(CMR) WhatsApp is rolling out some super exciting features including an iPad add and the possibility to link four devices to a single account and self-destructing messages similar to what can be found in competing applications.
The end-to-end encryption messaging giant has 2 billion users worldwide that are no doubt looking forward to these new features. However, competition is stiffening from apps like Signal which is now becoming more mainstream for their secure messaging platform. They are also introducing an advanced search option.
Tech gurus have argued that WhatsApp does not want to compromise its end-to-end encryption and has to carefully consider how to handle aspects of these new features such as transfer message history. Another consideration is whether or not to keep a central repository, and how to run end-to-end encryption where both sides of a chat—or the multiple sides of a group—have more than one device, creating a wide range of endpoints.
Rumors are that Google is also looking at end-to-end encrypt its RCS messaging platform which would be added competition. Facebook, owners of WhatsApp, has plans to eventually add it to their messenger platform also.
Here are some other awesome features recently rolled out by WhatsApp:
WhatsApp Animated Stickers
Added in early July 2020 this feature allows you to GIF-like stickers that you can download from within WhatsApp and use. These expressive animations can be sent individually or paired side-by-side in batches of two – exactly like the static stickers previously available in the Facebook-owned chat app.
QR Codes for Contacts
This feature allows you to quickly scan a person's QR code displayed on the phone to add them to WhatsApp. The code can be found next to your profile photo in WhatsApp settings. Once you scan you can then add a new contact saved within your chat app, complete with mobile number, home address, profile picture, email address, Twitter handle, and more. It should really speed up the process of entering someone's digits. It will work across iPhone and Android.
WhatsApp Video
WhatsApp video calling has expanded to up to eight persons and you can simply press and hold to maximize a single video to full screen.
WhatsApp has also added a video icon in group chats of eight or less, so you can easily start a group video call with a single tap now. And tapping on the + icon in the corner of any chat window gives users the option to launch a new Messenger Room call, which can host people from Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram (in the near future).
Video calls in WhatsApp are secured with end-to-end encryption so no one else can view or listen to your private conversation – not even WhatsApp itself.
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