This feature is currently available for selected users using WhatsApp version 2.24.6.15 or higher, allowing them to pin up to five chats and three messages.
According to WABetaInfo, this feature enables users to prioritise important chats and messages by placing them at the top.
Users with access to the latest WhatsApp beta version can now pin up to three messages per chat and up to five chats, ensuring they do not miss any crucial updates.
đź“ť WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.6.15: what's new?
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) March 13, 2024
WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to pin multiple messages, and it's available to some beta testers!https://t.co/MAC6sucmYw pic.twitter.com/a1NlJKwK51
This official update from WhatsApp has not been announced yet. To access it, regularly update your app. According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp will soon release this feature to all users.
To pin a message on WhatsApp, open the chat and select the message you want to pin.
In the upper section of the chat, you will find a pin symbol.
Clicking on it will pin the message, and WhatsApp provides options to pin messages for 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days.
To unpin a message, click on the pinned message and select the unpin option from the upper section. This functionality works similarly on the WhatsApp web version as well.
Between January 1-31, the company banned "6,728,000 accounts". About 1,358,000 of these accounts were proactively banned, before any reports from users, WhatsApp said in its monthly compliance report.
The most popular messaging platform, which has over 500 million users in the country, received another record 14,828 complaint reports in January in the country, and the records "actioned" were 10.
"Accounts Actioned" denotes reports where WhatsApp took remedial action based on the report and taking action denotes either banning an account or a previously banned account being restored as a result.
"This user-safety report contains details of the user complaints received and the corresponding action taken by WhatsApp, as well as WhatsApp's own preventive actions to combat abuse on our platform," according to the company.
In a bid to empower millions of Indian social media users, the Central government has launched the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) which looks into their concerns regarding content and other issues.
The newly-formed panel, a move to strengthen the country's digital laws to tame the Big Tech companies, will look into appeals by users against decisions of social media platforms.
"We are an industry leader among end-to-end encrypted messaging services in preventing and combating abuse. In addition to our safety features and controls, we employ a team of engineers, data scientists, analysts, researchers, and experts in law enforcement, online safety, and technology developments to oversee these efforts," WhatsApp said in a statement.
In December last year, WhatsApp banned more than 69 lakh bad accounts in the country.
The District Inspector of Schools (DIOS), Agra, Dinesh Kumar, has lodged a complaint with the police in Agra's Fatehpur Sikri.
The principal of Atar Singh Inter College, Rajhauli, in Kiraoli in Fathepur Sikri, his son, who works as a computer operator at the institute, and others have been named in the complaint, the FIR said.
It is alleged that the question papers were posted on the WhatsApp group "All Principals Agra" by the principal's son.
Joint Director of Secondary Education Department and Observer for the exams, Mukesh Agrawal, said, "We have formed a committee after the incident, and accordingly directed the officials concerned to take necessary steps in this regard. Legal action will be taken against those who have done this act."
The question papers were shared an hour after the exam began in the second shift, officials said.
Now, it is introducing another new feature. According to reports, WhatsApp is working on a redesigned status bar that combines a status preview and channel list in one place for its users.
This redesign aims to make the app more accessible and user-friendly.
Currently, it is available for beta testers and is expected to be rolled out to all users soon.
Here are more details about this upcoming WhatsApp update.
Reportedly, WhatsApp users will soon be able to try out a revamped status update tray interface in the next version of the app.
This new tray will be easier to access and more noticeable when the tab is opened, even though it remains at the top of the updates tab.
Thanks to this redesigned interface, users would not need to open each shared status update individually.
Instead, they will be able to see a thumbnail preview of the first one, making the whole experience smoother.
WhatsApp claims that the future UI for the status update tray will greatly enhance the user experience.
In addition to this, WhatsApp is also working on another upcoming feature ‘ownership transfer’.
This feature introduces a new option to transfer channel ownership. It allows the current owner to select a new eligible user and start the transfer process, as reported by WABetaInfo.
Recently, WhatsApp introduced a new feature that lets users block spam contacts directly from their lock screens.
This update is aimed at tackling the increasing problem of spam messages and giving users more control over their messaging experience.
Spam messages have long been a concern for messaging platforms like WhatsApp as these bombarded users with unwanted messages ranging from promotions to scams.
With this new feature, WhatsApp users can now identify and block spam messages without unlocking their devices or opening the app.
When a spam message notification appears on the lock screen, users can simply long-press on the notification to access several options, including the ability to block the sender instantly.
Furthermore, if you want to block a contact proactively, you can do so from the "Blocked contacts" section in WhatsApp settings.
Simply navigate to Settings > Privacy > Blocked contacts, then click on "Add" to search for or select the contact you wish to block.
This functionality adds an extra layer of privacy and security for WhatsApp users.
WhatsApp has continuously added new features to its platform over the years, including some recent additions that offer significant benefits to users.
One of the latest features allows users to send numbered lists easily.
To use this, simply open the WhatsApp message box and type "1. " (with a space after the number).
WhatsApp will automatically format the text after "1" as "2", and so on, creating a numbered list.
Another useful feature is the ability to create bullet-point lists.
To do this, open the WhatsApp message box and type "- " (with a space after the hyphen).
WhatsApp will format the text in bullet points, making it convenient for users who prefer this format.
WhatsApp also introduced a feature for highlighting text.
To highlight text, type "> " (with a space after the greater-than symbol), and then type the message you want to highlight.
This feature can help draw attention to important points in a conversation.
These features are available on both smartphones and the web version of WhatsApp.
If you have not received the updates yet, you can download them from the Google Play Store or the App Store.
If you still do not see these features, do not worry; they will be available soon, or you can update WhatsApp from the official source.
Additionally, WhatsApp offers formatting options like bold and italic text.
To make text bold, simply add asterisks (*) at the beginning and end of the text.
For italic text, use underscores (_) instead. These formatting options allow users to add emphasis and convey messages uniquely to individuals or groups.
WhatsApp is currently beta testing passkeys on iOS, offering iPhone users an alternative to the usual 6-digit OTP code for account verification.
Passkeys, a fresh form of authentication, utilise biometric or facial recognition instead of traditional passwords or codes.
