The Facebook-owned instant messaging app is set to receive several new features like group video calling and third-party stickers soon, and the latest reports indicate another set of features may also arrive in the near future. One of the new feature has already made its way to the stable Android release (v2.18.142) – previously seen in the Android beta. This feature lets users select which group participants will be able to edit group info. The latest reports claim that WhatsApp for Android is getting some new functionalities, including chat filter, an announcement feature, new broadcast messages mode, and a change in the ‘Delete for Everyone’ feature.
Facebook owned WhatsApp is a simple chat app. The working model of the app is as basic as it can be. This makes the app easy to use but also boring at times. So, in order to keep the app engaging and make chatting more fun, WhatsApp constantly comes out with new updates. Reports suggest that, there is another important update expected to come soon on WhatsApp that will allow users to make group video and voice calls from the app.
Let us now check out the new features that have already come or are on cards for WhatsApp:
Restrict groups: As per a tweet by WaBetaInfo, WhatsApp Restrict group feature will allow only administrators to send out messages. All the other members in the group can only read but not reply to the message. In case someone wants to add something to the message then he/she will have to message the admin.
iOS Business app: WhatsApp Business is now rolling out for iOS users. WhatsApp Business is a business app, which connects businesses and customers. This App is already available for Android users.
Chat filters: WhatsApp is working on a solution to resolve this problem with searching for a keyword within WhatsApp chat. This new Chat filter will allow users to search for a particular word using a set of filters. When a user Taps on Search, it will open a Filter list which will allow you to apply filters like unread chats, broadcasts messages, or groups. However, this feature may only be restricted to WhatsApp business.
Delete for Everyone: According to WABetaInfo, when a user taps on ‘Delete for Everyone’ in a message, it will be deleted only if the recipient gets the revoke request within 1 day, 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds. Previously, this option was available for only 1 day. However, users can still delete messages for everyone sent within 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds, but the receiver will be required to get the revoke request within the new time limit.
Request Info: Considering the new EU law that comes in effect from MAY 25, WhatsApp will now allow users to download all the WhatsApp data using Request info feature and export or port to another app. The info includes your WhatsApp data like all your profile pictures and groups.
Ability to watch Instagram and FB video in WhatsApp: With this new feature, WhatsApp will allow users to run Facebook and Instagram videos inside WhatsApp. That means you can now tap on a Facebook or Instagram video link and it will play inside WhatsApp instead of opening in their respective app. Currently, this new feature is for iOS users.
Another tweet by WABetaInfo also suggest that, WhatsApp is said to be adding a new feature for broadcasting messages. Currently, WhatsApp is working on a solution to allow users to send broadcast messages to contacts that do not have the sender’s number in their contacts list.
