Tag: WABetaInfo

  • WhatsApp introduces animated avatars to spice up messaging

    WhatsApp introduces animated avatars to spice up messaging

    WhatsApp, the renowned messaging app, is stepping up its game with the introduction of a highly anticipated feature: animated avatars. The update, now available through the Google Play Beta programme, elevates the app’s version to 2.23.16.12 and promises to bring more life and personality to communication.

    According to reports from WABetaInfo, the animated avatars feature had been under development for some time and has finally been rolled out to beta users. To check whether the feature is enabled for their account, users need to open the keyboard and select the avatar tab. Once activated, beta users can enjoy various animations associated with specific avatars.

    Excitingly, animated avatars can be shared with anyone, regardless of whether the recipient is using the beta version or not. However, it’s worth noting that only a limited number of stickers currently support animation. Nonetheless, industry experts speculate that WhatsApp will expand this feature, offering an animated version of the entire avatar pack in the future.

    The addition of animated avatars is expected to elevate the overall communication experience on the platform. By infusing stickers with motion, users can now convey emotions, expressions, and reactions in a more engaging and dynamic way.

    As of now, the animated avatar feature is available to select beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS from the TestFlight app. In the coming days, WhatsApp plans to roll out the feature to a broader user base, enhancing the overall messaging experience for millions of users worldwide.

    Moreover, WhatsApp enthusiasts can look forward to even more exciting features on the horizon. The messaging giant is also working on a Video Messaging feature akin to Voice Messaging, which is bound to add another layer of convenience and richness to communication. Additionally, a time-saving group creation feature is in the works, making it easier for users to organise and manage their group chats.

    Furthermore, WhatsApp is also embracing Material Design 3 enhancements, offering users a modern and visually pleasing interface that aligns with Google’s design language.

    As technology continues to evolve, WhatsApp’s commitment to innovation and improving user experiences sets the stage for a more engaging and dynamic messaging platform, delighting users worldwide.

  • WhatsApp introduces high-quality video sharing and enhanced profile icons in latest update

    WhatsApp introduces high-quality video sharing and enhanced profile icons in latest update

    WhatsApp is introducing two exciting features in its latest version update. The first feature allows iOS users to send high-quality videos, similar to the previous HD photos feature.

    When a user sends a photo or video using this new feature, a tag is added to the message bubble to indicate that it is of high quality. Previously, this feature was automatically applied to photos, but now it is also available for videos after users update to the latest WhatsApp beta version on iOS.

    The new high-quality video feature is not the same as sharing videos in their original quality, as there is still some light compression applied. Nonetheless, it ensures a better quality compared to the standard option. To use this feature, users must select the high-quality option every time they send a video, as the default remains as “standard quality.”

    Once the high-quality video is sent, it will be marked as such in the chat bubble, making it easy for recipients to identify that it was sent in better quality. However, this feature does not apply to videos shared via status updates on WhatsApp.

    The second feature being introduced is related to group chats. WhatsApp is enhancing profile icons within group chats, specifically for contacts whose profile pictures are hidden or unavailable.

    Now, instead of showing a blank thumbnail, the updated version will display the initials of the respective group member’s name. This way, other participants in the conversation can quickly identify the person represented by the thumbnail.

    Currently, these features are available on the TestFlight app and will soon be rolled out to more users. It’s worth noting that further updates may be needed, as there are some discrepancies in the text descriptions related to videos, but these are expected to be resolved in future updates.

  • WhatsApp to introduce biometric chat locks for enhanced privacy and security

    WhatsApp to introduce biometric chat locks for enhanced privacy and security

    A number of Android OS skins from prominent brands such as Xiaomi offer app lock capabilities, whereby individual apps require authentication to gain access, sometimes by way of biometric verification.

    Stock Android can also be endowed with this feature by utilising various apps accessible on the Play Store, though their reliability can be called into question. Given the confidential nature of WhatsApp conversations, Meta’s ongoing development of a per-chat biometric lock embedded into the app is a positive move in the right direction.

    For an app that is advertised as having a strong focus on privacy and security, the absence of in-app biometric authentication options is highly noticeable. Luckily, according to WABetaInfo, the latest WhatsApp beta update available on the Play Store (v2.23.8.2) gives indications of a new feature being developed. This feature will allow users to lock individual chats using either a passcode or fingerprint, even though only the latter’s toggle is visible. It is suspected that the fingerprint unlock will require a passcode to be set up as a backup.

    Screenshots imply that it will be possible to lock sensitive group chats from the group info section. It also appears that all locked chats will be relocated to a vault-like space, separated from regular chats, hence requiring authentication only once. While it isn’t apparent from the shared screenshots, WABetaInfo reports that WhatsApp will erase the chat if users wish to unlock it by force, such as in the event of forgetting the passcode.

    There is little information available about how notifications for these chats will be displayed, what will happen to the media in the conversations, and how many chats can be locked. WhatsApp is one of the most well-known encrypted messaging apps in existence, yet it is not at the forefront of this feature. For instance, Telegram has allowed passcode or fingerprint unlocking since around 2018, but it is for the app as a whole rather than individual chats. It is somewhat perplexing why WhatsApp has not followed this path.