This enhances security by protecting user details in an additional way. This new feature will soon be available for WhatsApp users on iOS.
Passkeys are gaining popularity across websites and apps as a secure login method.
They act as digital credentials for each account, eliminating the need for a password or, in WhatsApp's case, an OTP.
This method is not only more convenient and faster but also enhances security.
To use passkeys on WhatsApp, ensure your app is updated to the latest version and follow these simple steps:
Once you have set up your passkey, you can log into your WhatsApp account on any device using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode. No longer will you need a 6-digit code to verify your account.
This feature was introduced for Android users last year, and WhatsApp is now working on implementing it for iPhone users in a future update.
According to WABetaInfo, a new section in the app is being developed for users to configure their passkeys.
While this feature is undergoing beta testing, it may take some time to appear on your device.
However, once it is available, it will provide a more secure and user-friendly experience for iPhone users.
However, last year, the platform updated its policies regarding chat backups, stating that starting in the first half of 2024, these backups will count towards a user's Google Drive storage.
Currently, Android users on the WhatsApp beta version are already experiencing the impact, with chat backups taking up storage space, regardless of whether they are on the free or paid tier of Google's cloud storage service, according to an Indian Express report.
For users on the beta version who do not wish to back up their chats, there is an option to stop the backup process.
Simply open WhatsApp, go to the menu (usually denoted by three horizontal lines), click on settings, navigate to the Chats section, and select Chat Backup.
In the backup settings, choose 'Back up to Google Drive' and then select 'Never' to automatically save the settings.
If you find your Google Drive storage filled and still want to save your WhatsApp data, consider subscribing to a Google One plan or exclude images and videos from your WhatsApp chat backup to reduce its size.
WhatsApp mentions that these changes will affect users on the stable version of the app in the first half of 2024.
Users will receive an in-app notification 30 days prior through a banner in the 'Chat Backup' section under app settings.
The incident came to the fore after a purported WhatsApp message from the principal of Utkalmani Gopabandhu Smruti Mahavidyalay at Sakhigopal went viral on Wednesday.
In the message written in Odia, the college principal asked the students to reach the college campus by 9 am. From there, they will be shifted in a bus to Panchasakha Padia where they will get Rs 150-snacks packets. The message also mentioned that the state government has made provision of Rs 350-biriyani packets along with water bottles at 1.30 PM.
Moreover, the students were lured with an assurance that their practical and internal scores would be hiked in case of poor marks. He also made it clear that students are required to meet the lecturers concerned to get a hike in their scores.
Even the students were threatened indirectly. All were told to compulsorily reach the college campus by 10 AM on January 24, or else they should not hold the college authorities responsible in case of any problems later.
Satyashibasundar Mishra, principal of Utkalmani Gopabandhu Smruti Mahavidyalay, Sakhigopal, came out with a clarification over the phone. He said, "I have neither written the message nor sent it. This is my official number. I have a personal number. A letter to this effect has been in the office. How can I know who is doing what through this number? A large number of students went there and helped a lot. I fail to understand how this could happen through this number. There might be many people of different natures and people’s representatives at Satyabadi and they might have done something with the number.”
Currently, they are working on a new feature that allows users to share files with people nearby.
This upcoming file-sharing feature, similar to Android’s 'Nearby Share,' requires users to be physically close to each other.
According to a report by WABetaInfo, the feature is available to those using WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.2.17.
To use this feature, users need to open a new section dedicated to sending and receiving files.
Interestingly, it seems that users have to shake their devices to generate a share request, and files can only be sent to people in their contact list.
Similar to text messages and calls on WhatsApp, file sharing will have end-to-end encryption for added security.
The report indicates that the file-sharing feature is still under development, and it might be included in a future version of the app.
However, it is unclear when it will be available on the stable version, and there is no official announcement about its release yet.
According to WABetaInfo, the ability to listen to video and music audio together is now available to some beta testers.
"Specifically, when someone in the call shares their screen, audio they play on their device will also be shared with other people in the call. It’s important to note that this feature also works in individual calls, allowing users to enjoy a synchronised audio experience even in one-on-one video conversations," the report noted.
According to the report, the new feature not only promotes a sense of togetherness in group interactions but also brings an added layer of intimacy to one-on-one conversations.
Moreover, users in a call can also watch videos together, experimenting with shared audio during their video calls, allowing participants to synchronise their video playback experiences, creating a virtual movie-watching or content-sharing session.
The feature will be rolling out to even more people over the coming weeks, the report mentioned.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp is reportedly developing a feature that will allow users to search for others through their username. Users will now be able to search for others by entering their username into the search bar, in a future update of the web client.
However, there is a challenge when uploading status, as the image and video quality automatically gets compressed, leading to a reduction in overall quality.
To address this issue, here is a simple guide to upload your status video in HD quality.
Firstly, select the picture you wish to upload in the status section.
Then, open the WhatsApp application and go to the chat labeled 'Message Yourself.'
Click on the attachment icon, and choose the pictures for your status. Once selected, an 'HD' option will appear in the upper menu.
Click on it and send it in the message box.
Tap on the image and in the upper menu and click on the three dots.
Here, you will find the 'share' option; click on it, select WhatsApp, and then choose the 'My Status' section. Proceed to upload your pictures.
These simple steps ensure that you maintain HD quality when uploading pictures to your WhatsApp status.
Now, in response to user feedback, the app is working on an exciting update.
In an upcoming release for iOS users, WhatsApp plans to introduce a new option for users to choose the app's main branding colour, according to a report from WABetaInfo.
As stated by WABetaInfo, the app, under Meta's ownership, is revamping its appearance with fresh colours and icons, including a new green tint to give it a more modern feel.
Responding to user preferences, WhatsApp is actively developing new customisation options.
In the recent WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.1.10.70 update found on the TestFlight app, it is revealed that the messaging platform is gearing up to unveil a new themes feature in a future update.
Users will soon have the ability to select a new colour from a range of five options, allowing them to experiment and find the perfect hue that aligns with their preferences.
