WhatsApp on Windows app won't need your phone to work

WhatsApp has just released a native app on Windows that no longer needs you to link your phone for it to work. The refreshed app just exited beta and is now available on the Microsoft Store. You no longer need the web-based desktop app or the one on the browser. This native version should run faster and be more responsive.

It also features a slightly cleaner interface than the previous app version but doesn't look drastically different. The most significant change is you no longer need to keep your phone online or close by to sync messages between your phone and the desktop app. According to the Meta-owned messaging service, it is also working on a native app for macOS.

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Your iPhone might show you more ads in the future

Source: Apple

Apple is looking to amp up its ad business, which means you might see more ads on your iPhone in the future. A report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claims you might see more ads within first-party Apple apps like Maps and Podcasts. Apple apps like the App Store, News, and Stocks already serve some advertising to users, but now it's looking to branch to more apps. Gurman believes we'll see more ads in digital storefronts like Books and Podcasts, the TV+ app, and even Maps through search ads.

According to Gurman's Power On newsletter, Apple's advertising teams "gained a foothold" within its Services business earlier this year. Todd Teresi, who used to work for Eddy Cue during the time of the iAd network, started reporting to Cue again. And Teresi reportedly discussed expanding the ad arm of Apple, increasing its US$4 billion annual revenue to double digits. And the company needs to serve more ads to accomplish that goal.

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Uniqlo launches NEW StyleHint App in Canada

UNIQLO fans in Canada can now download the NEW mobile StyleHint app to not only source their favourite LifeWear pieces but also see how others style them too! 

The innovative app allows users to discover how pieces are styled through daily uploads shared by people from all around the world. Easy to use, people can simply upload an image of a piece or complete Uniqlo outfit and then instantly discover new ways to wear what they already own. Users can also instantly shop items within the app and have them delivered. 

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YouTube Music on the iPad gets Now Playing redesign

It took a while, but YouTube Music on the iPad finally gets YouTube Music's revamped Now Playing design. The cover art is no longer edge-to-edge, but you still get the song/video switcher at the top with the Cast next to the Cast option. The overflow menu is accessible from the top-right corner. It has thumbs up and down options flanking the cover art, song name, and title. At the bottom, you have the controls for playing and pausing the music, back and following buttons, and the shuffle and repeat options.

It doesn't get the Android tablet's two-column design, which can show you the queue next to the controls. 9to5Google noted a bug with the cover art taking up the entire screen when you rotate from the portrait orientation. So, if you're experiencing that, then you know what's happening.