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WhatsApp now lets you choose photo and video download quality

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**WhatsApp Now Lets You Choose Photo and Video Download Quality**

*By Akash Pandey | Oct 11, 2025, 01:52 PM*

WhatsApp has started rolling out a new feature in its latest beta update for iOS, version 25.29.10.71, released through the TestFlight beta program. This update introduces an important addition: the ability to choose the quality of downloaded photos and videos.

Currently available to select beta testers, this feature is expected to reach more users in the coming weeks, enhancing how media is managed on the platform.

### More Control Over Media Downloads

The new feature empowers users to take control of their media experience by allowing them to select the quality at which incoming photos and videos are automatically downloaded. Depending on individual needs or network conditions, users can now balance between data efficiency and visual fidelity.

This update highlights WhatsApp’s commitment to optimizing media management, offering more flexibility when it comes to balancing storage usage, data consumption, and viewing quality.

### How to Enable the Feature

To access this new option, navigate to the **Storage and Data** section in WhatsApp’s app settings. Once activated, a new **Auto-download quality** setting appears, allowing users to choose how incoming photos and videos are downloaded and managed.

Within this menu, you can select between two options:
– **Standard Quality**
– **HD Quality**

### How It Works

When a sender uploads an HD photo or video, WhatsApp creates and uploads both a standard and an HD version of the media file. Due to end-to-end encryption, the app cannot compress or modify files directly on its servers. Therefore, both versions are uploaded by the sender.

The recipient’s app then automatically downloads the version that corresponds with their chosen quality setting. This dual-version system maintains user privacy without sacrificing flexibility in media quality.

### File Size Display for Media

WhatsApp is also introducing a feature that displays the file size of shared photos and videos within the chat screen. When both standard and HD versions of a media file exist in a conversation, tapping the HD icon brings up an overview showing the exact size—in megabytes—of each version.

This convenient addition makes it easier for users to compare data usage and resolution of media files after sending or receiving them.

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With this update, WhatsApp continues to enhance user experience by giving more control over how media is consumed, balancing quality and data efficiency seamlessly. Keep an eye out as this feature rolls out to more users in the near future.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/whatsapp-now-lets-users-choose-quality-for-photo-video-downloads/story

Chrome will now auto-mute notifications from websites you often ignore

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Chrome Will Now Auto-Mute Notifications from Websites You Often Ignore

By Akash Pandey | Oct 11, 2025, 11:00 AM

What’s the story?
Google is introducing a new feature in its Chrome browser that will automatically mute notifications from websites users frequently ignore. This move aims to reduce “notification fatigue” and is part of an update for both Android and desktop versions of the browser.

Feature Extension: How the New Feature Works
The update extends the functionality of Chrome’s existing Safety Check tool, which already allows users to manage sensitive permissions such as camera access and location tracking. Now, it also automatically revokes notification permissions for sites that send excessive alerts without any user interaction.

This feature operates similarly to an existing Android capability that lets users unsubscribe from website notifications with a single tap. However, it specifically targets websites with high volumes of alerts and low user interaction rates and does not affect web apps installed on the device.

Addressing Notification Overload
Google revealed that less than 1% of all web notifications in Chrome receive any user interaction, meaning most pop-up alerts are ignored. After testing this new feature, the company observed a significant reduction in notification overload while maintaining almost the same total number of notification clicks.

Interestingly, websites that send fewer notifications have seen an increase in user engagement and clicks.

User Control and Rollout Timeline
Chrome users will retain full control over this feature. They can choose to disable the auto-revocation completely or re-enable notifications from specific websites by revisiting those sites or adjusting permissions through Chrome’s Safety Check menu.

While Google has not announced an exact rollout date, the feature is expected to be available to all users in an upcoming Chrome browser update.

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/chrome-will-now-mute-websites-that-send-too-many-notifications/story

Israeli spyware maker NSO acquired by US investment group

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**Israeli Spyware Maker NSO Acquired by US Investment Group**

*By Akash Pandey | October 11, 2025, 10:59 AM*

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A US investment group has acquired the Israeli spyware manufacturer NSO Group, the company notorious for creating the iPhone spyware Pegasus. This acquisition was confirmed by NSO spokesperson Oded Hershowitz, who told TechCrunch that “an American investment group has invested tens of millions of dollars in the company and has acquired controlling ownership.” However, Hershowitz did not reveal the exact amount or the identities of the investors involved.

### Deal Details: NSO’s Core Operations to Stay in Israel

The confirmation follows a report by Israeli tech news site Calcalist, which stated that a group led by Hollywood producer Robert Simonds had agreed to purchase the surveillance technology company for tens of millions of dollars.