With these customisation features, WhatsApp not only caters to users who favoured the old blue colour but also follows the trend of empowering users with more control over their app interface.
WhatsApp is set to offer users five colour choices for the main look of the app, enabling them to pick a colour that suits their style or simply enhances the app's appearance.
This move is expected to elevate personalisation, allowing users to infuse their digital conversations with a touch of their unique style, according to reports from WABetaInfo.
Between November 1-30, the company banned 71,96,000 accounts. About 19,54,000 of these accounts were proactively banned, before any reports from users, WhatsApp said in its monthly compliance report.
The most popular messaging platform, which has over 500 million users in the country, received another record 8,841 complaint reports in November in the country, and the records "actioned" were six.
"Accounts Actioned" denotes reports where WhatsApp took remedial action based on the report and taking action denotes either banning an account or a previously banned account being restored as a result.
"This user-safety report contains details of the user complaints received and the corresponding action taken by WhatsApp, as well as WhatsApp's own preventive actions to combat abuse on our platform," according to the company.
In a bid to empower millions of Indian social media users, the Centre recently launched the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) which looks into their concerns regarding content and other issues.
The newly-formed panel, a move to strengthen the country's digital laws to tame the Big Tech companies, will look into appeals by users against decisions of social media platforms.
"We are an industry leader among end-to-end encrypted messaging services in preventing and combating abuse. In addition to our safety features and controls, we employ a team of engineers, data scientists, analysts, researchers, and experts in law enforcement, online safety, and technology developments to oversee these efforts," said WhatsApp.
Some noteworthy additions include a new sidebar, a redesigned dark mode and the ability to create a username directly from the web client.
In a recent report from WABetaInfo, it is mentioned that WhatsApp is expanding the username feature from the mobile version to the web client.
This feature allows users to have a username instead of sharing their phone numbers, providing more privacy.
Users can change their usernames at any time, similar to the desktop version. The updated WhatsApp web interface now displays 'Communities,' 'Status,' 'Channels,' and 'New Chat' buttons at the top left of the window.
The new sidebar relocates these options to the left of the browser window, making it convenient for users to switch between tabs easily.
Regarding the revamped Dark mode, developers have adjusted the background colour to complement the dark theme, aiming to reduce eye strain, as per the report.
While these features are currently available to selected users, the report suggests that they will soon be accessible to all users.
In the digital age, where apps make tasks easier, people unfortunately become targets for scams.
A recent WhatsApp feature has been exploited by scammers, leading to financial scams.
Many scams involve the misuse of OTPs, granting scammers access to various features.
Recently, WhatsApp introduced a new feature ‘screen sharing’ which scammers are using to deceive people.
When users enable screen sharing, wrongdoers gain access to smartphones, compromising messages and even OTPs.
As per the Indian Express reports highlight instances of individuals losing money and being locked out of their social media accounts due to WhatsApp screen share scams. Scammers can manipulate passwords remotely through this feature.
To protect yourself during screen sharing on WhatsApp, follow these steps:
These precautions can help safeguard your information and prevent falling victim to scams while using WhatsApp's screen-sharing feature.
The feature is under development on both iOS and Android, reports WABetaInfo.
This feature will enhance multimedia collaboration by allowing users to listen to video and music audio simultaneously during a video conversation.
"In our opinion, this feature demonstrates WhatsApp’s commitment to innovation and improving the overall user experience by adding a new layer of innovation to video calls, setting WhatsApp apart in the competitive landscape of messaging and communication apps," the report said.
Moreover, the report noted that this feature will open up new possibilities for collaboration, such as discussing and enjoying multimedia content together in real-time.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp is rolling out a new 'manage emoji replacement' feature to some beta testers who install the latest WhatsApp beta for Windows 2.2350.3.0 update from the Microsoft Store.
This new update lets users disable this text-to-emoji replacement option, providing users with greater control over their messaging experience.
Open the app settings and the general tab to see if the toggle to manage replacing text with emoji is available to your account.
“I hate to do this, but I woke up with cold sweats all night, with a fever creeping up and every part of my body is aching. I don’t think I’ll be able to make it today,” the employee wrote to the boss.
To this, the boss asked for a doctor’s note to grant the sick leave. “Please get a doctor’s note for an excused absence,” the boss replied.
The employee then replied, “I haven’t been to a doctor in like 3 years. I don’t have the money to go to a doctor for just a fever, and yesterday I made the equivalent to $8 an hour. Is the doctor’s visit covered by the company?”
This infuriated the boss who replied, “No, but you are required to be at work unless you can provide a doctor’s note. If it’s just a fever you should be ok to come in and work. Correct? The amount of money u bring home depends on how you work.”
In reply, the employee wrote, “Ok bud have fun sitting in the break room all day playing on your phone. I’m out.”
Since being shared on Reddit, the chat of the boss and employee has been going viral with more than 6,000 upvotes.
As the year 2023 began, WhatsApp started adding numerous new features, and as the year is now coming to an end, another feature is being added to the social media app.
This feature aims to provide an extra layer of privacy and security for users who want to protect their conversations from prying eyes or any unauthorised access.
The new feature, called 'secret code,' adds an additional level of protection to locked chats, making it more challenging for someone else to find them, especially if they have access to your phone or if you share a device with others.
To activate this feature, users should set a unique password different from their device's screen lock.
To set up 'Chat Lock' on WhatsApp, go to the individual chat, open the chat description, and select 'Chat Lock.' Setup chats lock using fingerprints.
On the WhatsApp homepage, find the 'Locked Chat,' open it by clicking on the three-dot menu. Now select 'Chat Lock settings,' enable 'Hide locked chats,' and set a 'Chat screen code' following the provided instructions.
Choose an emoji and word as your secret code.
To access the 'Chat Lock' section later, enter the secret code in the search bar, and the locked chat section will appear.
Meanwhile, the 'secret code' feature enhances privacy on WhatsApp by providing a more discreet way to hide and access locked chats.
Specifically, the profile info will be visible when the contact is offline, alternating with the last seen if it’s available, according to WABetaInfo.
"It's worth noting that the initiative to enhance visibility of the profile info in conversations underscores WhatsApp’s responsiveness to user feedback and preferences," the report noted.
