Upon launching WhatsApp, users may observe several exciting enhancements. According to a recent blog announcement, the platform is introducing a variety of innovative features that will influence group chats, voice calls, and the Updates tab. Here’s a breakdown of the latest improvements:

Improvements to Chat Functions

Group chats are seeing a set of noteworthy enhancements. WhatsApp has implemented an online status indicator within group conversations, allowing users to identify who is currently active and viewing the chat. This addition helps gauge participant engagement in discussions, with the new feature displayed under the group chat title.

Moreover, WhatsApp has introduced a “Notify for” section in group settings tailored for managing notifications. Users can now customize alerts, opting for “Highlights” to receive notifications only for specific messages, such as “@mentions,” replies, or communications from saved contacts. Users still have the option to maintain traditional notifications for all group messages.

Additionally, the platform now allows event creation in one-on-one chats, a feature previously limited to group discussions. While it’s more common to organize events with multiple contacts, this update facilitates planning informal meet-ups or sending personalized invites to individuals who may not use the same invitation app.

For iPhone users, there are two notable features: a built-in document scanner is now available within the app, accessible from the attachment menu under “Scan document.” This feature guides users through the scanning process, including cropping and saving documents. Furthermore, WhatsApp can now be elected as the default app for calling and messaging on iOS, catering to those who frequently use it over Apple’s native Messages app.

Lastly, there’s an update related to message reactions; you can effortlessly duplicate another user’s reaction to a message without needing to sift through the available options.

Enhancements to Calling Features

When making calls, three new functionalities will stand out. On iOS devices, a pinch-to-zoom feature is now active during video calls, enhancing the ability to focus on the video feed—whether it’s to see something on a friend’s end or to clarify your own view.

Additionally, it is now possible to add a friend to an ongoing one-on-one call simply by swiping to their chat, tapping the call button, and selecting “Add to call.” This minor yet practical feature is designed to improve the convenience of group conversations.

WhatsApp has also enhanced its video call quality through improved technology for routing and bandwidth detection, aiming for a seamless experience with reduced chances of frozen screens and call drops. However, the real-world performance is yet to be assessed.

Updates to the ‘Updates’ Tab

In the Updates section, three significant improvements have been introduced: Channel admins can now record videos for their followers, with a limit of 60 seconds per video. Additionally, voice message transcriptions are available in channel updates, and admins are provided the ability to share QR codes that link directly to their channels.