Whatsapp Features - NEWS POLITE

WhatsApp Begins Testing Camera Zoom Control Feature, Sticker Creation Shortcuts

WhatsApp is rolling out two new features to beta testers on iOS that add new capabilities to the popular messaging platform. The first feature makes it much easier to zoom when using the in-app camera on WhatsApp, while the second feature allows users to quickly create new stickers from their Camera Roll, or use Meta AI to generate stickers, via new shortcuts. Both of these features are expected to make their way to all users on iOS and Android smartphones.

Feature tracker WABetaInfo spotted a new zoom control feature on WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.9.10.75. Users who have signed up to receive beta versions of WhatsApp for iOS via TestFlight can now update to the latest version to access a new camera zoom control button that will let them switch between different zoom options when clicking images or recording videos on WhatsApp.

WhatsApp’s new zoom controls (left) and sticker shortcuts
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

WhatsApp currently allows users to pinch in and out on the viewfinder while using the in-app camera or, swipe up while holding down the capture button. Both of these options aren’t as straightforward or intuitive as using a dedicated zoom button, which is expected to roll out to all users in the future.

Earlier this week, the Meta-owned messaging service rolled out another feature to beta testers with the WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.9.10.74 update, according to details shared by WABetaInfo. Users who have installed this version will see Create and Use AI shortcuts when the sticker selection panel is open on WhatsApp.

The first shortcut will allow users to use an image from their Camera Roll to generate a new WhatsApp sticker using the application’s built-in sticker editor. Gadgets 360 was able to confirm that this option is also available to some users on the stable version of WhatsApp. The Use AI shortcut, on the other hand, allows users to generate stickers with Meta AI, the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) service.

Other features recently spotted in testing on beta versions of WhatsApp include a new ‘Recently Online’ list that — as the name suggests — lists contacts who were previously active on the app. Meanwhile, the service recently updated its colour palette on iOS, displaying green buttons and text throughout the app. It could eventually add support for alternative colour accents on the app, which were first spotted in development in January.

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WhatsApp Update With Green Buttons and New Icons Rolled Out for iOS Users

WhatsApp is rolling out a new update for all iOS users that adds a minor interface change and a new feature in its video calling functionality. The new update was rolled out on Monday, and since it is a global stable version, it will be available for all iPhone users. Users can find the update in the App Store by looking for WhatsApp. The new update is widely rolling out the green buttons and interface design as well as adding redesigned interface elements.

The new WhatsApp for iOS update brings up the build version to 24.9.74. All supported iPhone models will be able to install it as soon as it becomes available. The update has been shipped in batches, so some users may get it after a delay of a few days. WhatsApp says everyone will get the new features in the coming weeks.

WhatsApp’s new update

Notably, the update is adding green coloured buttons and notification icons to all iOS users. The instant messaging platform first began experimenting with the feature last month. It was also rolled out to many Android users in the last couple of weeks. After the update, the new message button as well as the icons for new groups, contacts, and communities will be shown in green. The unread message notification and the number of unread messages that show next to the chat list will also be shown in green. The green colour was already the default theme for night mode, although the colour is brighter now. The colour will also show for those using the app in light mode.

Further, the new WhatsApp update is also pushing the new redesigned icons across the app. These were also seen in a previous beta update, and now are being rolled out to all users. With this interface redesign, the platform is now using consistent icons across its Android, iOS, and web interface.

Finally, the company is also adding audio support for the screen-sharing feature in video calls. Earlier, when sharing their screen through the app, the other participants would not be able to hear the audio played on the device and instead would only hear the external audio captured through the microphone. Now, users will be able to hear both the audio channels together. This feature was also recently added to the app’s Android platform.

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WhatsApp Communities to Get New Events Feature, Replies to Announcement Groups

WhatsApp is introducing a couple of new features for Communities that will allow members to participate in newer ways. Meta, the parent company of the instant messaging platform, announced on Wednesday that it is adding a new Events feature and allowing replies in the Announcement Groups to make Communities more interactive. Events will allow members of a group to create any event and other participants can then add if they’re going or not. Notably, WhatsApp is also reported to be working on a Recently Online feature that will list users who have logged into the app recently.

