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The new feature, currently available to select beta users, aims to reduce background noise during calls, as WhatsApp continues to expand its communication capabilities with a series of updates across platforms. WhatsApp is testing a new noise cancellation feature designed to enhance the quality of voice and video calls by reducing unwanted background sounds. The feature is currently being rolled out to a limited number of beta users, signalling the platform’s continued focus on improving user communication experiences. The feature, first identified earlier this year during development, works by filtering out ambient noise such as traffic, wind, and other environmental disturbances in real time. This allows the speaker’s voice to remain clear without distortion, making conversations more seamless, particularly in noisy surroundings. Owned by Meta , WhatsApp has not yet confirmed a timeline for a wider rollout. However, the early release to beta testers suggests that the company may be preparing for a broader launch in the coming weeks. Feature design and functionality According to reports, the noise cancellation option is integrated into the call interface and is enabled by default. This means users can benefit from improved audio clarity automatically when initiating calls. At the same time, the feature

Two class-action lawsuits have been filed against LinkedIn over the social network's alleged covert surveillance of users via browser extension scanning. However, LinkedIn says the dispute is overblown and mischaracterizes practices already disclosed in its privacy policy. "This is a house of cards built entirely upon a fabrication. We do disclose that we scan for browser extensions in our Privacy Policy, in order to detect abuse and provide defense for site stability," LinkedIn tells PCMag. The class-action lawsuits were filed Monday in a US District Court in California after a German group, Fairlinked e.V., published a report about the Chrome browser extension scanning, which occurs via a JavaScript file on the LinkedIn site.  The report found that LinkedIn will look for 6,222 extensions and claims the company can harness the data to profile users and see whether they’re using competitors’ software. However, LinkedIn says the browser extension scanning is intended to stamp out web scraping. “We do not use this data to infer sensitive information about members,” the company tells PCMag.  LinkedIn's privacy policy (Credit: LinkedIn) The privacy policy also says LinkedIn can "get information about your network and device (e.g., IP address, proxy server, operating system, web browser, and add-ons)," which

WhatsApp to launch noise cancellation for voice and video calling WhatsApp is preparing to launch the latest in-app noise cancellation feature for voice and video calls, aiming to offer clearer calling experience. The upcoming built-In noise reduction feature is particularly designed for users to automatically minimise background noise during calls, aiming to enhance voice clarity in environments with traffic, crowds, or wind. Users will be able to enable or disable noise cancellation via a toggle situated in the call interface. The feature is set to be enabled by default. With this update, users engaged with the app can easily switch the function on or off based on their preference or environment. This suggests that whenever a user activates the feature, it doesn't make the other person's voice clearer for them. Rather, it assists the other person listen to them more clearly. The audio clarity for a call participant depends on whether they have the feature enabled. Availability WhatsApp’s noise cancellation feature has been spotted in the latest beta version for Android. However, it’s still under development and is being gradually launched to beta testers.

April 7, 2026, 11:01 a.m. CT Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town and Miranda Lambert are joining an already star-powered lineup for the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, set for May 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The newly announced trio will take the stage alongside previously revealed performers Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson and Riley Green. Musgraves' appearance comes ahead of her upcoming project "Middle of Nowhere," due out May 1, while Little Big Town is set to spend the spring and summer on the road touring. And Lambert, who will also be performing numerous concerts across the country this year, recently produced Ella Langley's sophomore album, "Dandelion," which arrives April 10. Nominations for this year's ACM Awards will be announced April 9. A host has not yet been named. How to watch The ACM Awards will air live on May 17, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT on Prime Video. Fans can also tune in via Twitch and the Amazon Music app. ACM Awards Week events Fans can purchase tickets to three live events during ACM Awards Week in Las Vegas: May 15, 2026 — ACM Lifting Lives

HMRC has come under fire for spending “staggering” amounts of money on Snapchat filters while Britons face down a record high tax burden. Critics have accused the taxman of spending tens of thousands of pounds from the public purse on "PR stunts" and not treating hardworking Britons' money with respect. Data obtained through a Freedom of Information request by the Taxpayers' Alliance shows that £43,029 was paid to Snapchat for the filters. Since 2024, the Government has spent more than half a million pounds on social media influencers, hiring 89 in 2024 and 126 in 2025 to appeal to a young audience on platforms like Snapchat and TikTok. Just months ago, GB News revealed fury at the Cabinet Office's plans to hire two "TikTok managers" - despite the Chinese-owned app being banned on all Parliamentary devices over security fears. Labour was panned for offering up a yearly salary of between £43,760 and £51,690 and a plum Civil Service pension with a 28.97 per cent employer contribution for the roles back in December. Confronted by its Snapchat spending, HMRC said it "carefully considers when to use public money as part of our communications efforts". But Callum McGoldrick, investigations campaign manager at

Irene Andrade - news@thelocal.no Published: 7 Apr, 2026 CET. Updated: Tue 7 Apr 2026 14:55 CET WhatsApp is not as commonly used in Norway; people prefer Facebook Messenger, SMS or Snapchat. Photo by Dimitri Karastelev on Unsplash How do you keep in touch with friends, neighbors, or colleagues in Norway? You might need to change your approach and try out some apps you never used before (or stopped using a while ago). Advertisement Please sign up or log in to continue reading More Comments Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at news@thelocal.no. Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved. Please log in here to leave a comment. See Also

At a time when traditional advertising struggles to cut through clutter, a new study by Snap Inc. and Kantar India reveals that Augmented Reality (AR) is reshaping how brands engage with consumers. The State of AR in India report highlights that 92% of Indian consumers believe AR will transform how they shop, learn, or connect online, with Gen Z leading the adoption curve. Unlike passive ad formats, AR drives active, voluntary engagement. According to the study, AR Lenses deliver over 2X higher effectiveness and 3X greater efficiency in capturing attention compared to other formats. Notably, 3 in 5 Gen Z users say AR keeps their attention longer than regular posts, making it a powerful antidote to ad fatigue in a skippable digital ecosystem. AR is not just about grabbing attention — it’s influencing consumer choices. 2 in 3 Gen Z respondents say AR helps them decide whether to try or buy a product, while also improving product understanding. Importantly, AR experiences in India often tie into cultural moments like festivals and local events, giving brands contextual opportunities to connect meaningfully. Soumya Mohanty, Managing Director & Chief Client Officer, South Asia, Insights Division, Kantar, noted: “AR enhances understanding, builds believability, and

It's the landmark court decision some are calling Big Tech's "tobacco industry moment": a verdict that — just like the misrepresentation that cigarettes are safe — indicates social media companies may have a lot to answer for to the public. On March 25, social media giant Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, Threads, and more) and video streaming service YouTube (owned by Google) were found liable for negligence owing to design features of their products. A Los Angeles jury concluded they are intentionally addictive and led to mental distress for K.G.M., the 20-year-old woman at the center of the case. Meta must pay $4.2 million, while YouTube must pay $1.8 million, for a combined total of $6 million. Both companies signaled their intent to appeal the verdict. Popular apps TikTok and Snapchat — named in the same suit — earlier settled out of court. Meanwhile, OpenAI — an artificial intelligence research company offering services such as ChatGPT — faces copyright and data privacy litigation, with billions of dollars in potential damages and milestone implications for AI data handling. The Meta and YouTube suit alleged features such as auto-scrolling addicted the plaintiff to the platforms, leading to anxiety, depression and body image