WhatsApp set to launch standalone app for businesses soon

As businesses widely use WhatsApp to communicate with their customers, particularly in Asia, the Facebook-owned service appears all set to launch a brand new app for them.

In a new FAQ published on its site, WhatsApp has revealed more details about the upcoming Business accounts like how to identify verified Business accounts from non-verified ones.

"While chatting with businesses, you can check your contact's profile to see which type of account they're using. A verified account has a green checkmark badge in its profile," WhatsApp wrote in the FAQ.

A Business account with a green checkmark badge in its profile is verified as an authentic brand by WhatsApp.

"A business account with a gray question mark badge in its profile means the account is using the WhatsApp Business app but hasn't been confirmed nor verified by WhatsApp," the company said.

The much talked-about WhatsApp for business app is currently being tested by a private group of testers and the company will introduce it as 'WhatsApp Business' -- a standalone app.

Its description available on Play Store read: "As a test partner for 'WhatsApp Business', you have early access to a wide range of new features that we've built with you in mind. As you experiment with what this new app has to offer, please share your experiences with us so that we can improve the product."

Google looks to turn on its revenue tap from Android in India

Breaking News - Airtel and Vodafone subscribers in India have begun seeing an option to pay for apps, games, books and movies on Google's Play Store through their carriers, allowing them to buy services on their Android devices without a credit/debit card or net banking.

Combined, the country's two largest mobile service providers have over 450 million subscribers, giving Google a massive base of customers who will now be able to buy services on its Play Store more easily. The company's Android operating system powers 9 out of 10 smartphones in the country.

Google has not officially announced the launch of carrier billing for Airtel and Vodafone users in the country, but both prepaid and postpaid users have begun seeing the option. Upon initiating a payment however, users are shown an error message suggesting the integration isn't yet complete.

"We are continually looking at ways to enhance user experience, including payment options available on our Play store," a Google spokesperson said when contacted about the development.(Read More)