Instead of navigating to the chat info screen, this new feature will allow users to quickly see the profile information within the chat.
In addition, it also improves visibility in case users have recently updated their profile info, ensuring that others in the conversation are promptly aware of any changes, the report mentioned.
The new feature is under development and it will be available in a future update of the app, the report added.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp is introducing a new voice chat feature that will be a less disruptive method to connect with large groups on the platform. Voice chats allow you to instantly talk live with members of a group chat while still being able to message in the group. Now, once you start the voice chat, group members will receive a push notification to join instead of a call. There will also be an in-chat bubble they can tap to join.
These policies involve the deletion of Google accounts that have remained unused or unaccessed for a minimum of two years, along with associated content like Gmail, Photos, Drive documents, Contacts, and more.
This strategic move is part of Google's broader initiative to bolster security and storage. It excludes school and business accounts to safeguard their data.
Google emphasises its commitment to user communication by promising multiple notifications before initiating the account deletion process.
The affected services include Gmail, Drive, Docs, Meet, Calendar, and Photos.
Notably, accounts containing YouTube or Blogger content are exempted from the deletion protocol.
Users have been strongly recommended to engage in activities to prevent account deletion, as the deletion process will commence on December 1, 2023.
In a related note, WhatsApp users have been encountering errors regarding chat backups.
Typically stored in Google Drive, Google's new update affects WhatsApp backups in Android.
This policy, effective from the beginning of 2024, will calculate the storage capacity of WhatsApp backup files on Google Drive.
Users with substantial chat storage may need to consider purchasing Google One expanded storage to avoid issues.
Previously, Google Drive only accounted for storage related to Google Photos and Gmail.
However, from the New Year, WhatsApp backup file sizes will also be factored into Google Drive storage calculations.
If you have extensive chat storage, it is advisable to manage and potentially delete unnecessary images, videos, and files to avoid the need for additional subscription storage.
Voice chats allow you to instantly talk live with members of a group chat while still being able to message in the group.
Now, once you start the voice chat, group members will receive a push notification to join instead of a call. There will also be an in-chat bubble they can tap to join.
You can see who has joined the voice chat in a banner on the bottom of the screen.
“Voice chats will end automatically once everyone has left the chat. They’ll also end if no one joins the first or last person in the chat for 60 minutes,” the messaging platform said in an update.
Voice chats are available for groups of 33 to 128 people and this feature is only available on primary devices, said the company.
“Group members not in the voice chat can see the profiles of those in the voice chat from the chat header and the Calls tab,” said WhatsApp.
Currently, the voice call on WhatsApp is available with up to 32 participants.
Once a voice chat is underway, call controls will be accessible from the top of a chat without hindering your ability to send text messages at the same time.
Voice chats will be rolling out on iOS and Android in the coming weeks.
(Except for the headline, this story, from a syndicated feed, has not been edited by Odishatv.in staff)
According to WABetaInfo, a new settings section might be available within the list of users' locked chats, providing them with the option to hide the entry point to open locked chats.
"Specifically, after configuring a secret code, the entry point to view locked chats will no longer appear in the chat list. Instead, users can access these chats by entering the secret code into the search bar within the Chats tab," the report noted.
With this feature, the report mentioned that users gain enhanced privacy by removing the entry point to the locked chats list, others won't be able to easily identify or access the conversations that are locked. This will ensure that others can't easily identify or access these secured conversations, effectively preventing accidental or unauthorised entry into sensitive discussions.
With the locked chats list hidden, even if someone gains physical access to a user's phone, they won't be able to see your sensitive conversations.
In addition, hiding the list of locked conversations helps prevent exposure because anyone can understand that there may be some locked conversations, according to the report. Meanwhile, WhatsApp has added a new 'Protect IP Address in Calls' option that helps hide your location from other parties on the call.
The new option hides your IP address from the other party by relaying calls through WhatsApp Servers, ensuring that other parties in the call cannot see your IP and subsequently deduce your general geographical location.
(Except for the headline, this story, from a syndicated feed, has not been edited by Odishatv.in staff)
This feature conceals your IP address from other participants in a WhatsApp call by routing your calls through WhatsApp servers instead of directly between your devices.
This makes it tougher for others to track your location. Although currently available to a limited number of users, it will soon be accessible to everyone.
The IP Protect feature brings several benefits. It safeguards your privacy by hiding your IP address from others in a WhatsApp call, making it challenging for them to track your location.
To enable this feature here are step by step guide:
Once activated, your IP address will be hidden from those you call on WhatsApp.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp is also planning to introduce more features, such as the ability to search messages by date.
This upcoming feature will allow users to search for messages based on specific dates, making it easier to navigate message history with precision.
In a future update, a new calendar button will be added to the search bar in your conversations, as per reports.
This calendar button simplifies the process of selecting a specific date for searching messages shared on that day.
This improvement ensures a consistent experience for Android users, aligning them with their iOS and WhatsApp Web counterparts.
The feature, to search messages by date, is currently under development and will be included in a future update of the app, according to the WABetaInfo report.
The new option hides your IP address from the other party by relaying calls through WhatsApp Servers, ensuring that other parties in the call cannot see your IP and subsequently deduce your general geographical location.
"Most calling products people use today have peer-to-peer connections between participants. This direct connection allows for faster data transfers and better call quality, but it also means that participants need to know each other’s IP addresses," WhatsApp said in a blogpost on Wednesday.
"IP addresses may contain information that some of our most privacy-conscious users are mindful of, such as broad geographical location or internet provider," it added.
According to the company, this new feature provides an additional layer of privacy and security particularly geared towards their most privacy-conscious users.
When using call relaying, the company mentioned that users might find the call quality reduced and also emphasised that "your calls on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted. No one, not even WhatsApp, can listen to them".
To access this setting, go to Settings, then Privacy, after that click on Advanced, and there you can turn Protect IP address in calls on or off.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp's head Will Cathcart has reportedly said that the popular messaging platform could show ads in Status, the platform’s Stories-like feature, and channels but not in the main inbox.
