WhatsApp will test chats with users without a registered account

WhatsApp tests a function to chat with people without an account. It will be temporary and will have specific limitations.

WhatsApp wants you to talk to those who don’t have the app

The Meta platform is cooking up a new tool called Guest Chats or guest chats. The idea is simple: generate a link to start a conversation with someone who doesn’t even have WhatsApp installed.

“Guest chats are similar to third-party chats, but do not require users to download a separate application,” explains the specialized site WABetaInfo.

This is how it would work (if it arrives)

The registered user generates a secure link from the app and sends it by SMS or any other means. The person who receives it clicks and can choose: download WhatsApp or enter directly as a ‘guest’ using the web version.

RelatedWhatsApp introduces a bubble to activate voice chats in groups

The good: The conversation would be protected with end-to-end encryption, just like normal chats. The guest only has to enter a name (or pseudonym) and accept the terms.

The not so good: It is a tool designed for the temporary. It has an expiration date and several important limitations.

The rules of the game (provisional)

  • Chat expires automatically after 10 days of inactivity. It is not a door open forever.
  • The guest will NOT: create group chats, send stickers, voice notes, attachments (photos, videos, documents, GIFs) or make voice or video calls.
  • Basically, it is reduced to plain text. A very basic functionality for a specific interaction.

When is it arriving?

For now, it’s just an experiment. It is being tested with a very small group of beta users on iOS and Android. There is no official release date. As usually happens with these betas, the function could change, improve or even never see the light of day.

If it is finally launched, it could be useful for specific contacts with companies, services or people with whom you do not want to exchange phone numbers. A light intermediary. But, by design, it is not intended to replace the full experience of having an account.

Liga MX returns to EA Sports FC27; multi-year contract

Multi-year agreement includes all 18 Mexican soccer teams.

Return after five years

Liga MX and EA Sports announced the return of the Mexican league to the EA Sports FC27 video game. The agreement is multi-year, so the five-year wait is coming to an end. The news confirms the participation of all 18 teams from the top circuit, with Atlante being the most recent club to join.

“Liga MX is home to some of the most passionate fans, iconic clubs and a rich tradition that has inspired generations of players,” said Jeff Sharma, vice president of EA Sports FC.

The video game will be available starting September 25 for consoles and devices. This edition will include new game modes that seek to attract consumers. With this return, the Mexican league regains presence on a global entertainment platform.

Continue reading

Volvo EX30: free recall in Mexico

Free corrective measure for battery of EX30 units 2024-2025.

Volvo Car Mexico reported that the corrective measure is now available for the EX30 model years 2024 and 2025 units included in a service campaign.

What does the solution include?

The review of the battery system and, if necessary, the replacement of modules at no cost to customers. Owners can schedule an appointment exclusively through the Volvo Solutions Center (centrodesoluciones.mx), where they select an authorized dealer and the available date.

Preventive measure: While the inspection is not carried out, it is requested to maintain the maximum load at 70%. Once the intervention is completed, the vehicle can be used with a full load. The telephone number 968 6586 is available for guidance.

Background of the call

Since February, Volvo issued safety notice R10363 for certain EX30 units in single motor extended range and twin motor performance versions. The reason: in some cases there was an increase in temperature with high load. No incidents have been recorded in Mexico.

Continue reading

Satellite Internet, the bet to close the digital divide in Mexico

Mexican geography limits fiber deployment, but low orbit satellites are emerging as an alternative.

Satellite internet as a solution to the digital divide in Mexico

Mountains, jungles and deserts make Mexico one of the countries with the most complex orography in Latin America. Bringing fiber optics to isolated communities implies an investment that is difficult to recover with few users. As a result, one in five households still lack internet access or receive poor service.

Faced with this scenario, low orbit (LEO) satellite internet is emerging as a strategic alternative. “Deploying physical infrastructure in Mexico is expensive due to geography. In many cases, satellite internet represents the most viable option to connect areas where fiber will not reach in the short term,” explains Ernesto Piedras, director of The CIU. Companies like Starlink, with more than 10,300 active satellites, already operate in the country. Since May 2021, it obtained a concession and closed 2024 with 160,631 subscriptions, making Mexico its second Latin American market, only behind Brazil. Starlink has signed contracts with CFE Telecomunicaciones for up to 1,556 million pesos to connect remote communities.

However, cost remains a barrier. While a fiber optic plan costs an average of 544 pesos per month, satellite internet starts at 899 pesos, plus equipment and installation. “Commercially it is still not as viable because it is still more expensive and requires purchasing an antenna whose price remains high,” says Fernando Esquivel, from The CIU. The service makes economic sense when it is shared between communities or companies, and with the support of public policies.

Experts agree that this technology will not replace fiber optics, but will complement it. “Terrestrial services are faster and have lower latency. Satellite communication reaches areas that fixed internet would not reach,” says Hugo Simg, from MediaTek. Deployment also requires regulation and coordination between governments and companies. The race to connect Mexico is no longer only being fought underground, but from space, where a new generation of satellites promises to reduce the digital divide that keeps millions out of the digital world.

Continue reading