One of the world’s most popular apps is WhatsApp. Virtually everybody in India is on WhatsApp, communicating, calling, sending photos, and sharing other updates. It can be found on Android, i, OS athisweek has already come up with some intriguing developments in its beta version, and the most thrilling fact is the new timer added to the Status, with additional customization tools.
In addition to this, numerous other features are in development or testing deployment. This article will discuss these 10 features and how they can be of use to WhatsApp users, what they are, and how they work.
WhatsApp Tests 10 New Features for Beta Users — From Status Timers to Guest Chat
The new version of WhatsApp has 10 new features: customizable Status timers, status sharing to groups, guest chats with non-users, group safety features, support for motion photos, and others to enhance privacy, personalization, and general use of the messaging app by users.
1. Status Timer and Customization Options
This is the biggest highlight of the week. Now, some beta testers can set a timer for their Status. This means you can decide when your Status will disappear instead of waiting for the default 24 hours. You can also add emojis to make it more expressive, check the expiration time in settings, and even keep a private history of your old statuses after they vanish for others. This gives more control and personalization to your updates.
2. Group-Specific Status Updates
With this feature, you can post a Status that is visible only to members of a particular group. You can do it directly from the group info screen, and it will last 24 hours. All members can contribute to the group Status, and it remains end-to-end encrypted. This is perfect for group announcements without changing privacy settings or tagging everyone.
3. Guest Chats
With Guest chats, you can talk to an individual who is not on WhatsApp. You could send them a link and they could chat with you over a web interface, whereas you, still in your app. Communications are encrypted. This capability is limited to chatting alone, no media, no calls, and no group chats. It can be helpful in the short-term communication without persuading a person to download WhatsApp.
4. Safety Overview Screen-Groups
Whenever one not in your contacts adds you to a group, WhatsApp will now display a safety preview screen. It will show the group name and the address who added you, as well as safety reminders. This makes you make a decision on whether it is worth staying in the group or leaving at once. It can be considered a big step forward to save users from scam and spam clusters.
5. Key Username Feature
Previously also known as the username PIN, this is an optional code that a person has to message you first time. This implies that, although someone discovers your username, he or she cannot send you a message without the key. It provides greater control to see who can contact as well as minimizing annoying messages.
6. Instagram verification sign-on Profile Link
WhatsApp is currently finalising an addition to its user accounts to be able to include a verification link to an Instagram profile. A verified Instagram will have a trust label proving that it is legit. Even then, you may add non-verified links. This will allow easier linking of accounts and the existence of fake profiles.
7. Photo Quick Shot
The update provides a shortcut to the profile photo on the top bar of the WhatsApp application. By a tap, you get to open your profile settings and manipulate them. This comes in handy in case you want to update your picture or details rapidly, and especially when you have more than one account to handle.
8. Motion Photos Support
This feature allows you to send photos with short movement and audio captured before and after the click. You can share them in motion mode or turn them into a still photo before sending. This captures the atmosphere of a moment better than a regular photo.
9. Group Safety Enhancements
Along with the safety overview screen, WhatsApp is adding small tips to help you avoid scams in groups. It will remind you to check links and be careful when interacting with unknown members. This is part of WhatsApp’s ongoing safety improvements.
10. History of past status
The feature is associated with the Status timer function, and it allows one to view a personal history of their old status, even when everyone forgets about it. It can help to reuse updates or have a personal reminder of what you have previously posted.
Access to such Features
The majority of these upgrades are currently on only to a section of the beta testers. WhatsApp is introducing them gradually, and so, if you have yet to see them, you might have to wait until a subsequent update. Once they are fairly stable, they will be integrated into the main WhatsApp app for all.