WhatsApp voice-calling feature spotted in Hindi translation requests

We know WhatsApp, the popular messaging service for smartphones, will soon be adding voice calling feature. Earlier this year at the Mobile World Congress, WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum had said the voice-calling service will be deployed for Android and iPhones this spring, with Blackberry and Microsoft and Nokia phones coming later. New leaked images show the feature is indeed on its way, and due quite soon.

A report by WPcentral points us to screenshots of Hindi translation requests that are visible to people who volunteer to do translations for WhatsApp. Screenshots of the translation requests show various strings that are required to be translated for Hang up, Incoming call, and Outgoing call.

Since the translating of UI elements is normally one of the last stages in app development, we can further expect the voice calling feature to come quite soon.

Earlier in March, WhatsApp for Android got updated with option to hide the 'last seen' notification, profile photo and status through privacy settings.

The feature is now available globally and can be accessed after installing the latest WhatsApp (2.11.186) update from the Google Play Store. Once the application is updated, users will find the new privacy feature in settings menu under account settings. So far, users can hide all three pieces of information from people not on their contact list, from select people, or from everyone. The feature that was already present on iOS devices. The updated also adds an option to share/save profile photo/group icon.

Another interesting integration to WhatsApp for Android is the service payment feature update. It lets users pay for their friends' WhatsApp service.

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Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie Concept

It has been said that the next update of the Android mobile operating system would bump Jelly Bean to version 4.3, but that particular version number is said to lack any major, earth shattering changes, so most folks have already cast an eye in the direction of Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie. Well, what do you think one can expect from Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie when it arrives? We have absolutely no idea, so it is left up to the folks with an imagination to think of how “delicious” Key Lime Pie would look like on your smartphone down the road with this particular concept from a certain Jinesh Shah on Google+.

Shah’s day job is a graphic artist, and his Key Lime Pie concept boasts of a minimalist and beautiful vision, sporting an extremely clean design approach. It looks like the “flat” graphical user interface scheme is catching on, where being minimal is a surefire trend in the right direction where mobile operating systems are concerned. This concept would see the Home Screen arrive with highly functional “hidden” widgets, showing up only when the user indulges in a customizable gesture. This helps reduce unnecessary clutter on the interface, coming into play only when you need to use it. Do you like what Shah did with his conceptualization of Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie?

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Android 4.4.2 Kitkat OS Update for Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2: Will it Happen in April?

It seems that Samsung has finally set to roll out Android 4.4.2 KitKat OS update for its popular devices - Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 after months of speculations and waiting.

Android v4.4.2 KitKat OS, which has been introduced in the recently unveiled Samsung Galaxy S5, is expected to be release either in April or May for devices like Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2, according to a report by Android Geeks. 

Several reports in March had claimed that Samsung would release KitKat OS for some of its older smartphones, but it never happened, disappointing the users. The South Korean electronics giant has failed to cater the needs of the Android users, despite complaints from several quarters on the lack of OS update for its smartphones, which could force the users to opt for other brands.

Samsung Galaxy S3, which revolutionized Samsung brand in many ways from specifications to design, would get a big boost if Android 4.4.2 KitKat update is made available, as it will come with new features like Location Settings, Default App Settings, Wireless Printing, full-screen mode among others. Moreover, KitKat OS is said to be more stable and faster than the Jelly Bean.

There are also reports that Samsung may delay the release of Android 4.4.2 KitKat update for its older devices, so that its users might upgrade to its recently unveiled Galaxy S5. 

However, delay in the release of Android 4.4.2 KitKat for the older devices can have an adverse effect on the company, as impatient users may go for other brands available in the market instead of upgrading their handset to Galaxy S5.

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Google Dogfooding Android 4.4.3 KitKat [Rumor]

As it stands the latest version of Android KitKat is 4.4.2, although recently we have heard word that Google could be preparing for another update in the form of Android 4.4.3. Now according to the folks at Android Police, they have learnt that this is indeed the case and that Google is currently dogfooding the latest build.

For those unfamiliar with the term, basically it means that Google is testing the Android 4.4.3 build outside of the core Android team, meaning that it could be tested by others working at Google to get their feedback and to see if there might be some major bugs that have yet to be spotted and squashed.

No word on when exactly will Google push out the release to the public, but Android Police speculates that it could be in the next few weeks, which basically means you should not be holding your breath. There’s also no telling as to what exactly will Google include in the Android 4.4.3 update, but given that the Nexus 5’s camera issue has yet to be addressed, presumably that will be one of the fixes we can look forward to.

