WhatsApp just dropped 4 major features and users can try them today
WhatsApp users now have four new features to look forward to, with the messaging app rolling out a series of updates designed to make keeping up with busy group chats much easier.
The Meta-owned platform just dropped a whole host of additions to help users pick up where they left off, particularly when a group chat has been particularly active.
WhatsApp explained: “A busy group chat means plans are being made, news is being shared and the jokes are in full swing. But it can also mean a lot of messages to catch up on when you've been busy.
“Today we’re introducing four updates that make it easier to pick up where you left off.”
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Here is what’s changing for the social media platform.
You can now pin WhatsApp messages indefinitely
One of the new features means that you can now pin WhatsApp messages indefinitely, meaning that there is no need to worry about an important address, event detail or group announcement disappearing from the top of the conversation.
This could prove to be particularly useful for groups where certain information needs to remain easily accessible.
New members can catch up on group conversations
If you’re added to a group chat late, you’ll no longer need to ask what was previously said as you’ll now be able to view the old messages.
Users can also share recent messages directly by tapping the name of someone who has just joined the group. This means newcomers won’t have to ask everyone what they’ve missed.
WhatsApp also confirmed that these shared messages remain protected by end-to-end encryption, just like other personal conversations on the platform.
Group Status is arriving to WhatsApp
The addition of Group Status will give users a way to share updates with specific groups of people.
Members of the group will be able to view and react to these updates, as well as share their own.
Just like regular WhatsApp Status posts, these updates will disappear after 24 hours.
A new filter highlights mentions and replies
Finally, WhatsApp is also introducing a new way to find messages that actually need your attention.
The filter will highlight unread group conversations where someone has directly mentioned you or replied to one of your messages.
This should make it easier to identify conversations you might have missed without having to open every group chat and work your way through an endless stream of messages.