WhatsApp is the world's most popular chat app with over two billion users around the world. Owned by Meta ( Facebook ), the world's most popular social network, developers update regularly to enhance user experience and add better layers of security.
A beta version is currently being tested with a number of tweaks and additions that many WhatsApp users may be very interested in. They are planned to be released later this month (August) however developers can't give an exact time yet.
In the unlikely event that the updates go horribly wrong, Meta could scrap them all together. Here are eight ways WhatsApp is planning to change after a successful beta test.
Read more: WhatsApp users 'breaking social rules' with particular messages
View messages once
Similar to Instagram, there will be a new 'view message once' feature. Creators have worked on a security feature that prevents users from taking a screenshot of the new message format that is designed to disappear after being viewed once.
Leaving a group chat anonymously
Currently, when users want leave a WhatsApp group it comes up with a very public notification in the group. Now, introverted or disgruntled users will be able leave silently with the notifications going only to the admin.
View all past group participants
Don't celebrate too soon however as there will be a trace that you have been a member of that group. WhatsApp has worked on an update which shows all past group participants.
Hide online status
If you've ever been bugged by someone who keeps sending messages because they know you're online, you can now officially hide your online status. Usually at the top of the window when you open a chat, you can see if a user is online or or not and when they were last seen using the app.
Soon there will be an ability to control both 'last seen' and online statuses and who can see them - no contacts, some contacts or all contacts.
Emoji reactions for WhatsApp status
Eight emoji reactions will allow you to react to another user's WhatsApp status. This will include eight quick-tap emojis to express your feelings.
If you have posted a status you will be able to see who has viewed it by swiping up.
New WhatsApp Web menu which includes spelling action
A new contextual menu has been created with new formatting options for Windows to make it easier for users to formulate their messages. These include a new spell action feature, options to paste any content into the chat box, undo the last change made and select all the text.
Log-in approval
An additional security layer has been added in the beta version in case your WhatsApp chats have fallen into the wrong hands. Soon, users will get a notification of the attempt which shows them useful information such as its date and time. A second verification code is also part of the new security feature.
Phone number sharing toggle
If you've ever needed to message an individual member of a WhatsApp community group, you know how fiddley it can be to search through to find their phone number. In the new Beta version, there is a new quick-look phone number sharing toggle for members.
If you're curious about the changes, you can download the new WhatsApp beta for yourself 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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