WhatsApp has introduced a new set of features aimed at improving group chats, voice and video calls, and channel interactions. In its official announcement, WhatsApp said, “With new features and updates being added all the time, it can be easy to miss out on useful and exciting ways you can use WhatsApp.”
The company added it will begin sharing regular roundups to highlight new tools and settings. The updates are as follows:
Chats
- Online indicator in group chats: A new real-time feature shows how many people are currently online in a group chat, right under the group name.
- Highlight notifications: A new ‘Notify for’ setting lets users choose between ‘Highlights’ (for @mentions, replies, and messages from saved contacts) or ‘All’ notifications.
- Events in 1:1 chats: Users can now set up events within one-on-one conversations. The feature includes options to RSVP with a ‘maybe’ response, invite a plus-one, set start and end times for extended events, and pin the event within the chat.
- Tappable reactions: Users can now quickly view all reactions to a message and tap any existing one to send the same reaction.
- Document scanning on iPhone: iPhone users now have the option to scan and send documents directly through WhatsApp, accessible via the attachment menu under ‘Scan Document’.
- Set WhatsApp as default app on iPhone: With the latest iOS update, iPhone users can set WhatsApp as their default messaging and calling app by going to Settings > Default Apps.
Calls
- Pinch to zoom in video calls: iPhone users can zoom in or out on their own or others’ video during a video call using the pinch gesture.
- Add participants from chat: Users can add someone to an ongoing one-on-one call directly from the chat thread by tapping the call icon and selecting ‘Add to call’.
- Improved call quality: WhatsApp said its updated routing technology offers smoother, more reliable video calls. The system reduces dropped calls and freezing, while better bandwidth detection helps upgrade video quality to HD more quickly.
Updates Tab (Status & Channels)
- Video notes in Channels: Channel admins now have the ability to record and share brief video updates, each lasting up to 60 seconds, just like messages in chats.
- Voice message transcripts: Users can view written summaries of voice messages posted in Channels — useful when they can’t listen to audio.
- QR code for Channels: Admins can now generate a unique QR code to share their channel link easily and grow their audience.
Availability
These new features will roll out gradually and are expected to reach all users on both Android and iOS over the coming weeks.