WhatsApp is rolling out a dozen new features in April. It improves everyday messaging and calling experience, alongside offering more functionality to creators through Channels. From better group notifications to zooming in on video calls, these are designed to make WhatsApp more engaging. The company has shared a roundup of recently rolled out features that are still making their way to more users.
12 New WhatsApp Features To Check Out in April
WhatsApp says these features will “make your conversations and calls more enjoyable, and improve your Channels experience.”
- Online status in group chats: You can now see how many people are currently online in a group through an ‘Online’ indicator under the group name.
- Highlight notifications in groups: WhatsApp allows you to prioritize alerts. You can use the new ‘Notify for’ setting and select ‘Highlights’ to only get notified for @mentions, replies, and messages from saved contacts or all receive all notifications by choosing ‘All.’
- 1:1 event creation: You’re no longer limited to groups for creating events. The ability to create an event is now available in 1:1 conversations. You also get options to RSVP as ‘Maybe’, add a plus one, and set end dates. Events can also be pinned in the chats.
- Tappable message reactions: Want to co-sign someone else’s emoji reaction? Like Slack, you can just tap to send the same one instantly.
- Document scanning on iPhone: iOS users can scan and send documents straight from the attachment tray by selecting ‘Scan document.
- Set WhatsApp as default on iPhone: With the latest iOS update, you can now set WhatsApp as your default app for messaging and calls via Settings.
- Pinch to zoom during video calls: iPhone users can now zoom in during video calls to get a closer look.
- Add people to calls from chat: If you have an ongoing 1:1 call, you can now add someone by tapping the call icon on the top and selecting ‘Add to call.’
- Better video call quality: WhatsApp has improved its routing tech to reduce freezing and call drops. It also adapts faster to your internet bandwidth and upgrades to HD when possible.
- Video notes for Channels: Admins can now record and post 60-second video updates, just like in chats.
- Voice message transcripts on Channels: Can’t listen to a voice message? WhatsApp now transcribes voice updates on Channels so you can read them on the go.
- QR codes for Channels: Admins can generate unique QR codes for their channel, which can be shared online to grow their community.
These WhatsApp features have either recently rolled out or are now rolling out to a wider user base. Keep a lookout for them as you continue using the messaging platform.