It is also likely that the update could include the new parking feature that we reported on yesterday. It was revealed in an APK teardown that Google Now could be getting some new cards which could help you remember where you parked your car. Considering we don’t have that feature now, perhaps it could be included in the next Android update. Either way we’ll keep our eyes peeled for more info, so do check back with us at a later date for the details.

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How to stop all inline images in Gmail app on Android

Switch off inline images from all senders in Gmail app to conserve data usage and start again to allow images only from selected users.

The Gmail app on Android has been tweaked to a level that it automatically shows the inline images in an email for more rich media experience. For every email, the user has to allow Gmail app to show images from the particular sender to - Always. Only after that setting, the Gmail app loads images inline automatically whenever the mail is received from that particular sender.

Showing images inline automatically is an amazing feature but if you have happened to clicked on some promotional emails or friends who keep sending large images inline - your data usage might get bombed. Here is a simple way to disable showing inline images from all senders in Gmail app. This will help you save some data and avoid opening irrelevant emails. After doing that, you can always start over by allowing inline images from particular senders.

Step One:

Open the Gmail app and select the Overflow button.

Step Two:

Choose "Settings" from the Overflow menu options.

Step Three:

Select the General Settings Option.

Step Four:

Select the Overflow button in this panel and choose the option from the menu - Clear Picture Approvals. This will show an option and select "Clear" to implement it.

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How to share PC's internet connection with Android smartphones

By these following methods you can share your PC's internet with your Android phone.

Most Android smartphone users depend on traditional methods, using a SIM card or via WiFi, for internet connectivity. However, you can also use your PC's internet connection on your Android smartphone. Here is a step by step procedure in which you can use your PC's internet connectivity on your Android smartphone.

Step 1:

First of all you need a USB male to micro USB male (as shown in above picture).

Step 2:

Using the above mentioned connector, connect the smartphone with the PC. You have to use the micro USB part in the smartphone while the full size USB part is to be plugged in to female USB port of the PC.

Step 3:

After connecting the PC with the Android phone, go to Settings menu of the smartphone. There you should locate and click the "More" option under Wireless and Network.

Step 4:

There you will see the "USB Internet" option. Just click the adjacent box.

Step 5:

This will open the "Select PC system version" page which will have a dropdown menu from which you should select the option according to the operating system of your PC - viz Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.

Step 6:

As soon as click your desired operating system option, the "Next" option at the bottom of the screen will get activated. Tap on the same to go forward.

Step 7:

The following screen will have certain instructions, just follow them. If there are no instructions, do as stated below.

Open network connections on your Windows PC. Then right click the connection that you want to share and then click on properties. Click on the sharing tab, and select "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's internet connection.

Step 8:

After that, click on the "Done" tab which will activate internet on your smartphone. Now you could see the USB internet active message both on the notification bar as well as in the Wireless and Networks section.

Disclaimer:

Please note that not all smartphones come with the USB internet feature. Few manufacturers do though arm their smartphones with this feature, HTC One, WickedLeak's Wammy Titan 3 and the Huawei Ascend Y511 are few devices for instance which come with this feature.

Some applications, available in Google Play store, too provide this feature (referred as reverse tethering). However, these apps require root permission for which you have to root your device which is risky and is not advisable as it voids the warranty and may leave your device dead.

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How To Hide 'Last Seen At' in WhatsApp for Android

Follow this simple procedure to hide the "Last Seen At" time stamp.

WhatsApp is a widely used mobile instant messenger that allows connecting with your friends and family for almost free. With nominal data charges, one can share photos, songs and videos using WhatsApp. However, one of the major thing that has led to many arguments and squabbles amongst people is the 'Last Seen At' stamp on the title bar of an individual.

That time stamp can be see by selecting the Contact in the WhatsApp and opening it for one-to-one chat. WhatsApp has been already offering the option to hide the Time Stamp status on iOS devices and the same will soon be made available for the Android smartphone users as well.

All Android OS based smartphone users need to download the latest build of WhatsApp from the official website to install it on their smartphones. Access the following the link on your Android smartphone and download the APK - www.whatsapp.com/android. Once downloaded, follow the below mentioned procedure.

Step One

Go to Settings.

Step Two

Select Account

Step Three

From Account, select the new option on the top - Privacy.

Step Four

In the Privacy window, select the option - Last Seen At.

Step Five

From the pop-up menu card, select the option of your choice - My Contacts or Nobody.

You may also hide your photo from strangers by choosing appropriate options.

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