WhatsApp is working on a new feature, Zaps, which will allow users to share photos and videos that disappear after being viewed once. The feature is similar to Instagram’s Instants and is designed to make sharing quick moments easier.

First, WhatsApp introduced this feature under the name Instants. However, the company is now changing its name to Zaps. The feature was spotted in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.46.2 update.

Users will be able to open the Zaps camera by tapping a lightning bolt button at the top of the Chats tab. They can take a photo or record a video and share it with others. Once the receiver opens the Zap, it will disappear after being viewed. WhatsApp will also protect Zaps with end-to-end encryption.

Earlier, WhatsApp planned to allow users to share Instants only with mutual contacts. Now, the company is working to let users send Zaps to any contact and groups. Support for channels may also be added in the future.

Image via WABetaInfo

Zaps will appear directly inside WhatsApp chats. If someone shares multiple Zaps in the same conversation, WhatsApp will group them together. For example, two Zaps will appear as “2 Zaps”.

Recipients will be able to react using emojis or reply with a text message. The Zap will disappear after being viewed, but the sender will still be able to see it in the chat.

Zaps is currently under development for Android and is not available for beta testing yet. WhatsApp has not announced an official release date. The feature is expected to arrive in a future update.

Samsung has released a new update for its RegiStar app. The latest update comes with version 1.0.84 and brings several improvements and bug fixes to make the app work better. This update focuses on improving existing features and providing a smoother experience for users.

The main change in this update is the improved Back-Tap feature. Samsung has enhanced Back-Tap recognition, which will help users enjoy a more reliable experience. The company has also added a user guide to help users understand how to use this feature.

Samsung has also improved the way the RegiStar app opens the default digital assistant. This change will make it easier for users to access their preferred digital assistant. Apart from this, the company has improved the Time notification sound behavior to provide a better notification experience.

The new update also fixes some existing issues. Samsung has fixed a problem where Back-Tap notifications appeared during screen capture. This will help users avoid unwanted notifications while capturing their screen.

Another issue fixed in this update is related to duplicate shortcuts. Earlier, users could see duplicate shortcuts on the app selection screen, but this problem has now been fixed.

Along with these changes, Samsung has also included general improvements to make the app more stable and easier to use. These improvements aim to provide a better overall experience for RegiStar users.

Samsung RegiStar 1.0.84 update is a useful release that brings improvements to the Back-Tap feature, fixes some annoying bugs, and makes the app more stable. Users are recommended to install the latest update to enjoy these improvements on their Samsung Galaxy devices.

Google has started rolling out Android Auto 18.2 to beta testers, and little will change on your car’s display. A teardown of the app does show more than 100 updated assets, mostly button graphics, that appear to be groundwork for light mode, a feature Android Auto users have wanted for years.

The changed files are mainly button designs, with names such as ic_mr_button_connected_14_dark.xml and ic_mr_button_connected_15_dark.xml. Updated assets do not confirm a launch, via 9to5Google.

Google has not announced light mode or a release window, and the link between these files and light mode is the teardown’s interpretation. Read it as a sign of continuing development, not a countdown.

Version 18.2 arrives a little over a week after 18.1 began reaching stable users. Android Auto 18.1 was reported to be shipping through the Google Play Store after only a few days of beta testing. Point releases like this mostly fix bugs.

Recent trouble spots include Gemini behavior, foldable phones, odd interface glitches, connection drops, and songs skipping twice. Google has not published detailed notes for 18.2, and the 18.1 beta also arrived without a changelog.

Notably, Android Auto 18.2 can still run on phones as old as Android 9. Google’s Android Auto support page now lists Android 11 as the minimum for wired connections, replacing Android 9.

Light mode is separate from the larger interface overhaul. The 18.0 beta contained a “cielo_launcher” asset, believed to be tied to a redesigned app launcher codenamed Cielo, according to an APK teardown by Android Sage.

Autoevolution expects the new experience to reach production devices in the first quarter of 2027, with beta users possibly seeing it sooner. Nothing confirms that light mode will ship alongside Cielo.

Google pushed a new update to its Gmail app on Android, bringing full Material 3 Expressive design. Over the past couple of months, several apps have adopted the dynamic interface, but Gmail settings have remained in the queue.

The latest Gmail update, version 2026.11.02.1020540846, is deploying Google’s Material 3 Expressive across the settings interface. Android users have begun seeing this change, following the installation of the latest version.

Gmail’s fresh experience aims to clean up the cluttered settings menu (via AndroidAuthority). It involves a colorful interface featuring rounded cards, expressive switches, and icons. These visual changes make different settings easier to identify.

Google also gave Settings options a clever organization according to their respective categories. It saves you time while finding a target setting. Sections include notifications, inbox customization, email preferences, writing assistance, and more.

Additionally, Gmail has also redesigned individual pages. Writing Assistance page now consists of settings for Smart Compose, Smart Reply, and Proofread. Chat and Meet also gained their own sections, with the UI enhancing touch targets and spacing.

Gmail’s new design is rolling out across Android devices. However, the availability varies depending on your OS version or region. The rollout is server-side, so having installed the latest version doesn’t ensure you get the redesign.

Samsung has its own Email app on Galaxy devices, but Gmail comes preinstalled as part of Google Mobile Services. It is one of the most widely used platforms for sending and receiving electronic mail across various platforms.

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WhatsApp is working on two new features for its Android app. These features will make it easier for users to share photos, videos, and their location with friends and family. The new features include Instants and a simple way to share locations through status updates.

New Instants Feature

WhatsApp is developing a new camera feature called Instants, which is similar to the feature available on Instagram. It will allow users to take photos and videos and share them with their contacts. These photos and videos will disappear after the receiver views them.

According to the Android beta version 2.26.45.13, WhatsApp is testing a new lightning bolt button at the top of the Chats tab. Users can tap this button to open the Instants camera.

They will be able to share videos up to 30 seconds long, add captions, and apply different filters. WhatsApp is also working on screenshot protection to stop recipients from taking screenshots of shared content. All Instants will be protected with end-to-end encryption.

Image via WABetaInfo

Location Sharing in Status

WhatsApp is also working on a new way to share locations through status updates. This feature was spotted in Android beta version 2.26.45.8. Currently, users need to select a photo or video and add a location sticker to share their location in a status. With the upcoming feature, users will be able to share their location directly without selecting any photo or video.

A new Location option will appear in the status composer. Users can allow location access and share their current location or choose another place manually. The location will appear as a map card with a green pin, place name, and full address.

Image via WABetaInfo

Both features are currently under development. WhatsApp has not yet announced their official release dates.