realm.

The report does not shy away from putting most of the blame upon Google and it also entails how 90% of the ads published are actually thanks to Google Ads.

There’s a high figure that showcases how tech giant Google ends up dominating the advertising industry and with such a huge market share in its possession, it’s clear that there’s plenty of anti-competitive business taking place.

The websites being displayed fail to showcase any form of real news but it’s interesting because they also fail to attain access to some links and websites through their own means.

The article also shed light on how so many of these web pages were working at the speed of light, churning out articles faster than one could possibly imagine. We’re talking nearly 1200 articles in one particular day. Other reports highlighted 108 posts on any particular day.

And the quality being showcased is not only low but the content is repeated too.

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

This Study Reveals the State of Democracy Around the World

About a century ago, there were far fewer democracies than the present day. The aftermath of the Second World War brought about the creation of multiple new democracies, but in spite of the fact that this is the case there have been cases of democratic backsliding. This makes a country less democratic and free than might have been the case otherwise, and the data from V-DEM’s Electoral Democratic Index was used to reveal the state of democracy around the world.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that Hungary has seen the most democratic backsliding out of any country on this list. Back in 2010, it had a score of 0.8, but in the years since it has lost 34 points to land at just 0.46 as of 2022. Other countries around it have not fared much better, with Poland going from 0.89 to 0.59 in the same period, Serbia’s score declining from 0.61 to 0.34 and Turkey plummeting from 0.55 to 0.28.

Elsewhere in the world, India has seen a concerning decline in democracy within its borders. It had reached an impressive score of 0.71 in 2010, but by 2022 this had declined to just 0.44 with all things having been considered and taken into account. Afghanistan’s makeshift democracy had managed to score 0.38, but after the Fall of Kabul it has seen its score drop to 0.16 which is among the lowest scores on this list.

However, there are countries that have become more democratic as well. Armenia has managed to bring its score from 0.34 in 2010 to 0.74 in 2022. The African nation of Gambia doubled its score from 0.25 to 0.5, with Tunisia seeing a similar trend up north by going from 0.4 to 0.56.

Also, while India’s decline in democracy is a concerning trend for South Asia, its island neighbor Sri Lanka saw its democracy index rise from 0.42 to 0.57 in the same period. It will be interesting to see where things go from here on out, since the past few years have been a serious stress test for democracies.

H/T: Visualcapitalist

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

TikTok Set to Enter the U.S. E-commerce Market with its First Online Store in July

In a bid to expand its offerings and capitalize on its massive user base, social media giant TikTok is planning to enter the online retail market by launching its first-ever e-commerce store. This move comes as TikTok aims to diversify its revenue streams and enhance its position as a prominent player in the digital marketplace.

TikTok, known for its short-form videos and viral content, has quickly gained popularity among users of all ages across the globe. With over a billion active monthly users, the platform has become a hub for entertainment, creativity, and social networking. Now, TikTok is ready to leverage its extensive reach and engagement to tap into the lucrative e-commerce industry.

The e-commerce store will provide TikTok users with a seamless shopping experience within the app itself. Users will be able to explore a wide range of products, spanning various categories such as fashion, beauty, electronics, home decor, and more. By integrating shopping directly into the platform, TikTok aims to enhance user convenience and encourage more spontaneous purchases driven by user-generated content.

To ensure a smooth transition into the e-commerce space, TikTok has formed partnerships with numerous brands and retailers, both established and emerging. These collaborations will enable TikTok to curate a diverse selection of products that align with the interests and preferences of its user base. Furthermore, the platform plans to utilize its powerful recommendation algorithms to personalize the shopping experience, presenting users with tailored product recommendations based on their browsing history and preferences.

In addition to providing a platform for brands to showcase and sell their products, TikTok is also exploring the integration of innovative shopping features to enhance the overall user experience. One such feature is the ability to make purchases directly from creators' videos. By allowing creators to tag products in their videos, users can easily access product information and make purchases without leaving the app. This integration not only benefits brands and creators by streamlining the purchasing process but also provides users with a seamless shopping experience that seamlessly blends with the content they enjoy.

TikTok's foray into e-commerce comes at a time when the industry is experiencing significant growth, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift towards online shopping has become more prominent than ever, with consumers seeking convenience, safety, and unique experiences in their purchasing journey. By capitalizing on this trend, TikTok aims to become a go-to destination for both entertainment and shopping, creating a one-stop-shop experience for its users.

While TikTok's move into e-commerce presents significant opportunities, it also poses challenges for the platform. One such challenge is ensuring the authenticity and quality of products sold through its store. TikTok recognizes the importance of trust and user satisfaction and has implemented measures to safeguard against counterfeit and low-quality items. Stricter guidelines for sellers, rigorous vetting processes, and user feedback mechanisms will be put in place to maintain a reliable and trustworthy shopping environment.

As TikTok prepares to launch its e-commerce store, industry experts are closely monitoring the potential impact it may have on existing online retailers. With its massive user base and influential content creators, TikTok has the potential to disrupt the e-commerce landscape and reshape consumer behavior. The platform's ability to seamlessly merge entertainment and shopping experiences within its app provides a unique selling proposition that may attract a new wave of consumers and challenge established players in the industry.

In conclusion, TikTok's venture into the e-commerce realm marks an important milestone for the social media giant. By leveraging its vast user base, creative content, and powerful recommendation algorithms, TikTok aims to revolutionize the way users discover and purchase products. With the launch of its e-commerce store, TikTok seeks to position itself as a major player in the digital marketplace and provide its users with a seamless and immersive shopping experience.

