What are the 6 WhatsApp new updates?

There are majorly 5 WhatsApp new updates that are around the corner to be rolled out in the next few months. In the recent times, WhatsApp has rolled out many new features in this year.

From last few weeks, Facebook-owned WhatsApp is fighting with its fake news on its platform. Indian Government has asked and warned them against the misuse of their platform and have also asked them to find a technology-based solution to avoid spreading of fake news that could harm national security.

These are 6 WhatsApp new updates that are being tested by the Android beta testers

• Beta Version 2.18.246

This beta version has a “Report” feature which enables users to block, report and save chat history of the group as well as for individuals both. This is an important feature as it allows you to save chat history of blocked users as well. This feature works for groups too. This update is available only for beta testers.

To be a part of the beta testing programme, open WhatsApp Application on Google Play store. In the description section, below you will find “become beta tester” tab. Click it, and accept it by selecting “Yes I’, in” and confirm it by clicking on join. Within a few hours, you will be a part of the WhatsApp beta programme.

• WhatsApp PiP (Picture in Picture) mode

This feature will let you watch YouTube and Instagram videos in WhatsApp app itself. It will be using PiP (Picture in Picture) mode to show a video without going to its respective applications. As of now, this feature is also available only to the beta testers.

• WhatsApp voice and video group calling

WhatsApp announced group-calling feature similar like Hangout or other messaging applications 4 weeks ago. Its official blog said, “You can make a group call with up to four people total – anytime and anywhere. Just start a one-on-one voice or video call and tap the new “add participant” button in the top right corner to add more contacts to the call.” They also mentioned that these group calls are also end-to-end encrypted similar like messages so that your data is safe.

• WhatsApp forward message limit (5 users)

More and more people are using WhatsApp for spreading fake news due to its vast reach. WhatsApp has now limited its forward message limit up to 5 contacts both individual or group exclusively. But this limit is only in India. Overall, the limit is 20. “In India – where people forward more messages, photos, and videos than any other country in the world – we’ll also test a lower limit of 5 chats at once and we’ll remove the quick forward button next to media messages,” as said by WhatsApp owner.

• New WhatsApp web GIF/stickers

WhatsApp Web, where you can use your WhatsApp on your computer or laptop as well, after few updates, you can use new emojis and GIFs in WhatsApp Web.

• Backup changes

WhatsApp will update its back up contents settings. This new update will change the way the Chat backs up your messages. The Facebook-owned app will start deleting your saved messages, videos, photos too after this update. This update will be effective from November 12, 2018.

These are the 6 major updates that will be aired very soon.