News

4 Upcoming WhatsApp Updates You’re Going To Love

WhatsApp developers are currently testing several new features, which should soon be released as updates for Android and iOS.

Published

4 years ago

July 16, 2021

Joanna Melki

4 upcoming whatsapp updates you're going to love

Recent WhatsApp updates and privacy policy changes have caused a substantial number of its long-term users to explore other instant messaging apps, such as Telegram and Signal. Needless to say, that’s not what WhatsApp wants to see happen. To give those who have not left yet more reasons to stay, WhatsApp developers are now testing multiple new features, which should soon be released as updates for Android and iOS.

Multi-Device Login

WABetaInfo

According to WhatsApp parent company Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg, WhatsApp beta testers will soon be able to log in to WhatsApp Web or the WhatsApp Desktop application even without the WhatsApp smartphone app running on their mobile device. Most other instant messaging apps already support multi-device login, so it’s about time WhatsApp users get to enjoy this convenient feature as well.

View Once

WABetaInfo

WhatsApp has more than 2 billion users around the world, and many of them use the instant messaging app to share sensitive information. Soon, WhatsApp users will be able to send an image or video that will disappear as soon as the recipient views it, making it impossible to share it with any other people.

New Archive

WABetaInfo

Right now, the option to archive a chat in WhatsApp is not really working as most users expect it to work. When you receive a new message from someone whose chat you decided to archive, the chat will appear back on the main screen, distracting you from conversations that truly matter. The New Archive update will change this, ensuring that archive chats will always stay out of sight and out of mind.

In-App Notifications For iOS

WABetaInfo

All users of the WhatsApp iOS app can look forward to redesigned in-app notifications, which will display more information in the notification banner, including image and video thumbnails. When expanded, the notification banner will display a chat preview. It’s worth noting that the message read status won’t change when a user decides to expand the notification banner.

News

Foodics Acquires Online-Ordering Specialist & Invests In 3 Startups

The deal with UK-based Solo Venture was made at LEAP 2025, and will help create a seamless, all-in-one SaaS ecosystem for restaurants.

Published

3 days ago

February 19, 2025

Nour Nasir

foodics acquires online-ordering specialist and invests in 3 startups

MENA-based restaurant and payments technology provider Foodics has fully acquired Solo Venture, a UK-based company specializing in self-ordering kiosks and white-label online ordering solutions. The deal was reached at this year’s LEAP 2025 event in Riyadh and is part of Foodics’ strategy to create a seamless, all-in-one SaaS ecosystem for restaurants and catering firms.

Solo’s technology includes AI-driven self-service solutions, simplifying ordering and increasing profit margins. By integrating Solo into its platform, Foodics will soon be able to offer restaurants a comprehensive suite of tools covering everything from dine-in management to payments and analytics.

Ahmad Al-Zaini, CEO and Co-Founder of Foodics explained: “This acquisition is a significant step in our mission to build the most comprehensive restaurant management platform in MENA and beyond. To further support our ecosystem and the future of tech in the F&B sector, we are allocating $100M in strategic acquisitions and investments in Fintech, AI, and other transformative technologies over the coming three years”.

Beyond the Solo acquisition, Foodics is also backing three startups as part of its wider expansion plan:

Norma: A Greek AI-powered data analytics firm that enables business professionals to generate insights instantly, eliminating the need for technical expertise.
Add: A specialized accounting platform designed for small and medium-sized restaurants to simplify financial reporting and payroll management.
Arzaq Plus: A smart food and beverage supply chain platform that optimizes sourcing and logistics while introducing a “Buy Now, Pay Later” feature to the Foodics platform.

Also Read: Taager Secures $6.75M To Expand Social eCommerce In MENA

Anas Alghanim, Foodics’ Director of Corporate Development, emphasized, “At Foodics, every investment we make is aimed at creating valuable solutions that drive growth and deliver tangible success, ensuring that we empower our partners and customers to shape the future of the industry”.

The LEAP 2025 announcement coincides with the celebration of Foodics’ 10th anniversary. After supporting over 30,000 food and beverage businesses across 30 countries, Foodics continues to push the boundaries of restaurant management technology, helping companies streamline operations and enhance customer experience.