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by Ayesha Hasnain via Digital Information World

Gmail Revolutionizes Email Marketing with Native Mail Merge Feature

In a significant development for users of Google's web-based email service, Gmail, the tech giant has introduced a new feature that allows seamless integration with Google Sheets. This integration brings the much-anticipated mail merge functionality to web Gmail, empowering users to personalize and send bulk emails directly from their Gmail accounts.

With this latest update, Google aims to enhance productivity and streamline email communication for individuals and businesses alike. The mail merge feature eliminates the need for third-party add-ons or extensions, providing a convenient and efficient solution within the Gmail interface.

Previously, users seeking to perform mail merges in Gmail had to rely on external tools or complex workarounds. This new native integration simplifies the process, allowing users to effortlessly send personalized emails to multiple recipients without leaving the Gmail environment.

To access the mail merge feature, users need to have a Google Sheets document containing the recipient data, such as names and email addresses. Within the Gmail web interface, users can now compose a new email and select the option to import contacts from a Google Sheets spreadsheet.

Once the desired spreadsheet is chosen, users can customize their email templates by inserting variables that will be dynamically populated with the corresponding data from the spreadsheet. These variables enable the personalization of email content, ensuring that each recipient receives a tailored message.

Furthermore, users have the flexibility to preview their merged emails before sending them, ensuring accuracy and making any necessary adjustments. The merge process can be initiated by clicking the "Merge" button, and the emails will be dispatched in the background, minimizing interruptions to the user's workflow.

This integration also offers additional features to enhance the email merging experience. Users can set up the sending rate to control the number of emails sent per minute, reducing the chances of triggering spam filters or overwhelming recipients' inboxes. Additionally, email drafts can be saved and reused for future mail merges, saving time and effort for recurring campaigns.

The mail merge feature is likely to benefit various individuals and businesses across different sectors. For example, professionals engaged in sales or marketing can now personalize bulk emails to reach out to potential clients or nurture existing customer relationships. Educators can send personalized communications to students and parents, improving engagement and providing tailored information.

Moreover, the new functionality will prove useful for nonprofit organizations and event organizers, who often need to communicate with a large number of recipients while maintaining a personal touch. By leveraging the mail merge feature, they can efficiently send customized emails for fundraising campaigns, event invitations, or volunteer coordination.

Data privacy and security are paramount concerns when it comes to handling sensitive information. Google addresses these concerns by ensuring that access to spreadsheets is controlled by the users themselves. Additionally, the company's robust security measures and data encryption protocols provide an added layer of protection to prevent unauthorized access or misuse of user data.

In conclusion, the integration of mail merge functionality into web Gmail through Google Sheets brings a host of benefits to users. The streamlined process enables personalized and efficient communication, eliminating the need for external tools or complex workarounds. With this update, Google continues to enhance its productivity suite, empowering users to maximize their efficiency and effectiveness in managing their email communications.

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by Ayesha Hasnain via Digital Information World

Household Food Insecurity Rises amidst Inflation Calling for Supportive Solutions

The results of a recent survey carried out in May by the famous research and data analytical Morning Consult have been disclosed, giving light to a subject of great concern. The findings show a rising trend in low-income households' food insecurity.

The poll discovered that a startling 22% of households making less than $50,000 yearly reported having irregular or rare use of food in the previous month. This alarming figure shows a huge seven percent increase since January, highlighting the critical and urgent food insecurity scenario many lower-income households are currently in.

The grocery industry has been under constant inflationary pressure, which has significantly strained household finances and limited expenditure on necessary food goods. Customers, particularly those with little financial means, have been forced to make challenging decisions about their food purchases. The current environment has further exacerbated this trend as families continue to tighten their budgets and prioritize only necessary items.

Recognizing the challenges faced by individuals and families, brands and retailers have an opportunity to provide much-needed support through innovative solutions. Consumers will undoubtedly welcome efforts from these stakeholders, such as sales and discounts, to help alleviate the burden of rising grocery costs.

In addition, supporting individuals who experience food insecurity is essential for addressing this pressing problem. Low-income households suffer by this issue, especially those with young children.

Lack of food among families with children got by 12 percentage points from 15% in January to 27% in May. The rising cost of groceries, typically accounts for quite a bit of their monthly expenses, makes the issue even more challenging. As lower-income households struggle with heightened food insecurity and reduce their grocery spending, more individuals are relying on SNAP benefits for assistance.

However, this increased dependence on aid coincides with recent changes to the program, including the expiration of pandemic-era provisions in March. Consequently, recipients in the 32 states still providing additional benefits have experienced a minimum reduction of $95 per month.

Considering that the average national household SNAP benefit was $239 before the pandemic, losing $95 significantly impacts their ability to cope with the rising price the diminished benefits and ongoing inflationary trends further strain their limited resources when shopping for groceries.

According to Morning Consult data, groceries are the second-largest expenditure in the average consumer's budget. Hence, the significant increase in food prices burdens household finances considerably. As more individuals with lower incomes turn to SNAP benefits to supplement their grocery expenses amidst these high prices, reduced spending on food is expected to persist.

Considering the substantial growth in food prices, consumers will require support. Brands and retailers can offer assistance through various means, such as discounts, sales, promotions, or even direct donations for those experiencing food insecurity. By providing these resources, they can contribute to alleviating the challenges faced by individuals in need.

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World