Sharing music during calls? WhatsApp bringing in major changes to the app
Meta platforms is currently working on a couple of new features for its instant messaging app, WhatsApp. The company regularly adds new capabilities to the mobile app even though it often lags behind its primary rival, Telegram. However, WhatsApp also has a significantly larger user base and must take great care before rolling out new
Sharing music during calls? WhatsApp bringing in major changes to the app
Meta platforms is currently working on a couple of new features for its instant messaging app, WhatsApp.
The company regularly adds new capabilities to the mobile app even though it often lags behind its primary rival, Telegram. However, WhatsApp also has a significantly larger user base and must take great care before rolling out new features.
BankMyCell is estimating that WhatsApp had around 2.7 billion monthly active users in 2023, which is also the most of any mobile chat app. In a meeting with tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee (MBKHD), Google CEO Eric Schmidt said: “Every problem we have, is a problem at scale”.
Even though these are different companies, Google’s status as the world’s most popular search engine also means it has a vast reach, and any changes to its products affect billions of people.
For anyone that is looking for the new functionality on WhatsApp can get an early preview from an online publication that focuses solely on WhatsApp, which is WABetaInfo. The website delivers near-daily updates discussing the latest changes and new features in WhatsApp Betas on Android, iOS, desktop, and the web, including some features still under development.
WhatsApp employs beta versions to experiment with features among a limited user base before considering a broader release to the general public. While features in beta aren’t guaranteed to transition to the official app, many do get incorporated after refinement.
Here are three potential new features that might be introduced to WhatsApp soon:
Live Sharing During Calls:
Some iterations of WhatsApp for Android beta, including WhatsApp Business beta for Android 2.24.1.19, enable users to share videos or songs directly from their device while on a call. This functionality is applicable to both individual and group calls, fostering a shared experience akin to watching a movie or sharing content in real-time. WABetaInfo believes this feature could enhance the sense of closeness and intimacy during calls.
Customizable App Colours:
Following user feedback regarding the revamped interface introduced in WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.21.1.70, which some users found less appealing than its predecessor, WhatsApp is working on providing users with colour customization options. Users will likely have the choice between five primary app colors: the existing green, blue, white, pink, or purple hues. Additionally, there’s potential for users to personalize chat bubble colors in the foreseeable future, as indicated by WABetaInfo.
Meta Verified Badge for Business Accounts:
To bolster the credibility of WhatsApp Business accounts and differentiate genuine businesses from potential scams, WhatsApp is developing a Meta Verified badge, analogous to verification badges on Facebook and Instagram. This badge will help users ascertain the authenticity of a business account. The Meta Verified subscription will incorporate features previously offered under the WhatsApp Premium service, such as a custom business link and multi-device support for up to 10 devices. While the subscription cost for Meta Verified is yet to be determined, a comparable subscription on platforms like Instagram or Facebook is priced at R199.99 for users in South Africa.
