Tech
5 Interesting New Features Coming to WhatsApp

WhatsApp has announced a set of new features coming to the app in the next few weeks, including the launch of WhatsApp Dark Mode for its desktop platform amongst others.
“WhatsApp is already used and loved by more than 2 billion people around the world. While our focus remains on providing a simple, reliable and private way for people to chat with friends and family – we also continue to push forward our product design to make sure WhatsApp remains the most useful way for anyone, anywhere to connect,” a blog post about the new features reads.
The chat service launched dark mode on its smartphone app for iOS and Android in March and now is set to roll out a version of the interface design for WhatsApp desktop, as well as a few more interesting new features.

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1. Animated Stickers
Stickers have become a staple in WhatsApp chats across the world. Users have enjoyed animated stickers in apps like Telegram, and now animated sticker packs are rolling out to a WhatsApp near you.
“Stickers are one of the fastest-growing ways people communicate on WhatsApp, with billions sent every day. We are rolling out new animated sticker packs that are even more fun and expressive,” says the company.
2. QR Codes
WhatsApp is pushing for QR Code usage in a big way to change the way people collect each other’s contact details. The company says that “Soon when you meet someone new, you will be able to scan their QR code to add them to your contacts.”
This will no doubt facilitate adding contacts to WhatsApp, the process is particularly cumbersome on iOS as it is.
3. Statuses on KaiOS
WhatsApp is improving its variant for devices that run KaiOS. With users of the operating system now finally able to create and view Whatsapp’s “Stories” with Statuses.
“KaiOS users can now enjoy the popular feature that lets you share updates that disappear after 24 hours,” it says.
4. Dark Mode for WhatsApp Desktop
The highly-requested Dark Mode theme that has seen wide popularity across most social media apps that came to WhatsApp mobile in March will now be launched on WhatsApp Desktop.
5. New and improved Group Video Calls
WhatsApp now allows you to have 8 people join in on a video call, double the previous limit. This feature was recently being tested in beta and is now set to be released to commercial apps.
The app will also let you focus on a specific person you want to focus on during the call by touching and holding the screen of the person – thus bringing their display front and centre for you on your smartphone.
By Luis Monzon
Follow Luis Monzon on Twitter
Business
All you need to know about bitcoin

What is Bitcoin and Who created Bitcoin ?
Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency, a form of electronic cash. According to Wikipedia, it was invented in 2008 by an unknown person or group of people using the name Satoshi Nakamoto and started in 2009 when its implementation was released as open-source software. It is a decentralized digital currency without a central bank or single administrator that can be sent from user to user on the peer-to-peer bitcoin blockchain network without the need for intermediaries. It is powered through blockchain technology.
Is Bitcoin real money?
Bitcoin is not a money that the government declared to be a legal tender i.e. it is not fiat money and does not have ties to any government. It is a cryptocurrency and can be used as payment or for investing purposes. Many mainstream companies and even some governments accept Bitcoin as payment.
To buy bitcoin in Nigeria at an affordable rate,
Visit: www.cryptonaira.ng
Tech
Breaking: Stripe Acquires PayStack For $200M+

Paystack, a startup out of Lagos has just been acquired by Stripe. PayStack, like Stripe, provides a way of integrating financial payments services online or offline transaction by the use of an API. Earlier this year, Stripe announced that they had gotten extra funding worth $600 million and that a major reason they got the funding was to expand its API-based payments services into more regions.
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Paystack has more than 50,000 customers that is made up of large organizations, small businesses, educational institutes, online betting companies etc. While there is plan for PayStack to continue operating independently, the terms of the deal with Stripe were not disclosed. Paystack CEO Shola Akinlade in an interview said the deal will give the company a lot more fuel (that is, investment) to build out further in Nigeria and expand to other markets.
This acquisition is the biggest startup acquisition in Nigeria till date, as well as that of Stripe. This is different from other Stripe acquisitions as this acquisition expands the company global footprint. Stripe is currently valued at $36 billion and regularly tipped as an IPO candidate and has added more than 15 countries to its platform in the last one and a half year.
Akinlade, PayStack co-founder and Ezra Olubi PayStack Chief Technology Officer believes Stripe will help their company reach its mission faster and that it is a natural move. Paystack had been on Stripe’s radar for some time before the acquisition.
Stripe’s co-founder and CEO Collison, said this is an enormous opportunity and that when they invest in startups do not tie down those startups with complicated strategic investments and that they try to understand the broader ecosystem and keep their eyes pointed outwards and see where Stripe can help them. Stripe CEO also said a lot of companies are heavily influenced by Stripe
Tech
Instagram brings shopping to Reels and IGTV

Instagram has announced that it will be expanding its shopping service across IGTV and Reels to its users globally.
The feature is ideal for creators and influencers who use their accounts for business purposes to direct their fan s to their online stores. With the feature, users can tag specific products in their videos, which are then available to purchase from within the app.
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Instagram says, later this year, it will be testing the shopping feature on Reels, its newest feature.
“Digital creators and brands help bring emerging culture to Instagram, and people come and get inspired by them. By bringing shopping to IGTV and Reels, we’re making it easy to shop directly from videos. And in turn, helping sellers share their story, reach customers, and make a living,” said Instagram COO Justin Osofsky, in a statement.
Facebook has been making shopping an increasingly central part of Instagram, Early this year, the company made in-app checkout available to all US businesses and has said it plans to redesign its app with a dedicated shopping section and allow influencers to sell products in live video.
Shopping was first made available in normal feed posts, Stories since 2018 on Instagram’s Explore section, a personalized shopping channel.
Last year, the company introduced Checkout, a way users can transact within the app. In the future, Instagram says its shoppable IGTV videos will be made discoverable on Instagram Shop, as well while also exploring more features to add on.
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