Author: Richard

The newest WhatsApp beta version on TestFlight brings a native CarPlay app, enhancing the app’s functionality beyond the existing voice-controlled interface. Here are the specifics.

### Feature Anticipated to Launch in the Upcoming Weeks

WhatsApp users engaging with the app via CarPlay will likely tell you that the current integration is quite limited. Tapping the WhatsApp icon on CarPlay presently activates Siri, offering options to request it to draft a new message or make a voice call.

However, as reported by WABetaInfo, Meta is developing a thoroughly redesigned WhatsApp experience that transcends the present Siri commands. It unveils a native CarPlay interface enabling users to browse recent chats, access contact details, and start messages or calls without solely depending on voice commands.

From WABetaInfo:

> When users launch WhatsApp from the system launcher, they are greeted with a dedicated chat list screen. This serves as the primary tab of the app, allowing users to view their recent interactions, typically covering conversations from the past 20 to 25 days. Keep in mind that it is not possible to open a particular chat to read its history. This is sensible, as drivers should not be reading full conversations while driving. When not on the road, users can easily retrieve the full chat history on their smartphones.

The updated CarPlay experience is presently accessible to a select group of users testing the app via TestFlight.

It encompasses:
– A new **contact info** interface that allows users to view profile information for each contact;
– A **call history** interface displaying recent calls, including whether they were incoming, outgoing, or missed;
– Support for **favorite contacts** through a dedicated tab.

As typical with any beta feature, there’s currently no information regarding when WhatsApp will officially release it, nor if features will be added or removed ahead of launch.

To find out more about CarPlay support in the WhatsApp beta, follow this link.

### Apple Subsidiary Violated Sanctions Against Russia

The UK has levied a fine of £390,000 (around $516,000) on Apple Distribution International Ltd. (ADI), a branch of Apple, for breaching sanctions imposed on Russia. This measure follows the nation’s invasion of Ukraine and underscores the significance of adherence to global sanctions.

As per a Bloomberg report, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) discovered that ADI executed payments amounting to £635,618 to Okko LLC, a Russian streaming service, during June and July of 2022. At the moment of these transactions, Okko was under UK sanctions due to the ongoing geopolitical crisis.

#### Breach Details

The payments were processed through UK banks, and ADI proactively informed OFSI about the transactions after recognizing that Okko had recently come under sanctions. The OFSI pointed out that although ADI depended on its affiliates for managing payment operations and performing sanctions checks, the company itself bears legal responsibility for the violation, as it authorized the payments.

In its formal notice, the OFSI remarked that “the duty of ensuring compliance with sanctions legislation lies with the entity directly accountable for the breach.” This indicates that even if a business entrusts compliance responsibilities to outside parties, it remains responsible for any transgressions.

#### Compliance and Settlement

The matter was settled through an agreement, which the OFSI characterized as a means to secure timely enforcement results. As part of the settlement, ADI accepted the fine and relinquished its rights to a ministerial review and appeal.

This occurrence acts as a reminder for businesses functioning in international markets to uphold strict compliance protocols to prevent sanction violations, particularly in today’s geopolitical landscape.

AT&T has introduced a new ‘OneConnect’ plan that merges wireless services across multiple devices with home internet, with the goal of simplifying connectivity for users.

### AT&T’s New ‘OneConnect’ Plan Provides One Subscription for Unlimited Connectivity

In a time when juggling various subscriptions can be daunting, AT&T’s OneConnect plan aims to enhance the experience. The plan includes “one subscription, one flat monthly rate, and coverage for your wireless and home internet across your devices.”

#### Pricing and Features

The OneConnect plan is crafted to be consumer-friendly, allowing new users to enroll in AT&T wireless and 1 Gig fiber internet in less than five minutes. Major features comprise:

– **First and Only**: AT&T asserts that it is the first and only provider to integrate fast, dependable home internet and wireless service into a single subscription with a unified price.

– **Fast and Simple**: The enrollment process is swift, making it accessible for users seeking a seamless experience.

– **Connected to Everything**: The service runs on America’s most extensive wireless and fiber networks, ensuring a strong connectivity experience.

The ease of flat pricing and the convenience of a single bill for all internet services render OneConnect a significant addition to the market. While not every wireless carrier provides home internet, this plan could motivate similar offerings from other companies.

For further details and to verify availability, visit [att.com/oneconnect](http://att.com/oneconnect).

### Conclusion

AT&T’s OneConnect plan signifies a major move toward simplifying connectivity for users. With its all-in-one model, it may set the stage for more streamlined offerings in the telecommunications sector.