With over three billion monthly active users globally, Meta's WhatsApp stands out as one of the most popular instant messaging and calling apps by a significant margin. The app is available across various platforms and frequently receives updates with new features.

Figure 1. 10 New Features That Make WhatsApp the World’s Favourite Messaging App.

In recent months, Meta has rolled out several new features for WhatsApp, including a Llama-powered chatbot, an image generator, and a favourites selection option, among others. The company has consistently added at least one new feature each month, enhancing the overall WhatsApp experience. Figure 1 is an illustration of 10 new features that make WhatsApp the world’s favourite messaging app.

Here is the top ten features Meta has introduced on WhatsApp over the past 12 months:

AI Chatbot that understands and responds in Hindi

WhatsApp, driven by Meta AI, is one of the pioneering instant messaging platforms to integrate a large language model-powered chatbot capable of understanding and responding in Hindi. Additionally, it can generate AI avatars. Meta has also announced that Meta AI on WhatsApp will soon provide free AI-powered image editing tools.

Choose your favourites

WhatsApp's latest update introduces a new "Favourites" tab, letting users categorize chats into normal and important ones. This feature helps ensure that you won't miss important messages from your closest friends and family.

Video calling with up to 32 participants

WhatsApp has long offered video calling, and a recent update has expanded this capability to support up to 32 participants in a call across devices. The update also includes a screen-sharing feature with audio, improving the video experience for users who are apart.

Organised replies and event creation

Communities on WhatsApp offer a fantastic way to collaborate, and Meta has recently upgraded this feature with options to organize replies, create events with RSVP options, and more. These enhancements are especially useful for planning large parties or meetups.

Group chat filter

WhatsApp has also introduced a group chat filter, simplifying the organization and access to all your WhatsApp groups in one place. This feature is similar to the new Favourites tab, as both options group different types of chats together for easier access.[1]

Private voice messages

WhatsApp now supports private voice messages that work similarly to disappearing photos—once the recipient listens to the audio, it automatically deletes itself. It's much like Ethan Hunt receiving his mission details in Mission Impossible.

Secret code for private chats

WhatsApp introduced private chats some time ago to let users secure certain conversations, and a recent update has enhanced this privacy further. Previously, private chats could be accessed using the phone lock code, but now users have the option to set a unique security code specifically for these chats.

Use more than one WhatsApp account on a single phone

WhatsApp allows users to access one account on up to four devices. With the latest update, users can also manage two different WhatsApp accounts on a single app or phone. This is particularly useful for those who use two SIM cards and need to maintain separate WhatsApp accounts.

WhatsApp for Mac, iPad

WhatsApp has also launched native apps for Mac and iPad. Although you can't sign up for a new WhatsApp account directly from an iPad or Mac, you can use these devices as companions to access WhatsApp on a larger screen. Currently, WhatsApp supports up to four companion devices.

Silence unknown callers

This feature ensures that WhatsApp automatically blocks calls from numbers not saved in your phonebook. It's a valuable tool for those who prioritize privacy and wish to avoid calls from unknown numbers.

References:

1. https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/mobile-tabs/10-new-whatsapp-features-9486310/

Cite this article:

Gokila G (2024), 10 New Features That Make WhatsApp the World’s Favourite Messaging App, Anatechmaz, pp. 176