WhatsApp has revealed a range of new updates for its chats, calls, and channels, aiming to improve the user experience and maintain competitiveness against services such as Telegram and Discord.
One notable addition includes an “Online” indicator displayed at the top of group chats. This feature informs users about the number of participants currently available for conversation.
A new enhancement for group chats allows users to prioritize certain notifications. This is achieved through the newly introduced “Notify for” setting, enabling users to receive notifications limited to @mentions, replies, and messages from saved contacts. Alternatively, users can opt to receive all notifications.
For iPhone users, a feature has been introduced to scan and send documents. This can be accessed by selecting “scan document” from the attachment options, then following the necessary steps to scan, crop, and save the document.
Additionally, iPhone users now have the option to set WhatsApp as their default messaging and calling app. Furthermore, they can now use pinching gestures to zoom in during video calls.
In the domain of video calls, WhatsApp has upgraded its technology to enhance the reliability and quality of video calls, which should result in fewer dropped calls and instances of video freezing. Improved bandwidth detection will also facilitate more HD-quality video calls.
WhatsApp has allowed the creation of events within group chats for a while, but it is now extending this capability to 1:1 conversations. The events feature has been updated to enable users to RSVP with “maybe,” invite a plus one, add an end date and time, and pin events for easier access.
Furthermore, during ongoing 1:1 calls, users can now add someone else to the call directly from a chat thread by tapping the call icon on the screen and selecting “Add to call.”
Channels receive three updates: admins can now record and share short videos with followers, distribute unique QR codes linking directly to their channel, and provide written summaries of voice message updates. This allows users to stay informed when they are unable to listen to individual messages.
