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WhatsApp Plus Subscription Set to Debut Soon with Improved Features

WhatsApp is gearing up to introduce a new paid subscription called ‘WhatsApp Plus’ shortly, and it has just been activated in the Android beta of the app prior to an iOS release. Here are the specifics.

## WhatsApp Plus accessible for selected beta testers at approximately $2.99/month

Meta is increasingly looking to generate subscription income from its vast user base, and WhatsApp is part of that strategy.

Earlier this year, reports suggested that Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp would soon introduce paid subscription options. Last month, we witnessed the initial trials of a paid Instagram tier, and now WhatsApp seems to be the next in line.

WABetaInfo disclosed today that premium features associated with a new ‘WhatsApp Plus’ paid subscription have been made available for certain users in the latest Android app beta.

This rollout is currently a test, but there are expectations for a wider launch across iOS, Mac, and all other platforms.

Here are the fresh features that come with WhatsApp Plus, according to a screenshot:

– **Send exclusive stickers**
– **Modify your app’s theme**
– **Opt for a custom app icon**
– **Pin additional chats**
– **Access premium ringtones**
– **Enhance your chat lists**

At present, the subscription is priced at around $2.99/month—one example from a European user indicated €2.49 monthly.

No formal announcements have been made yet regarding the official release schedule, but today’s disclosure provides a solid understanding of what to anticipate from WhatsApp’s new subscription upon its official launch.

Are you keen on subscribing to WhatsApp Plus? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Shaping the Future of PostgreSQL with Heikki Linnakangas

PostgreSQL is an open-source database known for its robustness, extensibility, and compliance with SQL standards. Its ability to handle complex queries and maintain high data integrity has made it a top choice for both start-ups and large enterprises. Heikki Linnakangas is a leading developer for the PostgreSQL project, and he’s a co-founder at Neon, which

The post Building PostgreSQL for the Future with Heikki Linnakangas appeared first on Software Engineering Daily.

John Ternus to Succeed Tim Cook as Apple’s CEO

The multitrillion-dollar home of the iPhone, Mac, and so many other tech gadgets is getting a new leader this fall, as Apple has announced that Tim Cook will be replaced as CEO on September 1st by current hardware boss John Ternus. How will we look back on Cook’s legacy, and what will Apple look like […]

Apple’s Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook Declares Resignation; Successor Unveiled

long been speculated to be in development, but is now officially validated.

“It has been the utmost honor of my life to serve as the CEO of Apple and to have been entrusted with leading such a remarkable company,” Cook remarked in a statement on Monday, April 20. “I cherish Apple with every part of my being, and I am extremely thankful to have had the chance to collaborate with a group of such brilliant, innovative, creative, and deeply compassionate individuals who have consistently shown their commitment to enhancing the lives of our customers and producing the finest products and services globally.”

Considering the timing of this shift, it appears Ternus will be at the forefront of Apple’s hardware lineup this autumn. For over a decade, we’ve grown accustomed to Cook being the initial and final presence at every Apple event, but with the anticipated launch of the first foldable iPhone this fall, Ternus will have the opportunity to represent a new era of products.

Apple has appointed a new chief hardware officer

Semrush Introduces Framework to Measure Brand Visibility in AI Search Amidst Evolving SEO Practices

Summary: Semrush launched a Brand Visibility Framework at Adobe Summit introducing “Agentic Search Optimisation” as a new discipline for measuring brand presence across AI-generated answers, traditional search, and autonomous AI agents, drawing on 213 million LLM prompts. The framework arrives as organic click-through rates have dropped 61% on queries with AI Overviews, 62% of brands […]

This story continues at The Next Web

The Difficulty of Assessing AI Models with Ankur Goyal

Evaluations are critical for assessing the quality, performance, and effectiveness of software during development. Common evaluation methods include code reviews and automated testing, and can help identify bugs, ensure compliance with requirements, and measure software reliability. However, evaluating LLMs presents unique challenges due to their complexity, versatility, and potential for unpredictable behavior. Ankur Goyal is

The post The Challenge of AI Model Evaluations with Ankur Goyal appeared first on Software Engineering Daily.