WhatsApp New Features: Updates for Chats, Calls & Channels

WhatsApp Announces Extensive Feature Updates

WhatsApp has recently unveiled a comprehensive set of new features impacting chats, calls, and channels. These updates are designed to improve the overall user experience and strengthen its position against competing platforms like Telegram and Discord.

Enhanced Chat Functionality

A prominent addition is the “Online” status indicator, displayed at the top of group conversations. This allows users to quickly ascertain how many participants are currently available for immediate interaction.

Further improvements to group chats include refined notification controls. Users can now utilize the “Notify for” setting, choosing between “Highlights” – for @mentions, replies, and messages from saved contacts – or “All” to receive every notification.

Document Scanning and Default App Settings

iPhone users now have the capability to scan and directly send documents within the app. This is accessed through the attachment options, guiding users through the scanning, cropping, and saving process.

Additionally, iPhone users can designate WhatsApp as their preferred default application for both messaging and voice/video calls.

Improved Video Call Experience

WhatsApp has upgraded its underlying technology to deliver more dependable and higher-quality video calls. This upgrade aims to minimize dropped calls and instances of video freezing.

The app’s bandwidth detection has also been refined, enabling more frequent and clearer HD-quality video calls.

Event Management and Call Additions

While event creation within group chats was previously available, users can now also create events directly within one-on-one conversations.

The events feature itself has been expanded with new options, including the ability to RSVP with a “maybe” response, invite a guest, specify an end date and time, and pin events for easy access.

Users can now seamlessly add participants to an ongoing one-on-one call directly from the chat thread by tapping the call icon and selecting “Add to call.”

Channel Updates

WhatsApp Channels are receiving three key updates. Administrators can now record and share concise video clips with their audience.

Unique QR codes can be generated and shared, providing a direct link to the channel.

Furthermore, users can now access concise written summaries of voice message updates from channels, offering a convenient way to stay informed while on the move.