On Wednesday, WhatsApp unveiled a range of new features aimed at enhancing user experience on both Android and iOS platforms, focusing on improving functionality in chats, voice calls, video calls, and Channels. Among the notable updates is an “Online” indicator in group chats that allows users to see who is currently available for conversation in real time. Additionally, tappable reactions have been introduced, enabling users to easily view and respond to message reactions with a simple tap. iOS users can also take advantage of new features like pinch-to-zoom for videos and the ability to scan documents directly from their iPhones.
Highlighted New Features
WhatsApp outlined these enhancements in a recently published blog post. The new “Online” indicator, according to the company, enables users to see if their contacts are available for chat in real time. Furthermore, users can now customize notifications to highlight only mentions, replies, and messages from saved contacts, streamlining their notification experience.
There are also several updates concerning events. Users can create events not only in group chats but also in one-on-one conversations. The introduction of a ‘Maybe’ RSVP option, along with the ability to invite an additional guest, add an end date and time for longer events, and pin events within chats, enhances the event management features on the platform.
The update also brings tappable reactions, allowing users to view how others are reacting to messages and easily select their preferred response. Additionally, voice message transcripts and video notes of up to 60 seconds are now available for WhatsApp channels. Administrators can invite new members to their Channels by generating and sharing a QR code that links directly to the Channel.
iPhone users will benefit from a variety of new features as well. According to WhatsApp, users can now scan and send documents directly from their iPhones, removing the need for third-party scanning applications. The pinch-to-zoom feature has also been added for video calls, enabling users to get a closer view during calls. Moreover, users can now add participants to a current one-on-one call directly from the chat thread by selecting the call icon at the top and choosing the Add to call option.
