The announcement was made by WhatsApp on Monday through an official company blog post, where the Meta-owned messaging platform said users can begin reserving unique usernames ahead of the feature’s broader release later this year. The company said the update is designed to reduce the need to expose personal phone numbers when initiating conversations.

With more than 3 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp has traditionally relied on phone numbers as the primary method for identifying and contacting accounts. The upcoming system introduces a different approach by allowing users to be discovered through a unique username instead.

Alice Newton-Rex, WhatsApp’s vice president of product, said the feature was designed with privacy as its primary objective.

According to Newton-Rex, users who enable the option will be reachable only by their exact username rather than their phone number. She also clarified that WhatsApp will not maintain a searchable username directory or provide username suggestions while people search, reducing the likelihood of unsolicited contact.

The company has not announced an exact launch date beyond saying the feature will become available over the coming months.

Usernames Designed to Limit Personal Information Sharing

The introduction of usernames addresses a longstanding privacy limitation on WhatsApp, where anyone possessing another person’s phone number could attempt to initiate contact.

Current privacy tools on the platform include blocking individual users, silencing unknown callers, and displaying optional profile names within group chats for participants who have not saved one another’s contact details. Those measures do not remove the requirement to use phone numbers as account identifiers.

Under the new system, users will have the option of sharing a username instead of their personal mobile number when communicating with new contacts.

Reservation Process Opens Before Global Rollout

WhatsApp said it is opening username reservations ahead of the public launch to give users an opportunity to secure preferred names before the feature becomes widely available.

Newton-Rex acknowledged that desirable usernames are expected to attract significant interest, which influenced the company’s decision to allow early reservations.

Businesses, organizations and creators that already operate verified or established accounts on Meta’s other platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, will also be eligible to reserve matching usernames for WhatsApp.

Rules Intended to Reduce Impersonation Risks

WhatsApp said usernames must contain between three and 35 characters.

To help reduce impersonation, the company plans to reserve certain usernames associated with celebrities, public figures, government organizations and other high-profile entities rather than making them immediately available for public registration.

The company has not provided additional technical details on how those protected usernames will be managed.

Although WhatsApp remains less widely used than traditional text messaging services in the United States, it continues to serve as one of the world’s largest messaging platforms across Europe, Asia and many other regions. The username system represents one of the platform’s most notable identity and privacy updates by reducing dependence on phone numbers while maintaining existing account security.

Tags: WhatsApp, Meta, Usernames, Privacy, Messaging Apps, Digital Identity, Online Privacy, Meta Platforms, Mobile Apps, Technology

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After nearly half a decade away, Epic Games’ Fortnite has finally returned to the Apple App Store in the United States. As of Tuesday, players across the country can once again download and enjoy the wildly popular multiplayer shooter on their iPhones and iPads, ending a ban that began in 2020.

This comeback is a significant win for Epic Games, which has been locked in a high-profile battle with Apple for years over App Store policies and control. While Fortnite had already made its way back to the App Store in the European Union last year—following regulatory pressure on Apple—the US market remained closed off to the game until now.

The Battle Between Epic and Apple

The saga began in August 2020 when Apple removed Fortnite from its App Store after Epic introduced a direct payment system within the game, bypassing Apple’s standard 30% commission fee on in-app purchases. This move triggered a major legal clash between the tech giant and Epic Games, sparking lawsuits, widespread debate about the power of app stores, and discussions about fair competition in digital marketplaces.

For years, Apple stood firm on its App Store rules, which led to Fortnite being unavailable on iOS devices, frustrating millions of loyal fans who were forced to turn to alternative platforms or devices to keep playing.

Fortnite’s Massive Popularity

Since its launch in 2017, Fortnite has been one of the most popular games globally, famous for its fast-paced “battle royale” format, where 100 players fight to be the last person standing. Its colorful graphics, regular content updates, and collaborations with pop culture icons have made it a cultural phenomenon.

At the time of its removal from the Apple App Store in 2020, Fortnite boasted approximately 116 million users on Apple’s platform alone—showcasing just how big the fallout was from the ban.

What This Return Means for Players

Epic Games announced the return on social media platform X, confirming that Fortnite is also available through the Epic Games Store and AltStore in the European Union, expanding options for players across different regions.

For US players, the return to Apple’s App Store means seamless access to the game without needing to rely on workarounds or other devices. This is especially important as mobile gaming continues to grow in popularity, making the iPhone and iPad key platforms for millions of gamers.

The Future of Epic and Apple’s Relationship

While the return signals some easing in the dispute, the broader legal and regulatory battles between Epic Games and Apple are far from over. The issues at stake—including app store fees, developer rights, and platform control—continue to be hot topics in the tech world and could shape how digital marketplaces operate in the future.

