WhatsApp, the most popular messaging app, has introduced three new features with its latest update. Initially released for iOS users, these updates bring WhatsApp even closer to Instagram in terms of functionality.
As the competition between social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp continues to intensify, these updates aim to address user needs, provide easier usability, and expand the user base.
What’s New in WhatsApp?
Color Filters
- Take a new photo via WhatsApp or select an existing photo, video, or GIF to send.
- Swipe up on the screen after selecting your content.
- Choose from six different filters to enhance your content, and then send it.
Photo Album
- When multiple photos are sent via WhatsApp, they often clutter the chat screen as individual messages.
- With the Photo Album feature, multiple photos from the same sender are now grouped into a neatly organized album.
- Recipients can view these albums in fullscreen mode and swipe through them easily.
Quick Replies
- For faster responses, users can now swipe a message to the right to quickly reply to it.
- The swiped message will appear at the top of the chat window, making it easier to compose a relevant reply.
- This feature is especially useful for group chats or fast-paced conversations.
Aiming Beyond Text-Based Messaging
With these updates, WhatsApp is evolving from a text-centric platform into one that emphasizes visual content. By focusing on its younger audience, WhatsApp seeks to keep engagement high and plans to introduce additional features such as larger screens, better camera resolution support, and low-cost data compression tools.
Currently, these updates are available only for iOS users, but they are expected to be rolled out for Android users soon.