Announcing the features in a newsroom post, Meta said, “To help bring communities even closer together, we’re adding a new way for people to organize events on WhatsApp, and we’re introducing organized replies in Announcement Groups so members can respond to important updates from admins.” As per the company, Events can now be created by any group member whose group is part of a community. The option to create an event can be found by tapping the paper clip icon in the text field which also opens options for polls and payments.

These events can be for anything including a virtual meet-up or a birthday party. Once an event is created, other members can respond to it. They can open the event and confirm whether they will be attending it or not. Everyone can see who will be attending the event and who will not be.

The events can also be found on the group’s information page. Members who will be attending will get a notification when the event is close to remind them about it. For now, Events are exclusive to groups in Communities, but WhatsApp has said that it will be rolling out the feature to all groups over the coming months.

Another feature being introduced is replies to Announcement Groups. Every community in WhatsApp has a separate Announcements group which is accessible to all members even if they are added to just one of the groups but only the admins can post in it. It is normally used to post major announcements that are relevant to all members. WhatsApp is now allowing all members to reply to these messages.

This feature is designed to let admins get feedback from the community in a single space. These replies are grouped and minimised to avoid cluttering, and opening it opens a bottom slide that shows all the replies. Reply notifications are muted for everyone.

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WhatsApp Could Soon Get a ‘Recently Online’ List to Recommend Contacts to Users: Report

WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will reportedly recommend contacts you can reach out to. The feature is a list dubbed Recently Online which shows the names of contacts who were recently logged into the app. The report speculates that the purpose of the feature is to help users determine people who are more likely to respond if texted or called. However, it will not show the currently online people, and instead only give an approximate understanding of those who have used the app recently.

According to a report by WhatsApp update tracker WABetaInfo, the instant messaging platform is testing a new feature that was spotted in the WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.8.10.70 update via the TestFlight app. The report also highlighted that some beta testers might have access to the new feature, although it is not rolled out widely in the beta app. Interestingly, the same feature was also introduced in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.9.14 build, highlighting that both of the platforms could soon get this feature in their respective apps.

WhatsApp’s Recently Online list
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

Based on the screenshot shared by the publication, the Recently Online list only appears on the new chat and new call screen where the user selects the contact to write a text or make a call. Here, underneath the basic menu options, a new section highlighting the contacts that were recently online will be shown. It is unclear what exactly constitutes “recently online”, and what is the time limit after which a name is removed from the list.

The feature will, however, not show the list of people who are online currently, or the time when they were last online, as per the report. This is likely done to protect the privacy of the users. Further, those users who have set their Last seen to nobody will not appear on this list. It is unclear whether they will be able to see the Recently Online list or not.

This feature is currently in beta, but the report claims that it is likely to be rolled out to users globally in the coming weeks.

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WhatsApp Now Supports Face Unlock for App Lock on Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro

Google Pixel 8 series arrived last year with an improved face unlock feature allowing users to access compatible banking and payment apps. Now, WhatsApp has rolled out support for the face unlock feature on the Pixel 8 phones. This update provides a convenient way to unlock WhatsApp and keep chats secure from prying eyes. Once users have set up facial recognition on the instant messaging app, they can simply look at the phone’s front camera to unlock the app. This facility eliminates the need for biometric authentication.

The Meta-owned instant messaging platform has added a new security layer with the latest update to the app on Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro users. Face unlock support on the Pixel 8 series appears to have rolled out with WhatsApp’s stable version 2.24.8.85. After the update, WhatsApp will show a system face unlock sheet at the bottom of the screen and a ring around the front-facing camera upon launching the app. If the app doesn’t recognise the user’s face within a few seconds, it will then switch back to the fingerprint sensor prompt. Users can also choose to enter their PIN. We at Gadgets 360 were able to use Face unlock on the Pixel 8 for WhatsApp.

The latest update also seems to bring visual changes to the ‘WhatsApp Locked’ screen. As seen on our Pixel 8, the locked screen now shows the word ‘locked’ instead of the previous tick mark.

Google has been offering a face unlock option on its flagship phones for years now. However, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 pro smartphones, launched in October last year, were the first to come with upgraded face unlock capabilities that let users access compatible banking and payment apps like Google Wallet.

This feature is fueled by the Google Tensor G3 SoC and advanced machine learning algorithms combined with Titan M2 security chip. It can be used to authorise a contactless NFC transaction via Google Pay.

