WhatsApp has introduced a dozen new features for its users. Key updates include an Online indicator in group chats, the ability to limit notifications to group Highlights, and options for event creation in 1-to-1 chats. Users can also react to messages by tapping others’ reactions, scan and send documents on iOS, and set WhatsApp as the default messaging app. Video calls can now be zoomed in, and users can add participants to ongoing calls. Additionally, video quality has improved, channel admins can share short video recordings, and voice message transcripts for channels are now available, along with QR codes for easy channel sharing.
WhatsApp is continuously experimenting with new features via its beta channel, and it often takes months before these features are available to all users. However, today the service unveiled a dozen new features simultaneously, so let’s explore them one by one.
First up, there is now an Online indicator in group chats that shows which members are currently available right beneath the group name. Secondly, you have the option to receive Highlights exclusively from groups, which helps manage notifications by only alerting you to mentions, replies, and messages from saved contacts. Thirdly, you can create events in a 1-to-1 chat, RSVP as “maybe,” invite a plus one, and specify an end date and time for longer events, as well as pin an event within a chat.
Fourth, you can tap on someone else’s reaction to respond in the same way to a message. Fifth, the latest update allows you to scan and send documents directly from WhatsApp on iOS, along with options to crop and save. Sixth, in certain regions, you can set WhatsApp as your default messaging and calling app on the newest version of iOS — simply navigate to Settings > Default and select WhatsApp.
Seventh, you can now pinch to zoom during video calls on iOS. Eighth, you can add someone to an ongoing 1-to-1 call directly from a chat thread. Ninth, video calls now offer improved quality and reliability, automatically switching to HD quality if you have sufficient bandwidth. Tenth, channel administrators now have the ability to record and share short videos lasting 60 seconds or less with their followers.
Eleventh, you can access voice message transcripts for channels. Finally, twelfth, as an admin of a channel, you can generate a QR code that links directly to your channel, making it easy to share with others.
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