Google Messages May Soon Support Video Calls Through WhatsApp, Report Says

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Google Messages is reportedly adding a new feature that could simplify video calls for users by integrating WhatsApp’s video calling functionality. This feature, still in development, was discovered in the app’s code, and although it is not yet active, it may be rolled out in future updates. The integration is designed to activate when the user does not have Google Meet installed on their device, making WhatsApp the alternative video-calling solution. The potential addition could streamline the process of making video calls without needing to switch between multiple apps.

According to Android Authority, the feature was uncovered within Google Messages version 20250131, where a flag indicating its activation was found in the app’s code. This feature is expected to pop up when users tap the video call icon, prompting them to initiate a call through WhatsApp. However, it will only appear if Google Meet is not present on the user’s device. Currently, Google Messages defaults to Google Meet for video calls, prompting users to install it if it’s not already on their phone, creating an extra step for those who prefer other platforms.

If the feature is officially launched, it would allow users to directly start a WhatsApp video call without leaving the Google Messages interface. The call would open in full-screen mode, eliminating the need for additional clicks or switching between apps. This change is likely to make video calling much smoother for Google Messages users who regularly use WhatsApp as their primary messaging platform.

The integration, however, is expected to work only in one-on-one chats. For group video calls, the app will still default to Google Meet, and the WhatsApp option will not be available. Additionally, if the person on the other end of the call doesn’t have WhatsApp installed, Google Messages will not prompt the user to initiate a WhatsApp video call. This development, while still in the works, hints at further improvements in user experience for Google Messages users who prefer WhatsApp for communication.

Roman Artifacts Discovered in Cova De Les Dones Cave in Spain

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Archaeologists have uncovered significant Roman-era artifacts in the Cova de les Dones cave, located in eastern Spain. Among the discoveries are a corroded coin and 15 inscriptions, which date back nearly 1,900 years. These findings suggest the cave was used as a site for rituals during the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. The coin, which dates to the reign of Emperor Claudius (A.D. 41-54), was found embedded in a fissure between a stalactite and the ceiling, possibly placed there as an offering. The inscriptions carved into the rock further support the theory that the cave was seen as a sacred or ceremonial space.

The discovery of these Roman artifacts is significant, as it offers new insights into the use of natural caves in the Roman world. The location of the coin and the intricate rock carvings suggest that Cova de les Dones may have served as a sanctuary or a place of worship. While the exact meaning of the inscriptions remains unclear, experts believe they may hold clues to the spiritual and cultural practices of the time. The coin itself, a rare find in such a context, further reinforces the idea of the cave’s ritualistic significance.

Cova de les Dones is no stranger to archaeological discoveries. Previous excavations have revealed evidence of human activity stretching back to prehistoric times. The cave has yielded Iron Age ceramics and an array of prehistoric rock art, including depictions of animals like aurochs and stags. One study in 2023 documented over 110 cave paintings, with some believed to be over 24,000 years old, providing a rare glimpse into early human life. These ancient artworks, combined with the more recent Roman-era finds, highlight the cave’s long history as a place of both daily life and spiritual significance.

This latest discovery underscores the ongoing importance of Cova de les Dones in understanding the cultural evolution of the Iberian Peninsula. The cave’s role as a site of worship and its connection to both prehistoric and Roman periods make it a crucial piece in the puzzle of Spain’s ancient past. Archaeologists are continuing to study the inscriptions and other findings, which may yet reveal more about the rituals and practices that took place in this unique location.

Meta Set to Announce Layoffs on Monday, Internal Memo Circulated

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Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, has confirmed plans to carry out company-wide layoffs next week, as revealed in internal memos shared with staff on Friday. The company is expected to send notifications to employees affected by the layoffs starting at 5 a.m. local time on Monday in various countries, including the United States. Meta has made it clear that these cuts are part of a broader strategy to trim down its workforce, focusing particularly on “low performers,” a move previously announced by the company. Alongside these layoffs, Meta is accelerating its recruitment of machine learning engineers, indicating a shift towards prioritizing AI expertise.

According to the memo from Meta’s Head of People, Janelle Gale, employees in certain countries, including Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands, will not be impacted by the layoffs due to local labor regulations. However, employees in other regions, including parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, will receive their notifications between February 11 and February 18. The company’s decision to proceed with layoffs in these countries while maintaining operations in others highlights the complexities of managing a global workforce under varying legal constraints.

The layoffs will affect approximately five percent of Meta’s employees, particularly those deemed as “lowest performers.” Despite the cuts, Meta has committed to backfilling some of the positions, although specific details regarding the number of roles being reinstated or the timeline for these rehiring efforts remain unclear. The announcement comes as Meta continues to refocus its priorities, with machine learning and AI emerging as key areas of investment for the company moving forward.

In a departure from previous mass layoffs, Meta will not be shutting down its offices on Monday and will not issue further updates about the terminations, according to Gale’s memo. This approach signals a more structured, perhaps less disruptive method of handling the cuts, as Meta seeks to navigate its workforce changes while continuing its operations. The company’s decision to keep the offices open suggests a desire to maintain normalcy during the announcement, despite the ongoing restructuring process.