Despite the change in ownership, Hershowitz assured that NSO Group’s headquarters and core operations will remain in Israel. The company will continue to operate under the supervision and regulation of relevant Israeli authorities.

### Major Leadership Change

As part of the acquisition deal, NSO’s co-founder and executive chairman Omri Lavie will step down from his role. This marks a significant leadership transition for the company. Neither Lavie, Simonds, nor Simonds’ Hollywood company STX Entertainment have publicly commented on this development yet.

### Controversies Surrounding NSO Group

NSO Group has been at the center of numerous controversies since its inception. Its spyware has been linked to targeting journalists, dissidents, and human rights defenders through government customers in several countries, including India, Mexico, Morocco, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

In 2021, the US Commerce Department banned American companies from trading with NSO after it was discovered that the company had targeted a dozen US government officials abroad.

### Concerns Over the Acquisition

John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at Citizen Lab who has spent over a decade investigating abuses of NSO’s spyware, expressed serious concerns regarding the acquisition. He questioned the trustworthiness of someone like Robert Simonds overseeing a company with such a controversial history.

“This dictator tech does not belong anywhere near Americans or our constitutionally protected rights or freedoms,” Scott-Railton stated.

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The future of NSO under new American ownership remains to be closely watched, especially given the company’s troubled past and global impact on privacy and human rights.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/us-investment-group-acquires-controversial-israeli-spyware-maker-nso-group/story

Mahindra launches new Bolero range with added features, reduced prices

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Mahindra Launches New Bolero Range with Added Features and Reduced Prices

By Akash Pandey | Oct 06, 2025, 05:13 PM

Mahindra has unveiled an updated lineup of its popular SUVs, the Bolero and Bolero Neo, for the 2025 model year. These refreshed models come with updated styling, enhanced features, and competitively reduced prices, making them more appealing to a wide range of buyers.

Pricing and Variants

The standard Bolero now starts at an attractive price of ₹7.99 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Bolero Neo begins at ₹8.49 lakh. Both models also introduce new top-end variants that blend modern touches with their rugged, trusted character.

The Bolero is offered in three variants for 2025:

  • B4: Entry-level variant priced at ₹7.99 lakh, down from ₹8.79 lakh.
  • B6: Mid-spec variant priced at ₹8.69 lakh.
  • B8: New flagship variant priced at ₹9.69 lakh.

This pricing strategy aims to make the Bolero more accessible to first-time SUV buyers, while providing added value across all trims.

Feature and Safety Upgrades

The entry-level B4 variant retains its focus on essential features, sporting vinyl seats and a practical interior. The B6 mid-spec variant now benefits from fabric upholstery and a touchscreen infotainment system, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The flagship B8 variant brings premium upgrades such as leatherette upholstery, diamond-cut alloy wheels, fog lamps, and static bending headlamps. These features elevate both the visual appeal and everyday usability of the Bolero.

For the first time, the Bolero is equipped with a 17.8cm touchscreen infotainment system that includes steering-mounted controls. Additional new features include a Driver Information System (DIS) to display key vehicle data and USB Type-C charging ports for greater practicality.

Design Enhancements

Mahindra has refreshed the Bolero’s exterior with a new grille design across all variants and introduced a “Stealth Black” color option, lending the SUV a more premium and imposing stance.

Updates to the Bolero Neo

Targeted at urban and semi-urban buyers seeking ruggedness in a compact SUV, the Bolero Neo receives significant updates for 2025. It features a revised front grille with horizontal accents and new 16-inch alloy wheels, while maintaining its signature boxy silhouette and tailgate-mounted spare wheel.

Two new exterior colors, Jeans Blue and Concrete Gray, have been added to the palette to enhance the Neo’s visual appeal.

Inside, the Bolero Neo boasts a major technology upgrade with a larger 22.8cm (9-inch) touchscreen infotainment system supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a rear-view camera for added convenience. The cabin now features a fresh dual-tone theme, updated materials, and a USB Type-C port.

Performance

Under the hood, the Bolero Neo continues to be powered by the reliable 1.5-liter mHawk100 diesel engine, delivering 100hp and 260Nm of torque. This is paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission, ensuring a balance of power and efficiency for daily driving.

Conclusion

With refreshed styling, enhanced features, and attractive pricing, the 2025 Mahindra Bolero and Bolero Neo deliver improved value and modern conveniences while retaining their rugged charm. These updates reinforce their position as popular choices for buyers looking for practical and dependable SUVs.

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/mahindra-bolero-bolero-neo-get-major-updates-for-2025/story