Use Google Now to send messages with WhatsApp

In the past you could use Google Now to send SMS, Hangouts and email. However, a recent update will allow you to use the service to send messages through WhatsApp, Viber, WeChat, Telegram and NextPlus. The process looks like this:

• Say "Ok, Google," then wait for the app to start listening.
• Follow up with "Send a [app name] message to [contact name] saying [your message]" Ex: "Send a Viber message to Jeff saying How are you?" Note: If you have multiple contacts with the same name, you may need to confirm which one you want to message.

Which other apps would you like to see working with Google Now? Share your favorites in the comments.

• You will see the app icon appear on the information card with your message, and then you can confirm sending by saying yes or tapping the arrow button.

The latest version of WhatsApp is now available for download on the Google Play Store. Its biggest addition is the ability to back up conversations on Google Drive. With the latest version (the 2:12:45), WhatsApp would definitely prove to be very convenient for those who often change their devices. A new menu in the settings will allow all users to save conversations including all the media elements attached such as photos, videos and audio recordings, into the database of Google Drive. 

WhatsApp has also specified the minimum requirements to use this feature. The user must have a Google account which is activated on the device, installed Google Play services and enough free space on Google Drive for storing chats and media, reports Tech Times . Users will have to enable the new feature on WhatsApp and follow the procedure:

• Go to settings and under
• Settings Chat > Backup Chap
• Choose authorise Google account
• Set the chronological frequency for automatic backup (daily, weekly or monthly)
• Select type of connectivity (Wi-Fi or, both over Wi-Fi and cellular)

The messages will be automatically saved on the Google Drive by the application. Users cannot stop the backup once they initiate it. As announced through the WhatsApp blog, the messages will not be readable outside the application as it will have an encrypted form of protection. At this moment, the new feature is at the beta version which can be downloaded from here .

The final version will soon be available in the Google Play Store. In May, WhatsApp revamped its Material Design UI including new icons, animations, and colour-flipped emojis. Later in June, WhatsApp updated its Windows Phone app by adding the voice calling feature. Previously, this feature was rolled out to all Android BlackBerry and iOS users.