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WhatsApp Working on In-App Dialler Feature to Call Unsaved Contacts: Report

WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature that will allow users to access an in-app dialler to make voice calls. The feature is still under development, and the instant messaging platform has not made it available to those who have signed up for the Google Play beta programme. While the functionality of the dialler is unclear, it is believed that the feature could allow users to call numbers that are not saved in their contact list. A recent report claimed that the company is also working on a nearby file-sharing feature.

Spotted by feature tracker WABetaInfo on WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.9.28, the feature is currently not available for beta testers, but the tracker suggests that it might appear in one of the next updates. The in-app dialler could expand the functionality of the app from a standard voice and video calling platform to one that even allows calling contacts not saved on and could mimic an actual calling service.

WhatsApp in-app dialler
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

The report also shared a screenshot of the feature, which is yet to be enabled on the latest beta version. It appears like a generic dialler with a green calling icon and numbers and alphabets located as they usually do.

The feature tracker suggests that the reason for the dialler’s implementation is still unknown. However, it is believed that the feature was included to easily call numbers that a user might remember and prefer to dial rather than scrolling through the contact list or searching for it.

Another use case could be to allow users to call numbers that are not saved in contacts. Last year, the company rolled out a feature to make it easy to chat with users who are not saved in the contact. The in-app dialler might be an extension of that feature. It is a common occurrence when a user needs to call someone over the app for temporary reasons such as setting up a meeting, checking up on an expected delivery, or making an appointment.

For these cases, saving the contact is an unnecessary step that users currently have to complete. The new feature may alleviate the need to do so.

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WhatsApp Reportedly Adding Improvements to Its Under-Development Nearby File Sharing Feature for Android

WhatsApp is said to be working on a nearby file-sharing feature for Android users that uses Bluetooth to transfer files for quite some time now. The feature was first reported in January 2024, but it has not even appeared on the beta version of the app. A new report now claims that the instant messaging platform is adding more improvements to the feature and that it could soon be rolled out in beta. Notably, the company is also reported to be working on a Favourites tab.

The new feature was spotted by the WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.9.22 build. However, the feature is currently not visible and beta testers will not be able to use it. As per the report, the People nearby feature now comes with a screen citing detailed permissions required for it to work. A separate screen also has an animation for finding nearby people and shows the list of discoverable users.

WhatsApp nearby file-sharing feature
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

As per the screenshots, the People Nearby feature, which is located directly within the Settings menu, now informs users about the permissions WhatsApp requires to be turned on. These include access to photos, media and files, access to Bluetooth, and access to location. While access to files is required to show and send them to users, Bluetooth and location services are likely required to maintain the local network with users in proximity.

Once permissions are granted, users are taken to another page where other users who have activated nearby file-sharing can become discoverable and transfer files among each other without requiring internet connectivity. In the screenshot, WhatsApp claims sharing is end-to-end encrypted and the user’s phone number will remain hidden.

The feature can be a good alternative to sharing large files over the internet which can consume large amounts of data or sharing them through cloud services, especially in situations where the network is unstable or the user has limited data available. As per the report, the feature is near completion and could be available to beta testers via a future update.

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WhatsApp for Android Could Reportedly Get a New Favourites Tab to Add Contacts to Speed Dial

WhatsApp is working on a new feature which will allow users to add, reorder, or remove contacts in a specific order, as per a new report. The feature, dubbed Favourites, was spotted in the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android and is expected to allow users to set up a speed dial of contacts for easier accessibility. The feature is currently not visible so beta testers will not be able to use it, but it is expected to be available in one of the upcoming updates.

The new feature was reported by the WhatsApp features tracker WABetaInfo, which claimed that the instant messaging platform is working on integrating a Favourites tab within the Settings menu. The feature was spotted in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.7.18 update. Despite being present within the codes of the app, it is not visible and users who have joined the Beta Programme will not be able to see it. The report highlighted that currently the feature could not be explored due to the same restrictions.

WhatsApp Favourites tab
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

Based on a screenshot shared by the publication, the new setting option was located between Account and Privacy options. A new option of Favourites is now visible with the description “Add, reorder, remove”. Opening the setting, a new screen mentions, “Make it easy to find the people and groups that matter most across WhatsApp”. While not much is explained about the feature, it appears that users will be able to add their favourite contacts to create a speed-dial-like interface from where they can quickly message those they value the most.

