Instant messaging application WhatsApp has unveiled a plethora of new features this year. From the recently-launched fingerprint unlock to much-awaited 'Dark Screen' mode, the aim is to make the messaging experience more convenient across the world. Users can download the latest version of the of WhatsApp to experience the new features. Some of these new features are available only in the...
Instant messaging application WhatsApp has unveiled a plethora of new features this year. From the recently-launched fingerprint unlock to much-awaited 'Dark Screen' mode, the aim is to make the messaging experience more convenient across the world. Users can download the latest version of the of WhatsApp to experience the new features. Some of these new features are available only in the beta version.
1. WhatsApp has recently launched the fingerprint lock feature for Android users. WhatsApp can now be locked or unlocked using the phone’s built-in fingerprint sensor. To enable the new fingerprint lock feature, users need to go to the 'Settings' option and then select Account > Privacy > Fingerprint Lock. After enabling the new fingerprint lock feature, users can still reply to messages from the WhatsApp notifications and answer WhatsApp calls. The fingerprint lock option is only required when the user intends to open WhatsApp. Three options are given to choose from under 'Automatically lock' — 'Immediately', 'After 1 minute', 'After 30 minutes'.
2. Recently, WhatsApp has implemented a new feature for iPhone users where Netflix trailers would be available on PiP mode. WhatsApp will let the users play Netflix trailers without opening the Netflix application. WhatsApp also allows users to watch Facebook, YouTube and Instagram videos within the app.
3. Boomerang feature for iPhone users on beta has been recently rolled out. Boomerang is a popular feature on Instagram which allows creation of GIF like videos. Now iPhone users can capture Boomerang videos on Whatsapp. Along with the latest Boomerang feature, WhatsApp has also added in-app edit tools for photos and videos. With the latest update, WhatsApp has reportedly also started to rollout consecutive voice note playback feature to WhatsApp Web. With the new feature, when a user receives multiple voice messages on a chat, he will just have to hit play on the first voice note and all other consecutive ones will play one after the other.
4. According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp’s latest beta update has something for the much-awaited dark mode. WhatsApp is still working on the dark mode feature to ensure bug-free experience before the release, said WABetaInfo. The new Splash Screen is available in the dark mode on the beta version of WhatsApp. The lock icon on WhatsApp has also been updated for dark mode.
5. WhatsApp has also announced a change in its privacy settings. The new update shall allow users to choose who from their contact list can add them to a group chat. Users can access privacy settings to select one of the three options— ‘Everyone’, ‘My Contacts,’ or ‘My Contacts Except’. This new option will let the user select the persons who have to gain approval before adding the former to a group. The ‘Nobody’ option from 'Who can add me to groups' settings has been removed. An admin who can’t add a user to a group will be prompted to send a private invite through an individual chat, giving the choice of joining the group. The invite will expire in three days.
Among many concerns around misinformation and privacy, the Indian government has been prompting WhatsApp to ensure consent of users before they are added to group chats.
WhatsApp has announced the launch of an India-focused fact-checking feature to combat fake news and rumors in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. Users can report unconfirmed information or rumors they receive to a WhatsApp number (+91-9643-000-888) and check its authenticity. Last year, WhatsApp faced severe criticism over lynching incidents that allegedly were the result of fake news shared on the platform. Under pressure to curb fake messages, the company named Abhijit Bose as the head of WhatsApp India. It also named Komal Lahiri as the grievance officer for India.