Google is discontinuing its business profile chat feature in Google Maps and Search, which allowed users to message businesses directly through the apps. The feature will be unavailable for new conversations starting July 15, 2024, and existing conversations will be cut off on July 31, 2024. Businesses can download their conversation history until August 30, 2024. Google aims to focus on more valued tools for merchants and customers.
WhatsApp appears to be testing a version of its iOS app optimized for the iPad, as seen in screenshots from lucky beta testers. The iPad app functions similarly to the iOS app, with a list of conversations on the left and the current chat on the right. Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has been slow to develop iPad apps for its other platforms, but bringing WhatsApp to the iPad makes sense as it becomes more central to Meta's social ecosystem. Recent updates to WhatsApp include improved group calling on the Mac app, support for HD photos and videos, and the rollout of Channels. Meta is also working on making WhatsApp a cross-platform messaging service to comply with EU rules.
Beepberry is a pocket computer kit designed for instant messaging, featuring a 2.7 inch black and white Sharp memory LCD display and a keyboard from a BlackBerry Classic smartphone. It works with a Raspberry Pi Zero W single-board computer and runs software that connects to the Beeper messaging service. The device is customizable and hackable, allowing users to repurpose it for other applications. The starting price of $79 does not include a case or the computer that powers it, but the makers are considering adding support for a 4G LTE modem or other hardware.
