Millions of smartphones will lose access to popular instant messaging platform WhatsApp as of Monday.
More than 40 smartphone models will be unable to use the Meta-owned app, which will stop working on systems that are older than Android OS 4.1, Apple's iOS 10 and KaiOS 2.5.1, according to its FAQ section.
This means the phone will be incompatible with WhatsApp if you're running an older system.
This includes popular devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S3, Huawei Ascend Mate and iPhone 4. See a full list here.
If this includes your device, you'll need to upgrade to a newer model of phone that has an operating system the company supports – or use a different messaging service altogether.
For some devices, including the iPhone 6s or first-generation iPhone SE, all users need to do is update their systems to the latest iOS 15 in order to continue using the messaging service.
Anyone switching from Apple to Android will also be pleased to know there's a feature that allows users to migrate chats between devices. Previously, before an update in September, iOS chat histories would be stored in iCloud, while Android histories went to Google Drive, making it nearly impossible to transfer chats between phones that use different operating systems. Users would be advised to instead email their chat histories to themselves.
The new feature encompasses voice messages, photos and videos, but not call history or display name.
"To start, this feature is available on any Samsung device running Android 10 or higher, and will be available on more Android devices soon," said WhatsApp.
It's common for apps to stop working on older devices, often because it's not cost-efficient for technology companies, particularly if a device has a small customer base.
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
TRAINING FOR TOKYO
A typical week's training for Sebastian, who is competing at the ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon on March 8-9:
- Four swim sessions (14km)
- Three bike sessions (200km)
- Four run sessions (45km)
- Two strength and conditioning session (two hours)
- One session therapy session at DISC Dubai
- Two-three hours of stretching and self-maintenance of the body
ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon
For more information go to www.abudhabi.triathlon.org.
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
Tips to avoid getting scammed
1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday
2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment
3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone
4) Try not to close the sale at night
5) Don't be rushed into a sale
6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
