WhatsApp has been rolling out a range of exciting new features in recent months. These additions aim to enhance functionality, boost privacy, and provide users with innovative ways to connect. Let’s explore eight of the latest features that are set to revolutionize the way people use WhatsApp.
Simultaneous Account Usage on Multiple Phones
WhatsApp now allows users to utilize their account on up to four mobile devices simultaneously. Previously, this device feature was limited to browsers, computers, and tablets. Individuals can link multiple phones to a single account with this update, making it convenient for those who use separate devices for home, work, or business purposes.
Password Protected Chats for Enhanced Privacy
WhatsApp now allows users to password protect individual chats. You can conceal these protected chats within a folder that requires a password for access, which keeps them separate from your other conversations. Notifications from password protected chats won’t disclose any message content or the identity of the sender, providing an additional layer of privacy.
Truecaller Integration to Identify Spam Calls
WhatsApp and Truecaller are partnering to aid users in identifying potential spam calls over the internet. This upcoming feature, currently in the beta phase, will be globally available in the coming weeks. Given the increasing prevalence of telemarketing and scam calls, this integration will assist users in recognizing and avoiding unwanted communication.
Animated Emojis for Fun and Engaging Messaging
WhatsApp is actively working on introducing animated emojis to enhance the overall user experience. The development of these emojis will utilize Lottie, a library that creates simple animations. These animated emojis will bring a touch of fun and excitement to your messages, adding a delightful element. By default, users will have the ability to send these animated emojis, infusing their conversations with liveliness.
‘Keep in Chat’ Feature to Save Disappearing Messages
WhatsApp now enables users to save important messages that are set to disappear. If a receiver chooses to save a disappearing message, the sender will be notified. The sender can then decide whether to allow the message to be saved or not, maintaining control over its visibility. Saved messages will be stored in a separate list called ‘Kept Messages,’ accessible in the chat info section.
Exit Group Chats Privately
In a bid to offer a discreet exit option, WhatsApp now allows users to leave group chats without notifying other members. Previously, when a member left a group, all participants received a notification. However, with this privacy update, only the group admin will be notified of the departure, ensuring a quieter exit for users.
Selectively Display Online Status to Chosen Contacts
Users can now customize their online visibility by choosing which contacts can see their ‘online’ status. This feature allows individuals to block specific contacts from seeing when they are active on the platform. Moreover, if users prefer to maintain privacy from certain individuals, they can prevent them from viewing the ‘online’ indicator in their chat.
Screenshot Prevention for View Once Messages
The latest privacy update introduces view-once messages as a feature, enabling users to send texts, photos, or videos that automatically disappear after being viewed. With this update, recipients of view-once messages will lose the ability to take screenshots of the content they receive. This enhancement provides an additional layer of privacy for sensitive or time-limited information shared through view-once messages.
Conclusion
These eight new features introduced by WhatsApp within the past year bring exciting advancements to the messaging platform. With improved functionality and enhanced privacy measures, users can enjoy a more versatile and secure communication experience.
