Light Start: WhatsApp edits incoming, Google goes passwordless, Apple Music in a Benz, and Tag Heuer watch for Mario fans

WhatsApp to receive message edit function ‘soon’

WhatsApp has apparently resumed work on adding a long-anticipated feature to the world’s most popular messaging app. According to a recent report from WABetaInfo, the latest beta version of the app, 2.22.22.14, adds a new label to messages in preparation for the feature. The publication also revealed that the ability to edit your message will last for 15 minutes, much like the ability to delete your message for everyone.

WhatsApp users have had to patiently wait for an edit message feature since the app’s creation. Telegram launched the feature in 2016 and Twitter has been working on implementing a similar feature for most of 2022. According to an earlier report, WhatsApp first started work on a message edit feature back in 2017. It’s about time for WhatsApp to catch up. Unfortunately, because it’s still relatively early in the roll-out phase, there isn’t an exact date for the feature’s launch.

Google rolls out passwordless future

Following Apple’s announcements at WWDC in June of this year, Google is the next big tech company to announce its work and implementation of passkeys, the next step in online personal security. Google announced it has made passkey functionality available on the Android operating system and in the Chrome web browser.

“Passkeys are a safer and more secure alternative to passwords. They also replace the need for traditional 2nd factor authentication methods such as text message, app-based one-time codes or push-based approvals,” writes Google.

Passkeys take the good bits about our current authentication methods and improve on them to make them more secure. In practice, when you need to log into a website or service, it will send an authentication request to your phone. You’ll use your biometric credentials (fingerprint or face) and the site will use that instead of “Passw0rd123” to create a passkey and authenticate you. The other important bit is that, for once, the big tech companies are all working together to implement this standard across all platforms and devices.

Apple announces Spatial Audio for cars

As you may already know, Apple has its own audio format for simulating surround sound called Spatial Audio. Previously, you could only experience Spatial Audio if your content supported it and you were using an Apple product. But at this year’s Paris Motor Show, Oliver Schusser, vice president of Apple Music and Beats announced that Apple was making “Spatial Audio on Apple Music available natively in the car for the first time.”

Before you get excited, Apple has chosen selected Mercedes-Benz models that will be compatible with Spatial Audio. And they aren’t cheap. Those lucky models are the new Mercedes-Benz Maybach and then the EQS, EQS SUV, EQE, and S-Class range. If you opt for one of those models with the intent to experience Spatial Audio, you’ll also need to make sure that whatever you get comes with the Burmester 3D or 4D sound system. You’ll also obviously need an Apple Music subscription. But if you’re paying over a million for a car that probably isn’t an issue.

Source: Forbes

This Tag Heuer Mario Kart watch goes old-school

This bit of tech is only for the very few people that are both Mario Kart superfans and also have more money than they know what to do with. Tag Heuer has teamed up with Nintendo for another watch collaboration. The first of which was for a limited edition of the Tag Heuer Connected smartwatch. Only 2,000 of those were made and they sold for around $2,150 (R39,200). For this collab, Tag has gone with a traditional mechanical watch and a more direct racing theme.

There are two chronographs in the latest release, the Tag Heuer Formula 1 X Mario Kart Limited Edition Chronograph and the Tag Heuer Formula 1 X Mario Kart Limited Edition Chronograph Tourbillon. If you guessed the second one to be astronomically more expensive because it sounds fancier, then good for you.

We’re mostly concerned with the former because for once, it will be available to purchase in SA. You will need to have your money bags ready come 20 October when it launches for R75,000 because there’ll only be 3,000 on offer. If you simply must have one, you’ll need to head to a Tag Heuer boutique store or preorder on the website.