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WhatsApp users can now set the app as their default for calling and messaging on iPhones, marking a significant shift in Apple’s approach to third-party app integration. The change was first reported by WABetaInfo on X (formerly Twitter) and was spotted in WhatsApp version 25.8.74 on the App Store. This update aligns with the growing trend of users relying on internet-based communication apps rather than traditional phone calls and SMS.

With this update, WhatsApp now appears as an option in iOS Settings → Apps → Default Apps, where users can select it as their Messaging and Calling default. Apple introduced the ability to set third-party apps as defaults in iOS 18.2, initially announcing that the feature would be limited to the European Union due to regulatory requirements. However, the functionality has since been made available worldwide, giving iPhone users greater control over their preferred communication platforms.

📝 WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.8.10.74: what’s new?

WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to set it as the default app for messages and calls, and it’s available to some beta testers!https://t.co/7CHWS8a9wu pic.twitter.com/zBmo2pYjSc

— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) March 27, 2025

By selecting WhatsApp as the default, iPhones will automatically route calls and messages through the app instead of Apple’s built-in Messages, Phone, or FaceTime. For example, when a user taps the message or call buttons within a contact’s profile in the Contacts app, iOS will directly launch WhatsApp instead of Apple’s native apps. This feature simplifies the process for users who primarily communicate via WhatsApp, reducing the need to manually switch between apps.

The move reflects a broader shift in the way people communicate, as encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp continue to replace traditional phone services. It also highlights Apple’s evolving stance on third-party app integration, particularly in response to regulatory scrutiny and changing user expectations.

This update benefits users by providing more flexibility and customization options for their iPhone experience. It also reinforces WhatsApp’s position as a dominant messaging platform globally, further integrating it into daily communication workflows.

WhatsApp Can Now Be Set As the Default Calling And Messaging App On iPhone

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

WhatsApp users can now set the app as their default for calling and messaging on iPhones, marking a significant shift in Apple’s approach to third-party app integration. The change was first reported by WABetaInfo on X (formerly Twitter) and was spotted in WhatsApp version 25.8.74 on the App Store. This update aligns with the growing trend of users relying on internet-based communication apps rather than traditional phone calls and SMS.

With this update, WhatsApp now appears as an option in iOS Settings → Apps → Default Apps, where users can select it as their Messaging and Calling default. Apple introduced the ability to set third-party apps as defaults in iOS 18.2, initially announcing that the feature would be limited to the European Union due to regulatory requirements. However, the functionality has since been made available worldwide, giving iPhone users greater control over their preferred communication platforms.

📝 WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.8.10.74: what’s new?

WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to set it as the default app for messages and calls, and it’s available to some beta testers!https://t.co/7CHWS8a9wu pic.twitter.com/zBmo2pYjSc

— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) March 27, 2025

By selecting WhatsApp as the default, iPhones will automatically route calls and messages through the app instead of Apple’s built-in Messages, Phone, or FaceTime. For example, when a user taps the message or call buttons within a contact’s profile in the Contacts app, iOS will directly launch WhatsApp instead of Apple’s native apps. This feature simplifies the process for users who primarily communicate via WhatsApp, reducing the need to manually switch between apps.

The move reflects a broader shift in the way people communicate, as encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp continue to replace traditional phone services. It also highlights Apple’s evolving stance on third-party app integration, particularly in response to regulatory scrutiny and changing user expectations.

This update benefits users by providing more flexibility and customization options for their iPhone experience. It also reinforces WhatsApp’s position as a dominant messaging platform globally, further integrating it into daily communication workflows.

WhatsApp Can Now Be Set As the Default Calling And Messaging App On iPhone

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

Non-paying Gemini users can now play around with Google’s newest model, the experimental version of Gemini 2.5 Pro. The company announced this weekend that it’s making Gemini 2.5 Pro (experimental) free for everyone to use, albeit with tighter rate limits for non-subscribers. Google introduced Gemini 2.5 Pro just last week, touting it as its “most intelligent AI model” yet, and rolled it out to Gemini Advanced users first. It’s available now in Google AI Studio and the Gemini app.

While free users can now try it out too, Google added that “Gemini Advanced users have expanded access and a significantly larger context window.” Gemini 2.5 Pro (experimental) is the first of Google’s Gemini 2.5 “thinking” models, which are said to deliver more accurate results through reasoning. In a blog post, the company explained that this “refers to its ability to analyze information, draw logical conclusions, incorporate context and nuance, and make informed decisions.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/googles-new-experimental-ai-model-gemini-25-pro-is-now-available-to-free-users-too-150005863.html?src=rss

The Nintendo Direct livestream on Thursday brought some unexpected news for Tamagotchi fans: the Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop game series of the early 2000s is being resurrected with a new entry, Tamagotchi Plaza. But it seems the announcement trailer left out the best part. As spotted by Tama-Palace, Bandai Namco says on the game’s official website that Tamagotchi Plaza will be compatible with the Tamagotchi Uni. Players will be able to link their Uni devices to the game to access special perks — kind of like how the beloved, defunct TamaTown worked. Tamagotchi Plaza comes out on June 27.

In Tamagotchi Plaza, players will act as shopkeepers and help get the town ready for the big Tamagotchi festival. Some shops will include the option for local two-player. As for connecting your Uni, Bandai says:

Tamagotchi Plaza features a linkage function with the Tamagotchi Uni. For the first time, players can connect with the latest toy model, the Tamagotchi Uni. By linking the Tamagotchi Uni, they will gain access to exclusive items, special events, and unique conversations not available in the base game, while supplies last.

Considering the Tamagotchi Uni is nearing two years old now, anything that will inject some newness into the experience is welcome. For anyone who grew bored of the Uni and has been neglecting it, Tamagotchi Plaza seems like a pretty compelling reason to dust it off and get playing again. Of course, you don’t need a Uni device to play; it has enough appeal on its own as a super cozy game that’ll tug at franchise fans’ nostalgia. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-new-tamagotchi-game-for-nintendo-switch-will-connect-with-tamagotchi-uni-160639100.html?src=rss

The Nintendo Direct livestream on Thursday brought some unexpected news for Tamagotchi fans: the Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop game series of the early 2000s is being resurrected with a new entry, Tamagotchi Plaza. But it seems the announcement trailer left out the best part. As spotted by Tama-Palace, Bandai Namco says on the game’s official website that Tamagotchi Plaza will be compatible with the Tamagotchi Uni. Players will be able to link their Uni devices to the game to access special perks — kind of like how the beloved, defunct TamaTown worked. Tamagotchi Plaza comes out on June 27.

In Tamagotchi Plaza, players will act as shopkeepers and help get the town ready for the big Tamagotchi festival. Some shops will include the option for local two-player. As for connecting your Uni, Bandai says:

Tamagotchi Plaza features a linkage function with the Tamagotchi Uni. For the first time, players can connect with the latest toy model, the Tamagotchi Uni. By linking the Tamagotchi Uni, they will gain access to exclusive items, special events, and unique conversations not available in the base game, while supplies last.

Considering the Tamagotchi Uni is nearing two years old now, anything that will inject some newness into the experience is welcome. For anyone who grew bored of the Uni and has been neglecting it, Tamagotchi Plaza seems like a pretty compelling reason to dust it off and get playing again. Of course, you don’t need a Uni device to play; it has enough appeal on its own as a super cozy game that’ll tug at franchise fans’ nostalgia. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-new-tamagotchi-game-for-nintendo-switch-will-connect-with-tamagotchi-uni-160639100.html?src=rss