Used by over two billion users around the world, WhatsApp is the world's most popular chat app. Owned by Meta (Facebook), developers update regularly to enhance user experience and add more layers of security.
A beta version is currently being tested with changes that WhatApp users may be very interested in. They are planned to be released later this month (August) however developers aren't able to give an exact time yet.
There's a possibility that Meta could scrap them all together if the updates are going horribly wrong however this is unlikely. Following the successful beta test, here are the eight ways in which WhatsApp will change.
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Slink out of a group chat anonymously
When users want leave a WhatsApp group, it comes up very publicly with a notification in the group. Introverted or disgruntled users will now be a given a chance to leave silently as a notification will only be sent to the admin.
View past group participants
There will be a trace that you have been a member of a group however as developers have worked on an update which shows all past group participants.
View messages once
There will be a new 'view message once' feature that is similar to Instagram. Creators have made an added security feature that prevents users from taking a screenshot of the new message format.
After being viewed once, the message will disappear.
Hide your online status
You will be able to hide your online status if you're ever being bugged by someone who keeps contacting you because they know you're online. You can usually see if a user is online or when they were 'last seen' at the top of the chat window.
Soon, you will have control over who sees it with options for some contacts, no contacts, or all contacts. Control can be taken for both 'last seen' and online statuses.
Emoji reactions for WhatsApp status
If you have a hilarious status update, users will now be able to react with eight quick-tap emojis. You will also be able to see who hasn't reacted in fits of laughter by swiping up to see viewers.
New WhatsApp Web menu
A new contextual menu has been designed with new formatting options for Windows. This will make it is easier to formulate messages.
Additions include a new spell action feature, options to paste any content into the chat box, undo changes and select all the text.
Phone number sharing toggle
Searching for the number of an individual member in a WhatsApp community group can be a little bit fiddley. In the new Beta version, there is a quick-look phone number sharing toggle for members.
Log-in approval
In case your WhatsApp chats have fallen into the wrong hands, an additional security layer has been added. Soon, users will receive a notification if there is an attempt made on your account which shows useful information such as its date and time.
A second verification code is also sent as part of the new security feature.
If you would like to experience the new changes for yourself, you can download the new WhatsApp beta version at Google Play on Android. Just search for WhatsApp and scroll down the page until you see 'Become a Beta Tester'.
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