WhatsApp has been a popular messaging app since its launch in 2009. With over 2 billion monthly active users, it is one of the most widely used messaging apps in the world. To keep up with the ever-changing technological landscape, WhatsApp has been consistently releasing updates to improve the user experience and enhance the app’s functionality. In this article, we will explore some of the new updates that WhatsApp has released recently.
WhatsApp’s new privacy policy
One of the most significant updates that WhatsApp has released recently is its new privacy policy. In January 2021, WhatsApp announced that it would update its privacy policy to allow it to share user data with its parent company, Facebook. This update caused some controversy, with many users concerned about their privacy and the security of their data.
WhatsApp clarified that the new privacy policy would not affect the privacy of users’ messages, which would continue to be end-to-end encrypted. However, it would allow WhatsApp to share user data, such as phone numbers and transaction data, with Facebook to improve its advertising and product experiences.
WhatsApp’s disappearing messages
Another new feature that WhatsApp has released recently is disappearing messages. This feature allows users to send messages that disappear after a set period, which can range from 7 days to 24 hours. The disappearing messages feature is useful for users who want to send temporary messages that don’t need to be saved for posterity.
WhatsApp’s view once feature
WhatsApp has also released a “view once” feature that allows users to send photos and videos that can only be viewed once. After the recipient views the photo or video, it disappears from the chat. This feature is useful for sending sensitive information or personal content that the sender doesn’t want to be saved permanently.
WhatsApp’s multi-device support
WhatsApp has been testing a multi-device support feature that will allow users to use WhatsApp on multiple devices simultaneously. Currently, WhatsApp only allows users to use the app on one device at a time, which can be inconvenient for users who want to use WhatsApp on their phone and their computer or tablet. The multi-device support feature is currently in beta testing and should be released to all users soon.
WhatsApp’s voice and video calls on desktop
WhatsApp has also released a feature that allows users to make voice and video calls on their desktop. This feature is useful for users who want to make calls without having to hold their phone for an extended period. The voice and video call feature on desktop is currently only available on the WhatsApp desktop app and the WhatsApp web interface.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s new updates have brought many useful features to the app, including disappearing messages, view once, multi-device support, and voice and video calls on desktop. These updates have improved the user experience and made the app more convenient to use. However, the new privacy policy has caused some controversy, and users should be aware of the changes and how they may affect their privacy and security. Overall, WhatsApp continues to be an essential messaging app, and its new updates will undoubtedly enhance its functionality and convenience.