In an interview with Brazilian media, Will Cathcart said the company is not planning to put any ads in your main chat but can show ads in other places, reports TechCrunch.
In a recent update, the company has introduced new features like Screen Lock, Chat Lock, and Channels to enhance the user experience.
In the latest update, it is reported by WABetaInfo that they will soon add a Poll feature in the Channels section.
This feature is currently under development in the Android "2.23.24.12" beta version and will be tested by users in a later build.
Although the feature has not been released to beta users yet, the news outlet has shared a preview of it.The Polls option will be visible in
the attachment section, allowing users to create polls to gather feedback and limit responses to one per user, similar to the Poll option in groups and chats. Importantly, poll votes will remain private to ensure user privacy.
In another report, WhatsApp is bringing back the 'Muted status' feature in the new Updates tab.
This feature, discovered in the '2.23.24.11' update in the Android beta build, will be available for users who do not engage with any channels.
You can update the beta app from the Google Play Store to see if these changes are available for your version.
With the introduction of WhatsApp Channels, the Status tab has undergone significant changes, according to the WABetaInfo report.
And another latest update is about enabling users to enter their email address for verification as a second way to log in to the WhatsApp platform.
This new alternative login method aims to enhance the ease of use of WhatsApp.
The official WABetaInfo report clarifies that the email address login will function solely as an alternative method.
This feature can be particularly useful for users traveling abroad without an active roaming mobile plan.
Nevertheless, users will still require a phone number to initiate their WhatsApp services.
To add your email to WhatsApp, follow these step-by-step instructions:
The report also mentions that this feature can link to backup email addresses previously added by the user, though, in many cases, manual setup may be necessary to enable this feature.
It offers a variety of features that make communication easy. If you are wondering whether someone has blocked you on WhatsApp, there are a few indicators to look for.
When someone blocks you, you will not be able to see their ‘Last Seen’ status, profile pictures, or profile bio. This is because WhatsApp values user privacy, and these details are hidden for blocked contacts.
When you send a message to a blocked contact, you will notice that the message only shows a single gray checkmark instead of the double blue checkmarks. The absence of the double checkmarks indicates that the message has not been delivered to the blocked person.
You can also try calling the person on WhatsApp. If it just says ‘Calling,’ it is possible that the person has blocked you. On the other hand, if it shows ‘Ringing,’ it's a good sign that they have not blocked you.
Keep in mind that these signs are not foolproof evidence of being blocked. Sometimes, people disable their ‘Last Seen’ and online status, or they may have connectivity issues.
However, if you observe multiple of these signs for the same contact, it becomes more likely that they have indeed blocked you.
According to WABetaInfo, this feature will help channel owners promptly identify which of their contacts have reacted to their channel content using an emoji, simplifying their understanding of which updates are most popular.
This feature might enhance interaction and feedback for channel administrators when sharing a new update.
It can also be considered a valuable tool to help them understand which updates grab the attention of their contacts, the report said.
The message reaction filtering feature for channels is available to some beta testers who install the latest version of WhatsApp beta for iOS, according to the report.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new "quick action bar" feature on its Business app for Android, which will let users "quickly perform different actions".
A new icon may now appear above the microphone button, allowing the app to display a new quick action bar above the chat bar, allowing users to perform various actions quickly and easily.
With this feature, users can promptly create orders, access their quick replies, and easily send products from their catalogue.
This update aims to improve and simplify the process of interacting with customers, ensuring that these key features are always visible, saving the business time and effort when interacting with the app.
According to WABetaInfo, this feature will help channel owners promptly identify which of their contacts have reacted to their channel content using an emoji, simplifying their understanding of which updates are most popular.
This feature might enhance interaction and feedback for channel administrators when sharing a new update.
It can also be considered a valuable tool to help them understand which updates grab the attention of their contacts, the report said.
The message reaction filtering feature for channels is available to some beta testers who install the latest version of WhatsApp beta for iOS, according to the report.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new "quick action bar" feature on its Business app for Android, which will let users "quickly perform different actions".
A new icon may now appear above the microphone button, allowing the app to display a new quick action bar above the chat bar, allowing users to perform various actions quickly and easily.
With this feature, users can promptly create orders, access their quick replies, and easily send products from their catalogue.
This update aims to improve and simplify the process of interacting with customers, ensuring that these key features are always visible, saving the business time and effort when interacting with the app.
In August 2023, WhatsApp announced a new feature for the web version ‘Lock Screen.’
This Lock Screen feature is designed to enhance your privacy while using WhatsApp on the web, especially in situations like when you are at the office.
If you are using WhatsApp on your work computer and need to step away for breakfast, lunch, or other reasons, you would usually have to log out.
When you return to your desk, you will have to log in again, which can be tedious.
Additionally, logging in frequently may result in not seeing your previous messages immediately.
This can be frustrating, especially when you have to repeatedly scan the QR code.
To solve this, WhatsApp has introduced the Lock Screen feature for the web version, making it more convenient for users.
Here's how you can enable the Lock Screen feature on WhatsApp Web:
By following these steps, you can activate the Lock Screen feature for WhatsApp Web and ensure your chats remain secure. If you do not see the option, log out of WhatsApp, and you should find the "Lock Screen" option.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp now allows iPhone users to make group calls with up to 31 participants.
WABetaInfo reported a feature in beta testing, allowing iOS and Android users to set voice notes as 'view once,' similar to media files. This feature will soon be available to a broader user base.
This privacy feature brings self-destructing voice notes. Previously, users could set 'view once' for images and videos, and now it extends to voice notes.
Beta testers on WhatsApp beta for Android (version 2.23.21.15 and 2.23.22.4) and WhatsApp beta for iOS (version 23.21.1.73) are among the first to access this feature.
For now, this feature is limited to beta testers, with wider availability expected in the near future.
One recent addition is the ‘chat lock’ and ‘message transfers’ and the unique ‘channel’ feature within WhatsApp, making it stand out among social media apps today.
Recently, Facebook's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, unveiled a new feature shared in a Facebook post.
It includes a screenshot of WhatsApp's account switching feature, which will soon allow users to manage two WhatsApp accounts within a single app on their phone.
