With new features and updates being added all the time, it can be easy to miss out on useful and exciting ways you can use WhatsApp. To keep you in the loop, we’ll be sharing regular roundups of the latest updates, tools, and settings. Today’s roundup includes features that have rolled out recently to make your conversations and calls more enjoyable, and improve your Channels experience.
Chats — Your Place for Private and Encrypted Conversations
‘Online’ Indicator in Group Chats: To help you know if people are around to chat, you can now see how many people are ‘Online’ in real-time, right under the group name. This is one of the standout WhatsApp group chat features in this update.
Highlight Notifications in Groups: Need an easy way to prioritize your group chat notifications? Use the new ‘Notify for’ setting and select ‘Highlights’ to limit notifications for @mentions, replies, and messages from saved contacts.
Events Updates: In addition to creating events in groups, you can now create an event in a 1:1 conversation. New event features include RSVP as ‘maybe,’ inviting a plus one, adding an end date/time, and pinning the event in chat.
Tappable Reactions: Want to +1 a message? Now you can quickly view and tap on someone else’s reaction to send the same one yourself.
Document Scanning on iPhone: Scan and send documents directly from WhatsApp on iPhone using the ‘Scan document’ feature in the attachment tray.
Default App for iPhone: With the latest iOS update, you can now set WhatsApp as your default messaging and calling app. Just go to Settings > Default Apps and select WhatsApp.
Calls — Better and Smoother Communication
Pinch to Zoom in Video Calls: iPhone users can now pinch to zoom during video calls, helping you get a closer look.
Add to Call from a Chat: Seamlessly add someone to a 1:1 ongoing call directly from the chat by tapping the call icon and choosing ‘Add to call.’
Enjoy Smoother Video Calls: WhatsApp has upgraded its calling tech to improve video quality and reliability. Enhanced bandwidth detection quickly switches to HD video when your connection allows.
Updates — A Refreshed Channels Experience
Video Notes for Channels: Admins can now share 60-second video messages instantly with their audience.
Voice Message Transcripts for Channels: Get text summaries of voice messages — perfect when you’re in a rush or can’t listen.
QR Codes for Channels: Admins can now generate a QR code for their channel for easier sharing and audience growth.
WhatsApp Username Feature Coming Soon
In a move to reduce dependency on phone numbers, WhatsApp is set to launch the much-anticipated WhatsApp username feature. This will allow users to connect using unique usernames. While the exact WhatsApp username feature release date remains unconfirmed, sources suggest it will roll out in the coming weeks.
Available Now — Download the Latest WhatsApp Version
To explore all these exciting new tools, make sure to WhatsApp download the latest version from your app store. These features are gradually rolling out across regions, so keep your app updated.
With this major upgrade, WhatsApp launches a dozen new features that reshape how millions around the world communicate every day. From smarter group chat features to powerful new calling options and username flexibility, the messaging giant continues to innovate for the future.
Source: WhatsApp Blog
