WhatsApp is adding picture-in-picture functionality — and more new updates

WhatsApp is continuously upping its game as it rolls out exciting new updates designed to improve your communication experience.

In the past few weeks, WhatsApp has released updates such as HD media sharing, video fast-forward and rewind feature, a one-minute status video, an update on the pinned chat feature, and new text formatting options.

Here are more features you can look forward to:

• Picture-in-Picture Functionality for Shared Videos
• Status Update Notifications to Rival Instagram Stories
• Synchronizing Locked Chats Across All Your Devices

WhatsApp Expands Picture-in-Picture Functionality for Shared Videos

WhatsApp is bringing a long-awaited feature to its users allowing them more control over their video experience with the rollout of picture-in-picture (PiP) mode.

This feature, available in the latest beta version, allows you to minimize a video and continue watching it in a floating window while browsing other chats or apps. While the PiP feature was previously only available for YouTube and Instagram videos shared within the app, now you can enjoy the same functionality for videos shared directly on WhatsApp.

However, there's a slight limitation for now. While you can minimize the video and multitask within WhatsApp, you can't use PiP mode to watch videos while switching to other apps entirely. This functionality might be added in future updates.

WhatsApp Tests Status Update Notifications Aiming to Rival Instagram Stories

Taking a page out of Instagram Stories' playbook, WhatsApp is testing out status update notifications that would notify you when someone mentions you in their status.

Spotted on Android beta version 2.24.6.19, these notifications could come in two flavours. One would ping users directly mentioned in a contact's status update, ensuring they don't miss relevant updates. The other leverages user interaction patterns, prioritizing notifications from frequently contacted individuals (favourite contacts) to increase the chance of users seeing updates they care about.

The new feature rollout estimated for sometime in 2024 promises to add a whole new layer of interaction and engagement to your WhatsApp experience.

WhatsApp is Synchronizing Locked Chats Across All Your Devices

WhatsApp is working on syncing locked chats across all your linked devices for its privacy-conscious users as spotted in its Android beta version 2.24.8.4.

Currently, locking a chat only hides it on your main phone which means if someone gains access to WhatsApp on your tablet or computer, they could potentially see your sensitive conversations.

This upcoming update would require a secret code to access locked chats on any linked device like a tablet or computer, providing an extra layer of privacy. This improves both security and convenience, letting you access your protected conversations from anywhere. This feature is currently in the testing phase and is expected to roll out in a future update.

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