However, if this is the intended use case of the feature, it might be redundant to many users. Based on the screenshot, the feature is buried under two different screens (home screen > Settings > Favourites), which would make using it cumbersome. The current interface of the instant messaging app automatically pushes the chats up where messages were shared most recently.

Further, users also have an option to pin chats to the top for easier access. The existing mechanisms and features are geared towards keeping both favourite contacts and contacts that are interacted with most frequently. This might also be useful to those users who want to keep a separate list of those contacts that they don’t reach out to frequently but would want to be easily accessible for some specific situations. WhatsApp might shed more light on the feature if it rolls out publicly.

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WhatsApp Web Users Could Soon Get the New Revamped Sidebar Interface: Report

WhatsApp was reported to be working on a new interface for its Web client with a sidebar and a dark mode last year. Now, according to a new report, the revamped design has started to roll out to some users. The new WhatsApp Web feature is said to be available to some of the users who have signed up for the Web client’s beta programme. This also hints that a public rollout may not be too far off. Notably, last week, WhatsApp also began rolling out Meta AI to some users in India.

According to a report by the WhatsApp update tracker WABetaInfo, the instant messaging platform has begun shipping out the new interface to some users. The report highlights that not all users who have signed up for the beta programme are getting the feature as the company is likely conducting a limited test currently. The new interface does not add new features but rather rearranges the position of different sections of the platform in a neatly designed area on a sidebar.

WhatsApp Web redesigned sidebar
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

Based on the screenshots shared by the publication, the new WhatsApp Web interface also comes with a dark mode, which will offer better readability for some users who prefer the black-background-white-text format. The icons for Chats, Communities, Status Updates, Channels, Archived Chats, Starred Messages, and even Broadcasted messages can be seen on the sidebar. This also offers improved navigation for Starred messages and Archived chats as the current version does not have single-click access to them.

With the new interface shipping out to beta testers now, the report also states that the feature can roll out to all users in a few weeks. Meta has been working on several features for WhatsApp. Last week, Gadgets 360 spotted the new Meta AI chatbot on WhatsApp for users in India. Later the feature also appeared on Instagram and Messenger, and a Meta spokesperson reportedly confirmed that the company was testing the feature in new regions.

Earlier, it was reported that WhatsApp was working on a link privacy feature where users would get the option to turn off link previews. The feature was designed to hide any overt information the thumbnail and the short description could show to those who might be prying over the chats.

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WhatsApp Testing Link Privacy Feature; Working on Picture-in-Picture Support on iOS: Reports

WhatsApp has reportedly started rolling out a new privacy feature. This helps users choose the privacy level of the links that are shared in their chats. The feature has not yet been publicly announced, but it has been spotted on some beta testing accounts. WhatsApp is also said to be developing a new video-viewing feature within the app. Recently a report claimed that the company is working on a locked chats feature for linked devices, and it is expected to be available in a later update. WhatsApp initially rolled out the Chat Lock feature for smartphones in May 2023.

According to an Android Police report, WhatsApp has started rolling out a link privacy feature to some beta testers. Users can choose to turn off link previews with this feature which means there will be no thumbnail preview or any other data related to the article alongside the link. This will not reveal any overt information regarding the link to anyone attempting to pry over the chats.

This feature is also expected to help declutter the chats and make them easier to navigate. More importantly, it is also expected to prevent data leaks. WhatsApp beta testers can access this feature under the Disable link previews option by tapping on Privacy > Advanced in WhatsApp’s settings menu. Gadgets 360 was able to confirm the feature is enabled on the latest beta version of WhatsApp.

Meanwhile, a report by WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo claimed that the company is developing a new video viewing feature. This would allow users to view videos shared amongst contacts on the app in a picture-in-picture segment within the app. This is similar to the picture-in-picture feature that is available when watching YouTube and Instagram videos shared on WhatsApp.

The report noted that this picture-in-picture viewing for WhatsApp media videos is only available within the WhatsApp application, not over any other apps. This means that with this feature, you can watch a video that one of your contacts sent, come out of the chat and interact in other chats or groups within WhatsApp, while the concerned video continues playing in a smaller window. It also added that this feature is currently being worked on and is not ready to even roll out to beta testers. So, it may not see a public release in the near future.

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