TECH CRUNCH - WhatsApp is boosting its Channels feature by introducing voice updates, polls, and the ability to have multiple admins. This upgrade aims to enhance engagement, particularly for content creators such as podcasters. The company highlights the popularity of voice messages, with users sending 7B daily. Additionally, channel updates can now be shared on personal WhatsApp Status, similar to Instagram's feature. With ~500M MAUs on Channels, WhatsApp continues to evolve its platform to meet the diverse needs of its global user base.
63 posts categorized "WhatsApp"
WhatsApp Enhances Channels With Voice Updates, Polls, and More
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WhatsApp Beta Testing AI Assistant Integration for Enhanced User Experience
ABP LIVE - WhatsApp is in the testing phase for its integrated AI chatbot, known as the 'Meta AI' assistant, with a new beta version. Currently available for beta testers, the AI assistant offers one-on-one and group chat capabilities, providing advice and suggestions. The new feature, highlighted with a floating action button, is expected to roll out to a broader user base after successful testing.
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WhatsApp Launches a New Discord-like Voice Chat Feature for Large Groups
TECH CRUNCH - WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has unveiled a new voice chat feature for large groups, resembling Discord's functionality. The feature allows users to engage in voice chats without disruptive ringing, offering an in-chat bubble for quiet initiation. WhatsApp emphasizes end-to-end encryption to ensure privacy. This addition aligns with Meta's strategy to enhance WhatsApp's features, catering to diverse user needs.
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WhatsApp May Introduce Ads in Status While Keeping Inbox Ad-Free
TECH CRUNCH - WhatsApp's head, Will Cathcart, clarified that the chat app is not planning to show ads in the main inbox. However, ads may be introduced in other areas, such as Status and channels. WhatsApp has been exploring various monetization tools, including the promotion of channels and subscriptions.
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WhatsApp Introduces Passkeys for Android Authentication
MASHABLE - WhatsApp now allows Android users to log in using passkeys, which provide a more secure and passwordless authentication method. Passkeys, stored on the Android device, offer a more reliable alternative to traditional passwords. Users can authenticate using their Android device as the first factor and their biometric authentication (face scan, fingerprint scan) as the second factor. This feature is currently available on Android, with no information on when it might come to iPhones.
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WhatsApp Prepares to Play Nice With Other Messaging Apps
ANDROID AUTHORITY - WhatsApp is working on a new section within its app to accommodate "third-party chats," which may indicate the platform's efforts to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act. This legislation aims to promote interoperability between messaging platforms, allowing users from different apps to communicate without platform lock-ins. WhatsApp's implementation of this feature while maintaining security and encryption remains to be seen.
by Aamir Siddiqui
See full article at Android Authority
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WhatsApp Launches Its Native macOS App
TECH CRUNCH - WhatsApp launched a new native app for macOS, allowing users to engage in video calls with up to eight people and audio calls with up to 32 people. The app provides enhanced functionality for Mac users, including easy file sharing through drag-and-drop and improved chat history access. WhatsApp's native macOS client was previously tested in public beta for systems with Apple Silicon and macOS 11 Big Sur or newer.
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WhatsApp Enhances Photo Sharing With HD Quality Feature
TECH CRUNCH - WhatsApp introduces an upgrade allowing users to share HD photos through the messaging app. The feature preserves high-definition resolution, enhancing the photo-sharing experience. The platform plans to roll out support for HD videos in the near future.
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WhatsApp Launches Standalone App for Wear OS Smartwatches
TECH CRUNCH - WhatsApp releases its standalone app for Wear OS smartwatches, allowing users to send and receive messages and make VoIP calls without their connected phone. The app is compatible with Wear OS 3 and aims to compete with Apple Watch's dominance in the smartwatch market.
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WhatsApp Leads Social Networking in India With 226.6M MAUs
MEDIA BRIEF - WhatsApp holds the top position among social networking apps in India, with 226.6M MAUs and a high loyalty score of 37.89%. Other platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter, have lower user numbers and loyalty rates in comparison.
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WhatsApp Business Crosses 200M MAUs, Introduces Personalized Messages Feature
TECH CRUNCH - Meta has announced that WhatsApp Business now has ~200M MAUs, up from 50M in 2020. As part of its focus on efficiency, Meta has launched new features including easier ad creation and personalized messaging services for WhatsApp Business users. WhatsApp Business users can now create "click-to-WhatsApp" ads without a Facebook account and utilize automated personalized messaging.
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WhatsApp Introduces Feature to Automatically Silence Call From Unknown Numbers
TECH CRUNCH - WhatsApp has launched a new feature that automatically silences calls from unknown numbers, addressing concerns raised by users in India about spam calls. The feature allows users to enable call silencing in their privacy settings. The silenced calls will still appear in notifications and the call list for later reference. Additionally, WhatsApp has introduced a privacy checkup feature to guide users through various privacy controls, such as contact permissions and account security.
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WhatsApp Is Working on Introducing Usernames to the App
TECH CRUNCH - WhatsApp is reportedly working on introducing usernames as an alternative to phone numbers for user identities. The latest beta version of the app includes a visible username section on the Profile page. WhatsApp has not provided details on how users will choose usernames or addressed the issue of premium usernames.
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WhatsApp's Multi-Device Feature Now Supports More Than One Phone
TECH CRUNCH - WhatsApp is rolling out multi-device login support that allows users to log into the same account on up to four phones. The new feature will sync messages across devices, even if one device is switched off, and comes with new technology to maintain end-to-end encryption protection. The company is also introducing a one-time code for linking devices instead of scanning a QR code on a mobile phone. The feature will be available to all users in the coming weeks.
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WhatsApp Outperforms Other Social Media Platforms in Survey
LOYALTY360 - Global Overview Report surveyed social media users aged 16-64 and determined their platform preferences. 16% of respondents cited WhatsApp as their preferred platform, ahead of Instagram (14.3%), TikTok (6.1%), and Facebook (0.1%). WhatsApp had ~420M downloads in 2022 and currently boasts ~2B active users.
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