4 big changes coming to WhatsApp – including cross-app chats
Meta Platforms-owned WhatsApp is planning to bring broad changes to the popular South African communication app.
The first notable update is that WhatsApp has announced that it is testing what could be one of its biggest feature updates in several years – the ability to message users on other apps.
According to WABetaInfo, a data service, WhatsApp is also introducing new features like video avatar calling, “HD” photo and video sharing, and is expanding its Channels feature to all users in more than 150 countries.
In South Africa, WhatsApp remains a highly popular messaging platform for various groups and conversations. The app’s frequent updates and beta testing contribute to its appeal, and it is also available for free on both the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.
WABetaInfo, known for tracking WhatsApp’s developer activities, has highlighted the following modifications:
Cross-app chats
WABetaInfo reports that a “Third-party chats” section has appeared in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.19.8 update.
This feature will presumably allow WhatsApp users to chat with users on other messaging apps – like Signal, Telegram, and Viber.
However, because it is not yet functional – with no option to start a chat with users on other apps – the precise technicalities behind how it will function and which third-party apps will be supported are currently unknown.
However, this new capability is supposedly being integrated into WhatsApp so that its parent company Meta Platforms, can comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
“HD” photo and video sharing capability
WhatsApp has confirmed a feature that allows sending higher-quality photos and videos is now available to all users.
The “HD” photo and video sharing capability first started rolling out to users about three weeks ago.
Using the “HD” media sharing option will send a photo in its original resolution and a video at 720p. The latter is known as HD in the video industry, while 1080p is Full HD (FHD).
With “HD” turned on, the image will retain higher quality but will also be bigger than usual, meaning it will consume more data and could take longer to send.
Photos or videos sent with the HD setting turned on will have an “HD” watermark in the bottom left corner when viewed within a WhatsApp chat.
Video avatar calling
WABetaInfo reported that WhatsApp is rolling out a video avatar calling feature, and it is available to a limited number of beta testers before it’s rolled out to more people over the coming weeks.
With this feature, WhatsApp aims to help protect user privacy by masking their actual appearance with an avatar while still allowing them to engage in the video call.
When users choose to switch to the video avatar mode, it will mimic their facial movements and expressions in real time in order to make their interactions more realistic. This feature adds a fun and personalized touch to conversations, making interactions definitely more expressive.
If you want to discover if this feature is enabled for your account, just try to place a video call to see if an avatar button is available within the calling screen. It’s worth noting that you can easily switch back to video mode at any time.
Expanding its Channels feature
Meta Platforms-owned WhatsApp has announced that it is expanding its Channels feature to all users in more than 150 countries, TechCrunch reports.
WhatsApp’s Channels, launched in June 2023, lets users send one-to-many broadcasts and several other features. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the rollout on his new WhatsApp channel.
“Excited to introduce you all to WhatsApp Channels, a new private way for you to get updates from people and organisations you follow.”
WhatsApp Channels live in a separate tab on the app, and the company is introducing new interactions, such as the ability to react using emojis and a count for emoji reactions under messages.
Other WhatsApp users can’t see the channels you follow, and personal information such as your phone number won’t be visible to channel admins or followers.
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