WhatsApp is working on a range of new features for Android, Apple iOS, Windows and web users. These features have been spotted by WABetaInfo, the website that tracks upcoming features and changes in WhatsApp.
While most of these features are already available to users who are enrolled in WhatsApp beta program, references for some features have been spotted in beta updates.
Here is a list of WhatsApp features that you may be able to use soon.
1. Group admins to be able to delete messages sent by other users in the group
WhatsApp is working on a new chat feature for group admins. WhatsApp is planning to bring the ability for group admins to delete messages sent by other group members in a future update. WhatsApp group admins will be able delete anyone’s message without asking them. This will give users more control over group chats and will enable them to remove inappropriate messages. When an admin deletes a particular message in the group chat, users will see a note saying “This was deleted by an admin”.
2. 2-step verification for WhatsApp web/desktop
Meta-owned WhatsApp is reportedly planning to bring a new security feature for its desktop and web users. WhatsApp may bring two-step verification on the web/desktop. For those unaware, two-step verification is an optional feature that adds more security to your WhatsApp account. The two-step verification PIN is different from the 6-digit registration code you receive via SMS or phone call. It is required when you login to your WhatsApp account and is primarily aimed to prevent unauthorized access. It is currently available on WhatsApp mobile app.
3.Message reactions like Instagram and Facebook Messenger
WhatsApp is bringing message reactions similar to the ones available on Instagram and Facebook Messenger. The feature allows users to react to messages. Users will just have to tap and hold a message that they want to react to and then drag their finger to the appropriate emoji. The reaction will appear below the text and will be visible to all members in the group.
4.New animated emojis
WhatsApp is working on new animating heart emojis for Android and Apple iOS users. Currently, when users send a red heart emoji, they see an animation where the heart appears to be beating. The animation effect is only limited to the red colour heart emoji but a new report by WABetaInfo suggests that the Facebook owned platform is working to add the animated effect to more emojis.
5. Group chat feature called Communities
Communities feature will provide more control to the Group administrators. The feature is expected to provide the option to create Groups within Groups. It will be quite similar to how multiple channels are arranged under an umbrella Discord community. WABetaInfo further states that the Sub-Groups also appear to be end-to-end encrypted.
6.Search shortcut on contact information section
WhatsApp is planning to add a new search shortcut to the redesigned contact information section. The new search shortcut will be added next to the video call icon. You will also be able to see the new shortcut in the group info section as well. Currently, the search button is located on the homescreen of the app. You can search for any message that you have sent or received using the feature.
7.Restrict people who can see your WhatsApp status
The new WhatsApp shortcut will allow you to manage status privacy settings. The new shortcut is rumoured to work alongside the new caption bar which is also under development. The shortcut will allow users to edit the list of users who will be able to see their status updates shared. WABetaInfo suggests that you will be able to spot the upcoming shortcut at the bottom of the screen when you tap on ‘Status’. With the shortcut, you will be able to quickly select the WhatsApp contacts with whom you want to share your currency or future updates.
8. Preview photos and videos shared
WhatsApp is planning to enable a new preview for documents shared in chats. The Facebook owned platform is working on a new way to get the document preview when you share videos and images as documents in chats. Currently, you can not get a glimpse of an image or video sent as a document without opening it. The preview will be similar to the one that is visible when you share a PDF file as a document on WhatsApp.
9. Share same photovideo in chat and status at the same time
Whatsapp is working on a new feature that will allow users to share media as their WhatApp status and with individual chats or Groups in a single window. Currently, if you want to share a single media file on your status and with multiple chats, you have to do it separately. With the feature, users will be able to see a redesigned caption view with added functionality. Users will be able to select the options where they want to share the media when they tap on the camera icon in a chat, Group or Status section.
10. New interface for voice calls
WhatsApp Is changing the design of the app window seen during group voice calls. The platform is adding voice waveforms for all participants during a group call. The voice waveforms are similar to the ones seen in voice notes. The changes in the design are quite minimal but they provide a refreshed look to the page.
