WhatsApp brings feature to support same account on multiple phones
New Delhi, Apr 25: Messaging platform WhatsApp on Tuesday said it has introduced a feature that will allow its users to use the same WhatsApp account on multiple phones.
The feature has started rolling out globally and will be available to everyone in the coming weeks, the Meta-owned platform said.
"Today, we're improving our multi-device offering further by introducing the ability to use the same WhatsApp account on multiple phones," WhatsApp announced.
The feature, highly requested by users, will enable them to "link your phone as one of up to four additional devices, the same as when you link with WhatsApp on web browsers, tablets and desktops".
Each linked phone connects to WhatsApp independently, ensuring that a user's personal messages, media and calls are end-toend encrypted.
"...and if your primary device is inactive for a long period, we automatically log you out of all companion devices," WhatsApp said in a press note.
Linking phones as companion devices makes messaging easier. For instance, a user can opt to now switch between phones without signing out and pick up chats where they left off.
"Or if you're a small business owner, additional employees are now able to respond to customers directly from their phones under the same WhatsApp Business account," it said.
Also, WhatsApp is introducing an alternative and more accessible way to link to companion devices.
"Now you can enter your phone number on WhatsApp Web to receive a one-time code, which you can use on your phone to enable device linking, rather than having to scan a QR code. We look forward to introducing this feature to more companion devices in the future," WhatsApp informed.
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Injustice to Karnataka in tax devolution, will fight it out: D K Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging that the Centre has done injustice by allocating less funds to Karnataka in the tax devolution, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday said that the Congress government in the state would fight it out.
Shivakumar, also the state Congress chief, attacked BJP MPs and union ministers from the state for remaining silent on the issue and termed it "shameful."
"Injustice has happened to Karnataka. They have given more to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. We were given less than even Andhra Pradesh, which doesn't contribute much in tax. We will fight and protest this in the days ahead," Shivakumar said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, "We will formulate a programme to fight for - our tax, our right".
"Why have BJP MPs and Central ministers not raise their voices? Despite having five Central ministers from the state, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, they remain silent even though injustice is happening to the state. This is shameful," he said.
When pointed to the BJP’s reported defence that the population of the states being used as a criterion for devolution of taxes and comparison to the figures related to the Manmohan Singh-led UPA tenure, Shivakumar said, "Let's discuss all those in the Assembly....let them join the protest with us for now."
The union government on Thursday released tax devolution of Rs 1,78,173 crore to the state governments, including one advance instalment of Rs 89,086.50 crore in addition to the regular instalment due for October 2024.
Karnataka got Rs 6,498 crore in the state-wise distribution of net proceeds of union taxes and duties for October 2024.
Responding to a question on the opposition's criticism of the term "evil forces" as used in the state government’s advertisements, Shivakumar said, "Based on what we have seen and the information we have, we have tried to express our feelings to the people. I can only say this much now. Let's discuss the rest in the Assembly."
The government's Dasara advertisement in newspapers on Friday read, "May goddess Chamundeshwari bestow upon us the strength to bring peace and prosperity to the people of Karnataka and courage to slay the evil forces that try to destabilize the state with deviousness and deceit."
The advertisement was seen as a dig at the opposition BJP and JD(S), which are targeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over the MUDA scam and demanding his resignation.
