Meta is working on several things to improve WhatsApp functionality. The company has been experimenting with new features on WhatsApp. The company is working on partnerships and developing new features tested in beta for WearOS, WhatsApp Web-Client Desktop, iOS, and Android apps.
This includes plans to introduce the ability to edit messages, a channel feature under status, and several new features and enhancements. Animated Emojis may also be coming to WhatsApp soon, and these updates show that WhatsApp is trying to maintain its position as one of the best messaging apps globally.
Block spam calls on WhatsApp in partnership with Truecaller.
Meta (formerly Facebook) and Truecaller are starting to build protection against spam calls on WhatsApp. Truecaller is a well-known call identification and spam call-blocking service with over 350 million monthly active users. Recently, a lot of WhatsApp users started receiving unknown calls. The user-facing outcome of the initiative is unclear, but there will likely be indicators of potential spam calls on WhatsApp. Indian users receive an average of 17 spam calls per month. With the help of Truecaller integration as a service, many users can combat the problem of unsolicited marketing calls, which often lead to consumer harassment and privacy violations.
This is currently in beta and will be available worldwide later this month. Collaborating with Truecaller will help WhatsApp stop spam calls. It can enhance the user experience and give more control over disappearing messages, companion mode, automatic security codes, and the UI revamp for Android users. It is a potential indicator of spam calls on WhatsApp when a call comes in, but this will take time before the company releases the update on WhatsApp.
This feature is in beta testing to identify anonymous callers and will be rolled out globally this month. This feature will let users know who they are calling. Truecaller has India’s most significant market share, primarily generating revenue through advertising subscription services and verified business listings. The company recently launched AI-powered SMS fraud protection to safeguard its users from fraudulent text messages. To improve WhatsApp spam detection technology to identify and block problematic accounts, WhatsApp has launched the Stay Safe campaign to educate users about online privacy and safety measures.
WhatsApp is available on WearOS; sign up.
The popular messaging application WhatsApp is now compatible with WearOS, and users can access their chats and messages directly from their smartwatches, like Samsung’s Smartwatch. The app still preserves end-to-end encryption that goes beyond smartphones and tablets. The availability of WearOS on your smartwatch is a significant upgrade that will increase its popularity. If you cannot find the WhatsApp app on the Play Store, you can directly install the app from the listing over here.
The interface of WhatsApp is simple, with a list of recent contacts and simple options for settings. Up front, past messages and replies are recorded by recording a voice message or using the system keyboard. In group chats, you can see the people in the conversation and use the Open on phone option. As for unread messages, there will be a circular complication to show unread messages and tiles for WhatsApp Contacts and Voice Messages.
With this, users can use WhatsApp to message and voice, which is currently in beta testing. While linking the WhatsApp account to the Smartwatch app, there will be an eight-digit code to verify. After verifying the code, your chats will be synced across your device, and you can start using WhatsApp on your smartphone. You can use WhatsApp on your smartwatch by downloading the latest WhatsApp beta update from the Google Play Store.
However, the app is not available for the WhatsApp Business app. You can download v2.23.10.10, available on the Google Play Store, for WearOS-compatible devices that allow users to connect their devices to access chats and messages directly from their smartphones. It is compatible with the Google Pixel Watch, the Galaxy Watch 5, and other devices.
Channel List under the Status tab on the iPhone
The Channels feature is now available on iOS. This will allow users to receive information from one-to-many sources. It will appear under the status update tab. This feature was spotted in WhatsApp Beta v23.9.0.76. Users can join the TestFlight app to check out this feature in the future, as it is still in development and could take some time before it is released to the public.
The channel list will be shown under the status updates section. The channel list is displayed horizontally to provide more space for the channel list. Channels will support handles to make it easy for users to search for and access updates from their preferred channels.
It will give users more control over the channels they follow. This includes the ability to follow or unfollow a channel at their discretion. A new channel will be a private action. However, there are no algorithm changes or recommendations about following a new channel, so it is up to users to choose which channels they want to follow.
WhatsApp is working on editing messages on both mobile and the web.
Finally, WhatsApp will now have an edit message feature in WhatsApp Beta, which will likely be in the final stages of development before its official release. Edited messages on WhatsApp will be available on iOS, Android, and the Web-based Client Desktop app. To use this feature, tap on the text message and then tap on the Edit message option from the context menu. Users can only edit the message sometimes; they will have 15 minutes to revise it after sending it. This improvement to the editing feature is planned to be released.
Users can edit the messages in their chats and groups if this is enabled. Also, revising the message multiple times within the 15-minute window is possible. It is essential to have a specific time limit to maintain the authenticity of the conversation and prevent users from completely changing a message after a long time. The primary motive for launching this service is to correct typing errors only. Users can only edit the text message; other messages cannot be edited.
The company is also testing the indication that editing a message has succeeded. This feature appeared in the iOS beta, and WhatsApp is working on the same alert feature for the Android beta, which means it is in the final part of the feature before the ability to edit the message is released. Before Meta releases this feature to everyone, the company will release this limited beta tester ahead of the stable release because the company will gather bug reports and feedback from the beta program, providing users with new beta features.