WhatsApp users are set to receive a new optional feature which could massively improve their messaging experience—at the expense of their data packages.
The popular encrypted messenger app is rolling out an experimental new feature which lets users send much higher-resolution images and videos to their contacts.
The update basically gives you a full High Definition (HD) option for photos and videos meaning you won't lose any quality when you post those all-important memes to the group chat.
READ MORE: Don't use hotel Wi-Fi again until you check one simple setting on your smartphone
But there's one catch: HD content uses up a lot more data than standard definition files.
That means if you leave the option switched on, it could eat through your monthly data allowance very quickly—forcing you to buy more.
As a quick example, a standard quality photo uses around 2.2MB of data but this rises to almost 5MB if posted in HD quality - that's over double the size.
Videos can be even more memory hungry and those without unlimited data could find they are suddenly need of extra web access each month - something that's not usually cheap.
With many WhatsApp users sending hundreds or even thousands of files to each other over the years, it could add up very quickly and even leave you with less storage space on your phone.
Fortunately, Meta seems to have thought of this. According to WABetaInfo, 'standard quality' is always the default option for any video sent unless you select the high-quality option. On top of that, high-definition videos and photos that you receive will be marked as such.
WhatsApp stores the files you receive on your device as default, so it's worth checking your settings to ensure that this option is turned off if only to save yourself some storage space.
The new feature is being trialled as part of the WhatsApp beta programme, which means it won't be available to every user just yet. However, given that it's being trialled on both Android and iPhone versions of the app, there's a decent chance it could soon be coming to all versions of WhatsApp soon.
