WhatsApp beta reveals Restricted Chat: sensitive chats stay on your main phone – Softonic

socialnetworkrelease.com Sep 12, 2026

WhatsApp beta reveals Restricted Chat: sensitive chats stay on your main phone – Softonic

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Sep 12, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Meta has introduced a new feature called Restricted Chat in the Android beta version of WhatsApp, according to WABetaInfo. The tool is designed to keep sensitive conversations confined to the primary device, preventing them from being backed up or accessed on secondary devices linked to the same account. While still under development, the feature appears in the beta build and may later be rolled out to the broader user base. Restricted Chat aims to enhance privacy by limiting where messages are stored and displayed, addressing concerns about data leakage across multiple devices. The announcement was part of a broader coverage of social‑network updates by Social Network Release, which also noted its affiliate marketing disclosures and subscription options for readers.

💡 Why It Matters

· By isolating private chats to a single phone, Meta tackles growing user anxiety over cross‑device data exposure, a key hurdle for broader adoption of end‑to‑end encrypted messaging.

Read full article on socialnetworkrelease.com

Hands-on: Dbrand’s MNML Pixel 11 Pro cases are simply good, and that’s…

Dbrand has introduced its MNML line, offering minimalist, low‑profile cases for the Pixel 11 Pro. The four‑color set—black, navy, tan, burgundy—features a polymer body with a textured finish, metallic buttons, and strong built‑in magnets. The design omits visible branding, providing a clean look while maintaining precise cutouts and a snug fit. Priced at $40 each, the cases aim to balance protection, style, and functionality without excessive bulk.

💡 The MNML cases demonstrate that premium phone accessories can prioritize simplicity and ergonomics, challenging the trend toward heavily branded, bulky designs.

androidcentral.com · Sep 12

Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Pixel Watch 4: Spot the difference!

Nick, a seasoned tech journalist, began his career with DOS and NES, using nostalgic memories of floppy disks and cartridges to shape his modern tech perspectives. Since 2011, he has reviewed smartphones and VR gear, transitioning from a Nokia enthusiast to an Android advocate. With 15 years in IT, he tackles PWM sensitivity and display technology, while also covering foldable phones, VR headsets, and camera comparisons. His diverse expertise informs his detailed reviews and weekly thVRsday column.

💡 Nick’s blend of retro insight and current tech analysis offers readers a unique lens on evolving devices, bridging past and present innovations.

9to5google.com · Sep 12

‘Lenovo Googlebook 15’ specs leak in full with ‘Google facial authentication’

A detailed leak from MacObserver reveals the full specifications of Lenovo’s upcoming Googlebook 15, a premium Chromebook slated for release. The model features a 15‑inch OLED display, up to 32 GB of RAM, a haptic trackpad, and a fingerprint sensor. Notably, the report mentions “Google facial authentication,” suggesting a camera‑based face unlock similar to Apple’s Face ID, though implementation details remain unclear. The laptop’s spec sheet positions it as a high‑end device, comparable to Lenovo’s ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition, which sells for just over $1,500.

💡 The integration of advanced biometric security in a Chromebook signals a shift toward enterprise‑grade protection, potentially redefining user expectations for mobile computing.

nynewscast.com · Sep 12

TokenPPockect Releases Latest Wallet Update and Reinforces Security Guidance for Digital Asset…

TokenPPockect, a multi‑chain self‑custodial cryptocurrency wallet, released an updated version of its Android application on September 11, 2026 and issued renewed security guidance for users. The company urged users to download the software exclusively from its official website, verify SHA‑256 and MD5 hashes when provided, and avoid third‑party links. Because self‑custody places full control of private keys and recovery phrases on the holder, TokenPPockect emphasized that any compromise—through phishing, malware or counterfeit apps—can result in irreversible loss of assets. The announcement highlighted that version availability may differ by operating system, distribution channel and device, and that users should consult the firm’s verification pages before installing or updating. The guidance aims to reinforce best practices as cryptocurrency adoption expands for the broader community.

💡 Emphasizing pre‑install verification attacks the weakest link in self‑custody, where a single malicious download can erase a user’s entire digital‑asset portfolio.

androidcentral.com · Sep 12

Multitasking is the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s superpower. Here’s how to unleash…

The article highlights the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, identifying multitasking as its primary advantage. It provides a comprehensive guide on how users can maximize the device’s potential through advanced multitasking features. The content is authored by Nick, a seasoned tech journalist with extensive experience covering smartphones and VR technology since 2011. His background includes fifteen years in the IT industry, giving him deep technical insights into display technology and hardware performance. Nick is particularly passionate about foldable phones and VR gaming, having reviewed devices from the original Oculus DK1 to modern headsets. He also contributes to Android Central’s Meta Quest coverage and writes a weekly column on smart glasses. Beyond tech reviews, Nick utilizes photography to compare camera capabilities, drawing on images from nature and daily life. This expertise informs his detailed analysis of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, offering readers practical advice on leveraging the phone’s unique form factor for enhanced productivity and seamless app management across its large, flexible screen.

💡 Mastering these specific multitasking workflows transforms the Z Fold 8 from a novelty into a genuine productivity powerhouse. Users who optimize these features gain a tangible efficiency advantage over standard smartphone users.

9to5google.com · Sep 12

Motorola’s wide Razr Fold wants to have ‘3D glass’ and a creaseless…

Leaked internal mockups and a World Power Consortium listing confirm Motorola is developing a wide Razr Fold to compete with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Apple’s iPhone Duo. The design documents, watermarked by Lenovo/Motorola, reveal specific engineering goals, including a “bezel-less” cover display featuring “3D glass” similar to the Edge series. Motorola aims to achieve a nearly creaseless inner display, addressing a notable weakness in the current Razr Fold model. The leaked materials share watermarks with existing Razr Fold listings, including a new Verizon variant that supports the Qi 2.2.1 standard. While the Verizon model lacks internal magnets, the consistent branding validates the authenticity of the wide fold concept. These sketches suggest Motorola is prioritizing a seamless aesthetic, potentially mirroring Apple’s design philosophy with sharp corners and minimal bezels. The evidence indicates a strategic shift toward premium build quality and display refinement in Motorola’s upcoming foldable lineup, positioning it directly against major industry rivals.

💡 Motorola’s pursuit of a creaseless display and bezel-less cover screen directly challenges the current design dominance of Samsung and Apple in the premium foldable market. By targeting these specific aesthetic flaws, the company attempts to differentiate its hardware through superior visual continuity rather than just price.