Meta rolled out a slew of features for WhatsApp in 2023. It gave us some much-requested features like the ability to edit sent messages and send phones and videos in HD. The company also rolled out the ability to share screen on the mobile app, and add up to 32 members to a group video call on WhatsApp for Mac. And it looks like 2024 too, is going to be a feature packed year for the messaging service......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
According to updates from WABetaInfo, which keeps track of everything WhatsApp, including new features in beta, there’s at least three new features that are coming to the messaging service soon.
Share status updates to Instagram
Meta apps allow cross-platform posting and sharing. For instance, you can post the same Reel on Instagram and Facebook simultaneously or share a Thread post on your Instagram story with a single tap or send messages from Instagram to Facebook. All of it works well but WhatsApp is still left out from the Meta app ecosystem of cross-platform sharing. However, it seems like that’s about to change soon.
As per the recent findings from WABetaInfo, Meta could soon let you share your WhatsApp status to your Instagram story with a single tap, which means you’ll be able to cross-post content. “This suggestion will appear through a convenient shortcut presented to users immediately after posting a new status,” says the website.
You can always enable or disable the feature but it’s nice to have for people who want to share the same updates on both platforms. The feature is still in beta and is said to be rolled out soon.
Share music audio during a video call
WhatsApp is reportedly testing the ability to share music audio during a video call with the screen-sharing option. It will allow you to not only share your screen but audio too, when required. This feature will enable better media collaboration. For instance, you can watch movies with your loved ones together on WhatsApp.
It was first spotted by WABetaInfo for WhatsApp on iOS but it was recently introduced on Android with WhatsApp 2.23.26.18 beta update. “A feature to share music audio during a video call is under development and it will be available in a future update of the app,” states the website.
WhatsApp usernames are likely coming soon
Every social media app, including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook, has a unique username for every account. WhatsApp competitor Telegram has had this feature for a while now, and Meta seems to be testing it on both the mobile app and web client of the platform.
As of now, you need to share your number with the other person if you want to connect with them on WhatsApp. But it could change with the introduction of usernames.
According to WABetaInfo, “users will soon be able to personalize their profiles and easily connect with others using a unique identifier.” This will make it easier for you to find and connect with friends, family, and contacts on the platform. While the feature was earlier spotted development on the Android app, it was recently found on the web client too.
All of these features were spotted on the WhatsApp beta app. While beta features are likely to make their way to the stable version, sometimes they get postponed or cancelled altogether. But these three features have high chances of making it to the final release because they improve the usability immensely.