For now, players can simply enjoy jumping back into Fortnite on their Apple devices, rekindling a favorite pastime that had been missing for years.

Source: CNN – Epic Games’ Fortnite back up on Apple app store in US after nearly 5 years

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Skype’s iconic service has officially come to an end. With Microsoft shutting down Skype on May 5, millions of loyal users are left searching for new communication platforms. Whether you used Skype to make cheap international calls, chat with friends, or keep in touch with family, the transition to a new service can be a bit daunting.

But don’t worry, there are plenty of alternatives to help fill the void. Here’s a guide to what’s next for Skype users and which platforms can keep you connected.

What’s Happening to Skype?

Skype was a pioneer in VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology, allowing people to make voice and video calls over the internet. After its purchase by Microsoft in 2011, the service grew in popularity, but over time, its user base shrank as newer apps entered the scene. On February 2023, Microsoft announced that it would shut down Skype and transition many of its features to Microsoft Teams—a tool primarily used for business and collaboration.

What does this mean for users?

• Skype accounts are now integrated into Microsoft Teams.
• You can migrate your contacts and chat history to Teams.
• Skype’s calling subscriptions and numbers were discontinued on April 3, but Skype numbers won’t immediately expire. You’ll still be able to receive calls until your subscription expires, but you’ll need to use Teams or the web portal to do so.

What Can You Do If You Have a Skype Number?

If you’ve had a Skype number, you can still port it to a new provider. Here’s how to keep your number and avoid losing access to it:

• Port to another VoIP provider or phone carrier. Start the process with the new provider directly. Skype won’t handle the transfer for you.

Top Skype Alternatives: Find Your New Calling Service

1. Google Voice
   For U.S. users, Google Voice is a solid alternative. With Google Voice, you can get a new phone number or port your old one from Skype. The service is free for calls to U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico numbers. International calls do have a cost, and users living outside the U.S. won’t be able to sign up unless they had an account before moving abroad.
2. Viber
   Viber is a great option for those who want to make international calls. Owned by Japan’s Rakuten, Viber operates similarly to Skype, allowing users to purchase credits to call mobile phones. However, Viber users need a phone number to register, and it no longer offers the option to receive calls via a Viber number.
3. Zoom
   While known for its video conferencing features, Zoom also offers Zoom Phone, a calling service with features like number porting and SMS text messaging. Be aware that Zoom Phone is not free and comes with a subscription fee, particularly for international calls.
4. Microsoft Teams
   For those who already use Teams, you can continue using Microsoft’s business tool for calling. However, Teams Phone is designed primarily for businesses, not regular consumers, and it’s not the best option for personal use unless you’re using it for work purposes.
5. VoIP Providers
   There are numerous VoIP services available, such as Zoiper, VoIP.ms, and CallCentric, which are good alternatives for internet-based phone calls. These services are often more business-focused but can be a good option if you’re looking for low-cost, flexible calling options.
6. Hushed
   Hushed provides an anonymous calling service and could be a good Skype replacement. Users can purchase a phone number from countries like the U.S., Canada, the UK, or Puerto Rico. However, some users have reported issues receiving verification codes via text due to restrictions from certain services.
7. Tello (Virtual Wireless Carriers)
   If you need a U.S. number but are living abroad, consider using a low-cost virtual wireless carrier like Tello. Tello offers plans as low as $5 per month, and users can activate the service while outside the U.S., as long as they use a U.S. address for registration. This is an ideal option for those who need a U.S.-based number but don’t want to use a desktop or app.
8. Number Parking Services
   If you’re not ready to pick a new service, NumberBarn and Parkmyphone let you “park” your phone number for a small monthly fee. These services allow you to store your number while forwarding text messages, giving you time to decide on a new provider. Just remember, these services only support U.S. or Canadian phone numbers.

Can You Port a Skype Number to an eSIM?

The short answer is no. Skype numbers can’t be ported to eSIM solutions. While eSIMs are useful for travelers looking to save on roaming fees, they don’t integrate with traditional VoIP services like Skype, which operate separately from mobile networks.

The Future After Skype: What’s Next?

While Skype’s shutdown marks the end of an era for many users, it’s also an opportunity to explore new and innovative services. Whether you’re looking for an affordable international calling plan, a professional communication platform, or a simple app to stay connected with loved ones, there are plenty of options to choose from.

So, don’t fret. Skype may be gone, but there are plenty of alternatives to ensure you’re never out of touch.

Source: AP News – One Tech Tip: Skype shut down for good, but users still have these alternatives

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Source: iOS 18.1 launches next week with Apple Intelligence and AirPods Pro hearing tests and aids

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