WhatsApp has announced numerous new updates across chat, calls and channels designed to enhance user messaging and call experiences as they continue to compete with popular services such as Telegram and Discord.
One of the most notable additions is the “online” indicator that appears at the top of the group chat, indicating how many people are currently chatting.
Another new group chat feature allows you to highlight specific notifications. This is because you can select “Highlight” using the newly added Notify for setting to receive all notifications by limiting notifications for messages from saved contacts or from All.
Another feature provides the option to scan and send documents on your iPhone. To access this, users select “Scan Document” from the Attachment Options and follow the instructions to scan, crop, and save the document.
iPhone users can also set WhatsApp as their default messaging and calling app. Additionally, iPhone users can now zoom in and zoom in during video calls.
Image credit: WhatsApp
When it comes to video calls, WhatsApp says it has upgraded its technology to make video calls more reliable and even better quality. Improved bandwidth detection in the app should allow for more HD quality video calls.
WhatsApp allows users to create events in group chats for a while, but currently the ability to create events in 1:1 conversations is being deployed. Additionally, the event feature will be updated to “probably” RSVP, invite plus 1, add end dates and times, and pin events for easier discovery.
Additionally, you can now add someone to a continuous 1:1 call from a chat thread by tapping the call icon at the top of the screen and selecting “Add to Call”.
The channel also gets 3 updates. Administrators can now record and share short videos with followers and share unique QR codes that link directly to the channel. Additionally, you can write a summary of voice message updates from the channel to speed up when you can't read individual messages on the go.