The messaging giant recently welcomed Meta AI, and that's not the only new feature. WhatsApp is currently receiving a major update that shakes up all of its key features. From group chats to video calls, events, and channels, Meta is rolling out a series of improvements aimed at optimizing the user experience.
At the group level, an indicator has appeared that allows users to view the number of "online" members in real time. Even more significantly, a new notification prioritization system is making its appearance. Users can choose to receive only alerts deemed important, such as mentions, replies, and messages from saved contacts. WhatsApp's goal is to declutter users' notification feeds.
At the same time, the Events feature, initially reserved for groups, is now extending to individual conversations. It also gains flexibility with the ability to add an end date, reply "maybe", invite someone, and a pin option in the discussion. Quick reactions to messages are also simplified, making it easy to reuse a reaction already posted by another member. Finally, iPhone users benefit from deeper integration with the ability to to scan documents directly from WhatsApp and, above all, to set the application as the default messaging and calling service on iOS.
Smoother calls and enriched channels
Video calls are not left out. In addition to pinch to zoom on iPhone and the simplified addition of participants during a call, WhatsApp is highlighting technical improvements. An optimized routing system and better bandwidth detection promise more stable, more reliable video calls and higher quality HD more frequent.
Channels, a more recent feature, are also improved by allowing administrators to share short video notes (up to 60 seconds). In addition, voice messages can be automatically transcribed, offering a practical alternative to listening. Finally, each channel now has a unique QR code to facilitate their discovery and sharing.
A major update that owes nothing to chance
This flood of new features, already deployed or underway, is not just a technical upgrade. It is a strategic response from WhatsApp to an increasingly competitive environment and growing concerns about privacy. The arrival of RCS on iPhone threatens to transform iMessage into a more direct competitor. At the same time, alternatives like Telegram and Signal continue to gain ground, and are often perceived as more respectful of user data.
Despite end-to-end encryption, the shadow of Meta, its parent company, still looms large. The collection and potential use of metadata remains a concern for a growing number of users who are aware of these issues. By refining its interface, improving the quality of its services, and adding convenient features, WhatsApp is seeking not only to retain its massive user base but also, perhaps, to divert attention from these persistent substantive issues. It remains to be seen whether these efforts will be enough to maintain its dominant position in this new era of instant messaging.
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