WhatsApp gains a bunch of new features, including pinch to zoom on video calls
Meta has released a major WhatsApp update bringing several new features and improvements across calls, group chats, events, channels and more.
The WhatsApp blog has rounded up new WhatsApp features and improvements that have launched recently. Some of them are already available to all WhatsApp fans, like built-in QR code scanning, while others will take some time to roll out.
Be sure to update your copy of WhatsApp to the latest version by clicking the Update button on the WhatsApp App Store page. If you don’t see specific new features after updating, check back later.
New WhatsApp features for calls, chats, events, and more
New messaging features
WhatsApp’s online indicator is finally available in group chats. Look for it under the chat name at the top to see how many people are currently online on the app. You can now limit group chat notifications for mentions, replies and messages from saved contacts by using the new “Notify For” setting and selecting “Highlights.”
Group chats finally support tappable reactions. “Sometimes you just want to +1 to what someone else said,” said Meta. “Now you can quickly view everyone else’s reactions and tap the one you want to send.”
You can also create events in one-on-one conversations, not just in group chats like before. “We’ve also added the ability to RSVP as ‘maybe,’ invite a plus one, add end date and time for longer events and pin the event in a chat,” reads the post.
With a built-in QR code scanner, WhatsApp enables you to scan, crop, save and send documents without downloading extra software or leaving the app. Another recent feature addition lets you set WhatsApp as the default messaging and calling app on your iPhone in Settings > Apps > Default Apps.
New call features
WhatsApp video calls now supports the pinching gesture to zoom in our out. You can pinch to zoom in on your own or the other party’s video feed. If you already have a video call in progress, you can now add another party to the call by hitting the call icon at the top of the chat thread and selecting the “Add to Call” option.
Meta claims video calls on WhatsApp should now be more reliable and higher quality. “Our optimized routing system finds the best connection path, reducing dropped calls and video freezing,” it says. “And our improved bandwidth detection quickly upgrades your video to HD quality for a more enjoyable experience.”
New channel features
WhatsApp channels saw some tweaks, too. Channel admins can now share 60-second videos with followers and QR codes linking directly to their channels. As for channel followers, they can now get a written summary of voice messages.
WhatsApp continues running circles around iMessage
WhatsApp is the most popular messaging platform in the world, except in the United States where Apple’s iMessage is more widely used because it comes preinstalled on the iPhone and the iPhone is the best-selling smartphone in the country.
But whereas Apple’s Messages app and the iMessage protocol have stagnated, Meta has brought a bunch of features to WhatsApp over the past few years. The company is always testing new capabilities coming to WhatsApp in the future.
For example, the messaging platform is currently testing new privacy settings to limit media sharing and message exports, adding Instagram account links to profiles, organizing message replies into threads, and other upcoming capabilities.
Source link: https://www.idownloadblog.com/2025/04/10/meta-whatsapp-new-features-roundup-pion-zoom-video-calls/
Leave a Reply