Welcome to the WhatsApp Weekly Recap, your source for the latest updates and developments on the popular messaging app, WhatsApp. In this edition, we’ll highlight the key features and changes that occurred between June 26 and June 30 from a larger group video call capacity to message editing capabilities, business texts, and a darker top app bar. WhatsApp has been working tirelessly to improve user experience and introduce exciting new functionalities. Whether you’re a regular user or simply curious about WhatsApp’s latest offerings, this recap will ensure you stay informed.
Get ready to embark on a thrilling voyage through the captivating realm of WhatsApp as we unveil the most extraordinary spectacle in our Weekly Recap series. Prepare to be spellbound as we take you on a breathtaking journey, filled with groundbreaking updates and awe-inspiring features that will leave you in a state of sheer wonder. Strap yourself in and surrender to the irresistible allure of WhatsApp’s enchanting universe, where unimaginable marvels await you at every turn.
Table of Contents
Darker Top App Bar
In the upcoming WhatsApp beta update for Android, a new interface with a white top app bar is being introduced to align with Material Design 3 and modernize the app’s theme. Additionally, WhatsApp plans to make the dark theme even darker in a future update, catering to users who prefer a more visually appealing and performance-efficient experience, especially on AMOLED screens. While the changes are still in development, feedback, and concepts shared on Twitter indicate users’ interest in both a new light theme and a revised dark theme.
Advanced Proxy Settings
WhatsApp is rolling out advanced proxy settings in its beta update for iOS, allowing users to configure specific ports and enable Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption. These settings offer advantages such as isolating traffic, applying firewall rules, and enhancing security. The feature was previously released to select users on Android and is now expanding to iOS beta testers. The update provides more control over proxy usage and ensures secure communication over the network.
WhatsApp Desktop App
WhatsApp has officially deprecated its WhatsApp Desktop application based on the Electron framework, prompting users to switch to the newly introduced native app. Users were notified in advance through a countdown displayed on the app’s main screen. The Electron version has now reached its end-of-life stage, and users are encouraged to download the native app from the Microsoft Store to continue using WhatsApp on their desktop computers. While the native app offers a smoother and more stable experience, some users have expressed dissatisfaction as it lacks certain business features available in the deprecated version. WhatsApp is expected to release business features for the native app in the future. In the meantime, users can utilize WhatsApp Web as a temporary solution.
New Business Features
WhatsApp has introduced campaign messages for businesses, allowing small businesses to send personalized promotions and updates to customers. This feature aims to enhance customer engagement and communication. Additionally, businesses can manage their communication costs by paying a fee and tracking messaging expenses. The announcement also includes the integration of creating Facebook and Instagram ads without a Facebook account. These features will be available to users who update their WhatsApp Business app on Android and iOS.
Message Editing
WhatsApp is now widely rolling out the ability to edit messages for iOS users. With this feature, users can fix typos within 15 minutes of sending a message, with unlimited edits allowed. However, messages sent from a different device cannot be edited. The update is available on the App Store, and users are encouraged to regularly update WhatsApp to access this feature. It is also available for the WhatsApp Business app.
Large Group Video Calls
WhatsApp is now testing larger group video calls for its Windows desktop app. Some beta testers have reported being able to make video calls with up to 32 people, an increase from the previous limit of 8 people. The update also includes the ability to share screens during video calls and view video messages. These features are being rolled out gradually, so users may need to update their WhatsApp app to access them.
Create Channel
WhatsApp has introduced a new feature called channels, allowing users to broadcast content to unlimited followers. Initially released in Singapore and Colombia for verified organizations, the ability to create channels is now available to some beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta for Android updates from the Google Play Store.
By tapping the plus icon next to the Channels title, users in these regions can check if they have access to the feature. The rollout of channel creation will continue in Singapore, Colombia, and to more users globally in the following weeks.
- Creating a channel requires providing a name and description, with the option to choose a username coming in the future.
- Channels are public, allowing anyone to discover and follow them.
- The channel history remains visible for up to 30 days.
- Phone numbers, profile photos, and names are not revealed to followers.
High-Quality Videos
WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature to select beta testers that allow for sending high-quality videos. Users can now share videos with improved quality and preserved dimensions by selecting the high-quality option within the drawing editor. The feature adds a tag indicating high-quality status to the message bubble. It’s important to note that the high-quality option is not available for sharing videos through status updates. The feature is being released gradually to beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta for Android update from the Google Play Store.
WhatsApp continues to introduce new features and enhancements to improve the user experience for its beta testers. These features provide more options for users to communicate and share content with higher fidelity. While initially available to select beta testers, WhatsApp plans to roll out these features to more users in the coming weeks. As WhatsApp evolves and adds new capabilities, it strives to enhance the overall messaging and media-sharing experience for its vast user base. Remember, the journey never ends, so stay tuned with the latest WhatsApp updates: larger group video calls, message editing, business text features, & more, and let us be your guiding star through the realms of WhatsApp’s vibrant evolution.
Source: WABetaInfo
