The news:
- Meta-owned WhatsApp, the messaging platform with over 2 billion monthly users, is rolling out several new features in October 2024 to enhance user experience.
- These updates, available for Android and iOS users, will focus on making communication easier and more customisable, adding tools for chat management, and increasing security through image verification.
- As part of the update, WhatsApp will roll out a new tool to help users verify the authenticity of shared images to combat the growing concern of misinformation.
A “Search on web” feature will now appear when viewing an image, especially those frequently forwarded. Located under the three-dot menu in the upper right corner of an image, this option allows users to perform a web search to verify the image’s authenticity.
This new feature is part of WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to curb the spread of fake news and misleading content on the platform.
A major update for iOS users is an improved chat widget, allowing users to access their chats directly from the home screen using the latest iOS widget API. Unlike previous iterations, the new widget offers better interactivity and daily updates from the app.
Whether it’s a personal or group chat, users can prioritise the conversations that matter most with a small widget for individual chats or a larger one that displays up to four conversations.
This feature is useful for people who want instant access to their most important chats without opening the app.
In a move to boost customisation options, WhatsApp is expanding its range of chat themes.
The update brings over 20 new colours to choose from, allowing users to personalise their conversations even more. With 22 distinct themes to pick from, users can now make their chat interface truly their own.
These themes can be applied to individual or group chats, and it’s even possible to use the same theme for multiple conversations while applying different wallpapers.
WhatsApp is also making it easier to connect with friends and family through video or voice calls. A new call link feature allows users to create call links directly from their chat windows, bypassing the need to navigate to the Calls tab.
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This feature is accessible via the chat's attachment menu, making it easier and faster to initiate group or one-on-one calls.
These features, reportedly still in beta testing, will be released to users soon.
