The subsequent time you open WhatsApp, you may discover some adjustments. As announced in a blog post on Thursday, the app is rolling out a dozen new options, affecting the chats, calls, and even the Updates tab. This is what’s new:
Chat updates
Group chats are getting quite a lot of updates this go-around. WhatsApp is including a web-based indicator to group messages, so you possibly can see who within the thread has WhatsApp open at any given second. That change ought to assist you gauge how many individuals are presently studying the chat. You will see the brand new indicator immediately beneath the group chat identify. Equally, WhatsApp is including a brand new “Notify for” part in group chat settings to handle the notifications you obtain from these threads. You should utilize the “Highlights” choice to restrict when the app pings you, together with for “@mentions,” replies, or messages from saved contacts. In fact, you possibly can all the time select to simply accept notifications for all messages in any group chat, as per normal.
The app is now including the choice to create occasions in one-on-one chats. This function was beforehand unique to group chats, which is sensible—you are extra prone to wish to plan an occasion with a gaggle than a single contact—however in case you wish to previously plan a hangout, or ship a customized invitation to somebody who doesn’t have the invite app you’re using, this modification may very well be useful.
There are two options particular to iPhones right here as effectively: WhatsApp now has a built-in doc scanner on iOS, in case you do not wish to use the one in your Notes app. You will discover the choice within the attachment tray, underneath “Scan doc.” WhatsApp says the function will stroll you thru methods to scan the doc, in addition to methods to crop and put it aside. Second, you can now set WhatsApp as your iPhone’s default calling and messaging app, when you spend most of your time chatting on WhatsApp over iOS’ Messages.
The final change to chats impacts reactions. Now, you possibly can copy another person’s response to a message with out having to dig by way of the alternatives your self.
Updates to calls
You will discover three new options when inserting calls. On iOS, you possibly can pinch to zoom when on a video name. This works on each your video feed, in addition to the feed of the individual you are speaking to. For instance, your buddy may be displaying you one thing on their finish, however you possibly can’t inform what it’s from the video feed alone. You possibly can then pinch to zoom on the show to get a more in-depth look. Conversely, if you wish to see one thing in your video feed you possibly can’t make out, you can provide {that a} fast zoom as effectively.
What do you assume up to now?
Now you can add a buddy to a one-on-one name by swiping over to their chat, tapping the decision button, and select “Add to name.” It is a small change, however one I can think about being handy at any time when you should cellphone a buddy into an ongoing name.
Lastly, WhatsApp says they’ve upgraded their video name tech, optimizing the routing system and boosting bandwidth detection. Calls must be larger high quality, in addition to freeze and drop much less typically—however we’ll must see if that is the case with real-world use.
Adjustments to ‘Updates’
There are additionally three adjustments to the Updates tab: Channel admins can document and submit movies to their followers immediately from the app (although these movies have to be 60 seconds or much less). You can even see a transcription of voice messages updates in channels, and channel admins can share QR codes to hyperlink to the channel.
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