The post's caption reads, "Switch between two accounts on WhatsApp. Soon, you'll be able to have two WhatsApp accounts on one phone within the app."
According to a blog post from Facebook, this feature is particularly useful for those who need to switch between different accounts, such as work and personal accounts.
You no longer have to log out each time, carry two phones, or worry about sending messages from the wrong account.
To enable this, you need to have a phone that supports dual SIM cards or an eSIM.
Simply open the WhatsApp application, go to settings, click on the arrow next to your name, and select ‘Add account.’
This will allow you to manage two separate accounts within the app, as per WhatsApp's official report.
Please note that this feature is currently available to some beta users. To access it, you will need to update the application from the official app store and wait for a few days to gain access to this feature on your Smartphone.
Currently only available to Android and iOS users running the beta version of the app, the feature can be accessed by tapping the "1" icon that appears to the right of the voice note waveform when recording, reports WABetaInfo.
“After sending the voice note with the view once mode enabled, you won’t be able to listen to it and the recipient can no longer listen to the voice note after dismissing it," the report said.
According to the report, this feature will empower users with added control and privacy when sharing voice notes, as these voice notes cannot be exported, forwarded, or shared with others.
In addition, the report confirmed that the recipients won’t be able to save or record users' voice notes, improving control of the content they share and safeguarding their privacy.
The Meta-owned messaging service already has a similar “View Once” feature for photos and videos, which it launched in 2021.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp has announced to roll out support for a password-less passkey feature to all Android users.
The move will help WhatsApp users on Android bid goodbye to insecure and even annoying two-factor SMS authentication.
"Android users can easily and securely log back in with passkeys. Only your face, fingerprint, or pin unlocks your WhatsApp account," the company posted on X (formerly Twitter).
UGC Chairman Prof M. Jagadesh Kumar told IANS that the launch of the UGC India WhatsApp Channel is a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and informed higher education landscape.
“By embracing technology and utilising a widely used platform, the UGC is modernising its communication strategy and enabling stakeholders to navigate the information on higher education in real-time,” he said.
He said that this initiative sets a precedent for leveraging digital tools to enhance accessibility, transparency, and efficiency in education governance.
He said that the launch of the UGC India WhatsApp Channel marks a significant leap towards democratising access to crucial information in the realm of higher education.
He said that this innovative initiative ensures that a diverse array of stakeholders, including Higher Educational Institutions, educators, students, and others, can effortlessly access authentic and up-to-date information at their fingertips.
UGC said that one of the key advantages of this platform is its inclusivity. Recognising that not everyone may have seamless access to UGC websites or other social media handles, the WhatsApp Channel becomes a powerful tool for reaching a broader audience, UGC said.
“In a country as diverse as India, where connectivity varies, this initiative bridges the digital divide and ensures that policy updates on higher education are readily available to all,” UGC said.
UGC said that the stakeholders can use the link to join UGC India WhatsApp Channel:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCh6c50gcfMkcXzgq1w
According to WABetaInfo, the company is developing a calendar button which will allow users to open a date picker panel to make it easier for users to search for a message shared on a specific date.
This feature is currently in development, and the company plans to release it for the web client in the future.
According to the report, this feature will be beneficial to users because one of the most notable advantages is the improved capacity to retrieve specific texts from previous chats.
In addition, users will be able to easily find which messages were shared on a certain date via this feature, improving the process of locating important information.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp is rolling out a new option on Android and iOS to make it harder for hackers to infer users' location by protecting their IP address in calls.
With this new 'protect IP address in calls' feature, users will get to add an extra layer of security to their calls by protecting their IP address and location from malicious actors.
The new feature is available in a new section called "Advanced", placed within the privacy settings screen, which contains the new option, making it harder for anyone in the call to infer users' location by securely relaying through WhatsApp servers.
With this new 'protect IP address in calls' feature, users will get to add an extra layer of security to their calls by protecting their IP address and location from malicious actors, reports WABetaInfo.
The new feature is available in a new section called "Advanced", placed within the privacy settings screen, which contains the new option, making it harder for anyone in the call to infer users' location by securely relaying through WhatsApp servers.
However, the privacy call relay feature might have a minor impact on call quality due to the encryption and routing operations of users' connection during a conversation through WhatsApp servers, the report noted.
Moreover, the report stated that the new feature will be highly beneficial against any potential attempts to track user's location and IP address, especially when they are on a WhatsApp call with unknown contacts, as it makes it much harder for anyone to track private information.
The new privacy feature to protect the IP address in calls is available to some beta testers who install the latest version of WhatsApp beta for Android and iOS and it will be rolling out to more users over the coming days, the report added.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp is rolling out a new revamped interface for the Android application to a limited number of beta testers. The updated interface features new icons to offer users a more modern experience by improving the overall visual appeal of the app.
According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is creating a new page that will let users create a secret code for their locked chats.
Entering a secret code will allow users to easily find locked chats even in the search bar of the app.
Plus, configuring a secret code will let them lock chats even from companion devices.
As noted in the creation form, the company suggests using a word or a simple emoji for quick access, the report said.
Moreover, the report mentioned that WhatsApp will allow users to synchronise chat locks across all of their linked devices, significantly improving the user experience. The secret code creation feature for locked chats with support for linked devices is under development and it will be available in a future update of the app.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp is reportedly rolling out a new feature designed to keep channel creators informed about the status of their channels on Android, especially when they are closed in specific countries.
This move comes in response to local laws requiring the platform to restrict access to specific content within certain regions. This feature will allow WhatsApp to notify the channel creator if their channel's visibility is restricted in certain countries due to legal requirements.
This feature allows users to create one-way communication channels where the admin shares posts, and others can react to them.
These channels work differently from regular chats as they let admins share various types of content like text, images, videos, stickers, and polls while keeping the privacy of both admins and followers intact.
In the latest WhatsApp beta version 2.23.20.20 available through the Google Play Beta Program, they introduced a new feature called the "reply bar."
This feature lets users quickly respond to images, videos, and GIFs without having to switch to a different screen.
It makes conversations flow more smoothly and helps maintain context, aiming to reduce interruptions and enhance the overall user experience.
