WhatsApp to roll out updates to status, image search, call links, and more
Remember when WhatsApp was just for texting and sharing photos? It seems like a lifetime ago. Now, with the latest updates, WhatsApp is evolving into a more dynamic and interactive platform.
Still, a core messaging app, Meta's WhatsApp has been introducing a range of upgrades to improve its functionality in our daily lives, including in-chat enhancements and subtle user experience tweaks.
Recently, particular emphasis has been placed on the "Status" section, and now WhatsApp has introduced even more enhancements.
Private Contact Mentions on Status Posts
First, users will be able to mention contacts in their status updates. According to a blog post from WhatsApp, this feature will work differently from the typical tagging method many are familiar with. This time, the person mentioned will be notified privately that they were mentioned without showing the mention anywhere on the status post.
People mentioned will also be able to reshare posts they were mentioned in, allowing for some level of interaction between the parties involved.
This update is already being rolled out on WhatsApp and according to the company, it should be available globally soon.
Image Search Feature to Combat Misinformation
To combat misinformation, WhatsApp will reportedly implement a feature that allows users to search images directly on the web. This enables users to quickly verify the source of an image, meme, or news article from online platforms using Google or any other supported browser.
Users can quickly access this feature by tapping the three-dot button in the top right corner once they open an image. Importantly, images won’t be processed by WhatsApp, so there’s no need to worry about Meta viewing your pictures. This feature is currently available to beta users with the Android 2.24.21.31 update, which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.
Call Links
Another feature that looks eerily similar to the events feature added a while ago is the "Call Links". Users will be able to share a link to a call (video or voice) that anyone can join at any time. This could be especially useful in group chats where you won't necessarily want to ring up the entire group.
What's the future like for WhatsApp?
With the recent series of updates to WhatsApp, it feels like WhatsApp is gradually shifting to become a more public media platform like Instagram and Facebook. The different features it has been implementing like usernames and other status upgrades deeply suggest this.
If Meta keeps pushing WhatsApp in this direction, not only will the app's over 2 billion users worldwide continue to enjoy new features, but there will also be room for new users as the more public feel to the app might make it feel more like a place for socializing rather than just keeping in touch with close friends and relatives.