WhatsApp is developing several new features for Version 23.10.0.70, which users can join through the Google Play Store Beta Program and TestFlight Beta RAM. These features are currently in development and available to a few users in a limited preview.
Let’s start with the new features, including the ability to mention a group within the community announcement group, a community entry point, silence unknown callers, and message editing. This even includes a new feature called Channels, which aims to allow users to broadcast messages to a large audience.
Silence, unknown callers
This comes after many users have reported unknown calls in recent weeks. This helps reduce spam calls. After enabling this, users will not receive notifications from unknown callers, but they can check them out from WhatsApp Calls and Notifications.
- Open WhatsApp Settings, and then head over to PrivacyPrivacy.
- From there, tap on Calls and then toggle to enable the silence of unknown callers.
Group Mention
There is a new feature for groups. Users can now mention groups in community announcement groups, which is a great way to get the attention of everyone in the community. To use this feature, open a WhatsApp group and start typing the group name, followed by an @ sign.
Community Entry Point
This is for communities. This makes it easier to find and join communities. To use this, you only need to tap on the triple-dot menu in the upper-right corner of WhatsApp and then select Communities.
Message editing
This edit message feature allows you to edit sent messages within 15 minutes of sending them. It will give users more control and time to edit a message. To use this, tap and hold the message, then select Edit. Messages can only be edited on the device they were sent from, not other devices.
Channel
It allows an unlimited number of members and is public, meaning anyone can join. This includes the admin’s ability to add and remove members and delete messages. Refrain from getting confused by channels and groups. Both are entirely different. Channels allow users to broadcast messages to a large audience. Also, channels provide users privacy, as phone numbers are never visible to followers or channel creators.
Channels will appear under the Update tab. A new place for status updates and channels where you can stay updated on topics that matter to you. This is an excellent way for businesses, organizations, and individuals to connect with a large audience and share news, updates, and information with a large group of people. As mentioned, this is a great way to build a community around a shared interest.
- Full-width message interface: The channel will have a full-width messaging interface in the conversation, similar to the one currently available for community announcement groups. This makes it easier for users to read and respond to messages.
- Verification Status: To confirm that the channel is legitimate, channels can be verified and marked with a green checkmark icon, similar to Business WhatsApp.
- Number of Followers: The total number of followers will be displayed under the channel name and may be an approximation. This will help users determine how popular the channel is.
- Mute notifications: To enhance users’ control over notifications, a mute shortcut will be accessible within the channel header. This will help users avoid being overwhelmed by messages.
- Handles: Channels also support handles displayed in the channel info. This is quite similar to the username, which makes it easier for users to find and follow channels.
- Read Follower Count: The channel will display the real number of followers, which can be found on the channel info screen.
- Shortcuts: New shortcuts will be introduced to enhance the user experience while exploring the channel info screen, including unfollowing, forwarding, and sharing a channel.
- Channel descriptions: Like groups, channels will have descriptions that will allow creators to provide additional information about the channel on the info screen and allow channel creators to provide additional information and context to followers.
- Mute Notification Toggle: A toggle will provide an easy way to mute the channel.
- Visibility Status: Channels can be set to private or public so anyone can discover and view their content. Private channels can only be found by invited people.
- Privacy: Channels will offer a secure and private space where users can share information without fear of it being shared with others.
- Reporting: Users can report channels that violate the terms of service to the moderation team.
Group Call
This new feature allows users to place group calls on macOS. To use this feature, you should have the native desktop application running the latest application on macOS. To make a call, open the WhatsApp group on Mac, then click the video call icon in the screen’s upper-right corner. After this, WhatsApp will start the group call. Previously, starting a group call was impossible as the button was either disabled or not functioning.
Users can also create a new group call by selecting the people they want to add. Then select up to 7 people in this section, but up to 32 people can join a group audio call later. The limit may vary for group video calls. Some users may see a different icon combining group and video calling into a single button.
Many other improvements are planned for future updates. Also, note that WhatsApp continues to work on this feature to ensure the best experience when it is released. Besides this, WhatsApp is also looking to change the user interface and add a new green tint.