To use this feature, you can simply update your WhatsApp to the latest beta version from the Google Play Store.
It is expected that this feature will become available to all users soon, as reported by WABetaInfo.
According to WABetaInfo, the change will also apply to verified businesses.
This is not surprising, especially given Meta Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg's recent announcement about the ability for businesses on WhatsApp to subscribe to Meta Verified in the future, which would provide them with a verification badge as well as several benefits such as impersonation protection and dedicated tech support.
Moreover, the report mentioned that Meta wants to standardise the colour of the verification checkmark across all of its apps, as it is blue on Instagram and Facebook.
WhatsApp could create a consistent visual identity across Meta platforms by aligning the verification badge colour with Meta's branding and changing it to blue, the report added. The blue checkmark for verified channels and businesses is under development and it will be available in a future update of the app.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp is reportedly rolling out a new feature designed to keep channel creators informed about the status of their channels on Android, especially when they are closed in specific countries.
This move comes in response to local laws requiring the platform to restrict access to specific content within certain regions.
This feature will allow WhatsApp to notify the channel creator if their channel's visibility is restricted in certain countries due to legal requirements.
Toggle this feature if you are a community administrator by opening the community settings screen. The default setting allows only community administrators to add members directly, reports WABetaInfo.
However, community administrators may prefer that everyone be able to add members without the use of an invite link. In such cases, they can select the "everyone" option.
In the coming weeks, some accounts may receive this feature if they don't have it yet.
The feature to manage who can add members to community group chats is available to iOS users who install WhatsApp from the App Store, the report said.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp is reportedly rolling out a new feature designed to keep channel creators informed about the status of their channels on Android, especially when they are closed in specific countries.
This move comes in response to local laws requiring the platform to restrict access to specific content within certain regions.
This feature will allow WhatsApp to notify the channel creator if their channel’s visibility is restricted in certain countries due to legal requirements.
The company partnered with online payment solutions provider PayU and Bengaluru-based Razorpay to add support for payments via credit and debit cards, net banking and all UPI apps in India.
"Starting today, people in India can add items to their cart and send a payment using the method of their choice from all supported UPI apps, debit and credit cards, and more," Meta said.
The company first introduced the payments service in Brazil and Singapore.
"This is going to make it even easier for people to pay Indian businesses within a WhatsApp chat using whatever method they prefer," Zuckerberg said.
Along with this feature, Meta CEO also announced some other features for users in India.
Meta launched ‘Flows’ so businesses can offer more experiences like quickly choosing a train seat, ordering a meal or booking an appointment -- all without leaving the chat.
"With ‘Flows’, businesses will be able to provide rich menus and customisable forms that support different needs," the company explained.
The company will make ‘Flows’ available to businesses globally using the WhatsApp Business Platform in the coming weeks.
Moreover, the tech giant will be bringing Meta Verified to businesses using WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook.
"We've been hearing from a lot of businesses that they're very eager to build more credibility and get greater visibility. So I'm excited to start rolling out Meta Verified in the coming months.
“We're going to continue to evolve what's included in the toolkit to make sure that we're bringing the best value to businesses," Zuckerberg announced.
To become Meta Verified, businesses will need to demonstrate their authenticity to Meta and in return they will receive a verified badge, enhanced account support, impersonation protection, and additional features that will help people find them more easily.
For WhatsApp, this includes premium features like a custom web page and increased multi-device support.
The company will begin testing Meta Verified soon with small businesses using the WhatsApp Business app before introducing it to businesses on the WhatsApp Business Platform in the future, Meta stated.
Google has launched Bard, and is now introducing Bard Extensions in English. This is a way to collaborate with Bard AI.
With Bard Extensions, users can access Gmail, Docs, Drive, Google Maps, YouTube, Google Flights, hotels, and more.
Users can start using this feature today for responses in English. There is a handy "Google it" button in Bard that helps users verify its answers.
When you click on the "G" icon, Bard checks if there's information on the web to support the answer.
If Bard can evaluate a statement, you can click on the highlighted phrases to find more information that either supports or contradicts it.
Additionally, if someone shares a Bard chat with you using a public link, you can continue the conversation.
Google is also actively integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its consumer products like Gmail, Docs, YouTube, and Drive. In fact, they have even prototyped an "Augmented Reality Microscope" (ARM) to help doctors detect cancer, according to a patent.
WhatsApp for iPad is currently under testing which can now be installed via the TestFlight app for all beta testers who can already use the beta app on their mobile devices, reports WABetaInfo.
The version 23.19.1.71 of WhatsApp’s TestFlight app includes the new iPad.
To set up WhatsApp on your iPad, you’ll need to have the beta iOS version of the app installed on your iPhone and iPad.
“Once this is done, you need to use WhatsApp on your iPhone and open WhatsApp Settings, Linked devices, “Link a device” in order to scan the QR code by using your iPad.
After linking your iPad with your iPhone, you will be able to use WhatsApp on your iPad independently, without needing your phone to be connected to the Internet, “which is a significant convenience for those who work on their tablets”.
In addition, your messages and calls are still protected with end-to-end encryption when using the companion mode, the report mentioned.
Since the companion mode is still in beta, some features may still not properly work such as the ability to view and post status updates and some functionality regarding the live location.
WhatsApp plans to address these issues by introducing bug fixes and several improvements in a future update of the app.
Currently, there is no release date for the availability of the WhatsApp for iPad app on App Store.
According to WABetaInfo, a platform that tests WhatsApp features before they are released to the public, WhatsApp beta for Android is getting version 2.23.19.16.
This version allows users to start group calls with up to 31 participants. They have also made some small improvements to the calls tab.
As per the report, WhatsApp group calls used to accommodate 32 participants, with an initial limit of 15 members who could initiate the call.
However, the company is currently enhancing this feature with additional improvements. As of now, you will be able to initiate a group call with up to 31 members.
It is important to note that this functionality was upgraded from 7 to 15 participants, and the current stable version of WhatsApp allows group calls with 15 people, as per WhatsApp's official statements.
