WhatsApp begins reservations for usernames

WhatsApp

Exchanging information to chat on WhatsApp will soon be as easy as giving someone your username. The Meta-owned messaging app plans to roll out usernames gradually in the coming months. In the meantime, you can reserve the username of your choice through your account or profile settings in the mobile app. It isn't a compulsory feature, so you don't have to set it up if you don't think you need it.

Names will be limited to 35 characters, and there will be restrictions, including using the names of high-profile officials and celebrities. Their names will not be made available to anyone else. So, we're guessing similarly named "ordinary people" will need to come up with unique usernames.

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Meta, EssilorLuxottica debuts new styles for smartglasses

Meta

Meta Glasses have gotten a refresh through Meta's partnership with EssilorLuxottica. The smart glasses come in three frame styles, with one pair designed in collaboration with Kylie Jenner. The companies said there are 26 frame-and-lens combinations available, including support for prescription lenses.

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Meta tests series feature for Reels

Meta

Meta is testing a series feature with select creators on Instagram and Facebook to make it easier for users to watch serialized content on either platform. Creators included in the test phase can include both new and old Reels in their series. The episodic content will then be visible in a new tab within their profile. Those who use the feature in TikTok will be familiar with how it works.

When a user stumbles upon an episode of the series in their feed or Reels tab, they will see an option to tap to view other episodes from the series. They can also save a series to watch later or to keep up to date with future episodes. Meta told TechCrunch it is considering ways to monetize the feature, but it hasn’t provided details on how that would be implemented.

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WhatsApp tests document sharing with Meta AI

WABetaInfo

Meta AI is currently offering a limited experience on WhatsApp. But that might change soon. In WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.20.10.72, the option to upload documents directly to Meta AI is currently being tested in the in-chat attachment menu. This feature, available on other AI-powered assistants, lets you upload the file you want Meta's AI assistant to analyze. Previously, users needed to take screenshots or send images to achieve a similar result.

As a beta feature, though, it is currently only available to some testers. And there is currently no guarantee that the feature will be released as an official functionality in the future.

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