WhatsApp is the biggest messaging app in the world, and with a healthy margin too. With 2 billion monthly active users, it’s hard to say Facebook (now Meta) made a bad decision buying it back in the day. With a userbase that large, the app needs to keep appealing to the things that the people want, lest they find an alternative that does it better.
Today, the app has just announced a whole slew of features that will be making their way to your phone. These will improve not only the chatting experience, but also the calling and the Channel experience. Let’s dive into some of the magic that Meta has added.
WhatsApp Brings More Than 10 New Features to the WhatsApp App for Mobile
Although it might not have as much traction in North America, WhatsApp is the primary messaging app that I use, and people with many relatives and friends in other countries will likely attest to its popularity in those regions. To keep things exciting and convenient for its users, Meta has just added several new features to make WhatsApp even more enjoyable.
There are two features exclusive to iPhone (for now), so I haven’t bothered to include them below, but they are support for document scanning and support as a “default messaging app”.
Group Chats Now Have Online Indicators
Hate sending important messages to group chats and not knowing how many people are even online to send a response? Now, under the group name, you’ll be able to see how many members are online.
More Control Over Group Chat Notifications
I’ve muted a lot of group chats over incessant notifications. Now, there’s more flexibility in what you get notified about. The “Notify For” feature lets you choose “Highlights” to only be notified for mentions, replies to your messages, and messages sent by saved contacts.
Create Events in 1:1 Chats, and More
Before, you could only make events in group chats, and now, you can create them in any chat. Plus, you can invite a “plus one”, set your RSVP as a “maybe”, and pin events in a chat.
Quicker Reaction Sending
Looking at everyone else’s reactions to a message? Now, simply tapping any of those existing reactions will send yours as the same.
Video Calls Now Have Pinch to Zoom
If you want to take a closer look at something in a video call, you can. WhatsApp calls now have pinch-to-zoom, whether it is your view or their video feed that’s on the big screen.
Video Call Quality Has Improved
WhatsApp also says that it has made upgrades to ensure that video calls are now of better quality and a lot more reliable. You should have fewer instances of videos freezing and quicker switching to HD video when you have good bandwidth for it.
Easily Add Someone to a Call
Need to add a friend to a call to chime in on a debate? While on a call, simply go to their chat thread, tap the call button, and hit “Add to call”. It’s as easy as that, and makes things more convenient.
Video Notes Come to Channels
As a channel admin, you can now send short video notes to your followers, whether you want to thank them for their support, do a sort of mini vlog, or explain something in more detail.
Voice Message Transcripts Are Now Available on Channels
Transcripts on voice messages came to WhatsApp for Android a few months ago, but now, you will be able to transcribe voice messages that are on channels, too. Perfect for those times when you want to know what’s up but simply can’t listen.
Channels Now Have Support for QR Code Invites
If you’re a channel admin, you can make it easier for others to join your channel with support for QR code invites now. Simply send them over to someone or let them scan your screen to get transported straight to your channel.