In addition to the 31-person group calling feature, WhatsApp is also updating the calls tab's interface. "WhatsApp seems to be continually improving calls with these latest updates," the report noted.
This feature is currently available to a limited number of beta testers but will be rolled out to more people in the coming weeks, according to the report.
WhatsApp Channels are a one-way broadcast tool and deliver a private way to receive updates from people and organisations that matter to users, within WhatsApp.
“Excited to introduce you all to WhatsApp Channels, a new private way for you to get updates from people and organisations you follow. I'm starting this channel to share Meta news and updates. Looking forward to connecting with you all around the world,” Zuckerberg added.
Channels can be found in a new tab called Updates, where “you’ll find Status and channels you choose to follow”.
WhatsApp Channels are rolling out globally over the next few weeks and the company will continue to add more features and expand Channels based on feedback.
“Over the coming months, we’ll also make it possible for anyone to create a channel,” said the social network.
“The Indian Cricket team is thrilled to partner with WhatsApp on the launch of Channels. We kick-off our partnership with WhatsApp with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 which is set to begin in October. We will leverage Channels to generate excitement and support as India gets ready to host the marquee event after a decade-long wait,” said the BCCI, after launching the official Indian cricket team WhatsApp Channel.
“WhatsApp Channels is something I’m personally excited about because now I have a place where I can share important updates about my life and express myself using all the things I love on WhatsApp, like videos, photos or polls,” said music sensation Diljit Dosanjh.
Channels are separate from chats, and who you choose to follow is not visible to other followers.
Recently, the app has introduced various new features, including chat locking, chat transfers, and more.
The latest WhatsApp update, version 2.23.19.7, is available through the Google Play Beta Program and introduces chat filters.
According to WABetaInfo, this new feature aims to give users more control over their conversations, making it easier to manage and prioritise messages.
It is important to note that this feature is still in development.
With the new filter, users can create a list of their group chats while excluding individual conversations.
To make things clearer, the "Personal" filter has been renamed to "Contacts" and now exclusively includes individual chats.
Additionally, there is a dedicated 'Groups' tab and an 'Unread' tab filter that users can select on the front page.
In addition to chat filters, WhatsApp is actively working on other features, such as email verification and the option to hide IP addresses during calls.
One of the latest additions is the Linked Devices feature, which enables users to connect up to four devices to the same WhatsApp account.
These devices can receive messages and calls independently, even if the primary device is not active.
For Android users, there is the Dual Apps feature, allowing them to clone the WhatsApp app and use it with different accounts.
iPhone users have the option of downloading both WhatsApp Business and the regular WhatsApp app separately, enabling them to run two distinct WhatsApp accounts simultaneously.
However, the situation is a bit different when it comes to desktop usage.
There are no official multiple versions or built-in clone app features for Windows.
Nevertheless, there are alternative methods for users to use two WhatsApp accounts on their desktop.
To do this, you can follow a simple set of steps. First, download the WhatsApp application from the Microsoft Store, Apple App Store, or
WhatsApp's official website and ensure you set it up correctly on your mobile device.
Then, proceed to the second method, which involves opening any web browser and navigating to the link "web.whatsapp.com." Here, you will need to follow the setup process using the Linked Devices feature.
This will enable you to use multiple WhatsApp accounts seamlessly on your desktop.
Additionally, WhatsApp has recently rolled out several other features within the application, including Lock Chat, Chat Transfer, a redesigned user interface, Avatar Stickers in Status, and many more exciting updates.
The new WhatsApp app for Mac allows users to join video calls with up to eight people and audio calls with up to 32 people.
According to WhatsApp's official statement, people can also join ongoing group calls.
In a broadcast on the official Meta Channel on Instagram, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the launch of the new WhatsApp app for Mac.
He mentioned that the app supports group video calls with up to 8 participants and audio calls with up to 32 participants. A screenshot of the app was shared in this broadcast.
Both the Mac and Windows desktop apps provide strong security by encrypting your calls and messages across your devices.
To download the WhatsApp app for Mac, you can visit the official WhatsApp website and click the download button for the Mac version.
After the download is complete, open the application file, run it, and log into your WhatsApp account using either the QR code scanner or your phone number.
The official WhatsApp app for Mac is now accessible on the Apple App Store.
To use WhatsApp on your Mac, you will need macOS 11 or a later version, as stated by WhatsApp's official announcement.
One recent addition allows users to send high-quality photos and videos to other WhatsApp users.
The app has now introduced emoji reactions for messages and status updates on Android devices.
In the latest beta update, they are improving this feature further by adding support for avatars in reactions.
According to a report from WABetaInfo, the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.23.18.9 now lets beta testers send their avatars as emoji reactions.
However, users need to set up their avatars on WhatsApp before being able to use them as reactions to others' statuses.
At the moment, users have up to eight avatar reaction options. This is similar to how emoji reactions started with a limited number of choices and later allowed users to pick their preferred emoji for reactions.
Avatar reactions are currently in the beta testing phase and are only available to select beta testers.
They are expected to become more widely available in the coming days.
Based on the screenshots shared by WABetaInfo, users can switch to avatar reactions by tapping the option next to the existing emoji reactions.
Then, they can tap on the avatar to react, similar to how emoji reactions work.
Now, they are introducing another new feature which allows users to share videos in high-definition as well.
By continuously adding new features, the company is dedicated to enhancing the user experience.
This recent improvement enables the sending of higher quality images and videos.
According to a report from TechCrunch, the ability to send and receive videos in HD is currently being rolled out to users on both Android and iOS platforms.
To send videos and photos in HD, you simply need to toggle on the HD option when you are about to share the content.
This option appears both in the attachment menu and the normal sharing menu.
In WhatsApp, when attaching a video, users now have the choice to select the 'HD' option.
This ensures that the recipient receives the video in high-definition quality. If someone wishes to add a caption, they can do so at this stage.
If a video is sent in HD, you can recognise it by the 'HD' badge located on the bottom left corner of the message thumbnail.
WhatsApp has assured that the capability to share videos in HD will be available to all users gradually.
If the feature is not yet accessible on your device, it is expected to become available over the next few days, according to the report.