Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp is one of the most active messaging apps with various updates this year, specifically proven by the marathon update from time to time and almost every month. Stepping into December, besides the chat lock update on December 1, various other new updates with new features came splashing in, and let’s look into them one by one in this list of 3 new WhatsApp updates in early December 2023.
3 New WhatsApp Updates
1. Inviting Admins: New Capability for WhatsApp Channel Owners
The first update from 3 new WhatsApp updates is about WhatsApp Channels. As per information from WABetaInfo, beta testers can now explore the “Invite Admins” function on the channel info screen by installing the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.25.10.70 update through the TestFlight app. This feature empowers channel owners to designate administrative roles to specific contacts, offering the option to invite a maximum of 15 contacts.
Things to know before inviting an admin
The specified contact needs to approve the invitation to obtain administrative privileges for the channel. Upon acceptance, they gain the ability to modify crucial channel elements such as the name, icon, and description. Admins also have the authority to adjust channel settings, including the control over which emojis are permitted for reactions within the channel.
What can admins do in the channel?
The update extends beyond administrative functions, enabling admins to actively engage in content creation for the channel. Admins can generate and distribute content, supervise updates from other administrators, and make edits or deletions as needed.
Admins also have restrictions
There are specific constraints in place, such as the incapacity to add or remove other administrators and the prohibition from deleting the entire channel. As per WABetaInfo, the originator of this information, these restrictions are designed to achieve a balance by enabling collaborative channel management while retaining crucial safeguards for the channel. This novel feature is anticipated to bring increased flexibility and efficiency to individuals overseeing WhatsApp channels.
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2. WhatsApp Officially Enables Sharing High-Quality Photos and Videos as Files
Moving on to the second update of this list regarding 3 new WhatsApp updates is an update that many will be delighted about if you are always sharing photos with your loved ones – particularly Apple users. WhatsApp have released the 23.24.73 update for iOS on the App Store. According to WABetainfo, this improvement now enables users to swiftly share photos and videos at their original quality without the necessity of going through multiple steps.
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How to use the new feature?
To use this feature, just access the chat share sheet, select “Document”, and then choose “Photo or Video” to send your media file as a document. This feature avoids compressing or compromising the quality of photos and videos when shared through the application, thus making it easier for users to share photos without needing to change to another to maintain the picture and video quality.
3. New Feature Enabling Status Updates to Be Shared on Instagram
WhatsApp now enables users to post their Status on the app directly as a Facebook Story without exiting the application. According to information from WABetaInfo, the messaging platform is actively developing a feature that will allow users to share their WhatsApp Status directly as an Instagram Story. This functionality has been identified in the recent WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.25.20 update, accessible on the Google Play Store.
Share WhatsApp Status Directly on Instagram
The disclosure further indicates that this functionality will be accessible within the Status Privacy section. Simply navigate to the Status tab on Android or Updates on iOS, tap the three horizontal dots in the top right corner, and access Status Privacy. To enable automatic sharing of your WhatsApp Status on Instagram, choose the “Instagram” option, set up your account, and follow the on-screen instructions.
This capability will spare users the hassle of individually uploading the same Status on multiple apps. As per the report, the feature is presently in the development phase and is anticipated to be included in forthcoming updates for Android users.
Also Read: WhatsApp’s New Privacy Feature Is Introduced to Protect Users’ IP Addresses
In Addition: WhatsApp Username Search
Additionally, as per another report from WABetaInfo, WhatsApp are likely to introduce a feature enabling users to search for others using their usernames. This functionality will facilitate connections without the necessity of disclosing phone numbers. By entering the username in the search bar, users can initiate a chat with the intended person, offering a means to preserve anonymity for those who prefer not to disclose too much information.
It’s worth noting that users have the flexibility to change their username whenever they desire. Although this feature is currently in development, it is expected to be made available to both Android and iOS users shortly.
Also Read: WhatsApp Business Explores Innovative ‘Quick Action Bar’ Feature for Android Users
Closing Words
This early December marks another busy start for WhatsApp with the 3 new WhatsApp updates and an additional update that will be coming in the future. They bring significant enhancements to the user experience. From the ability to share high-quality photos and videos without compression to the convenient option of posting WhatsApp Status directly on Instagram coming soon, these updates offer practical improvements to daily communication.
The introduction of the “Invite Admins” feature in WhatsApp Channels brings collaborative management to a new level, allowing channel owners to efficiently delegate responsibilities. Additionally, the forthcoming feature of searching for users using usernames adds an extra layer of privacy, enabling connections without revealing phone numbers. As WhatsApp continues to evolve with these updates, users can anticipate a more seamless and feature-rich messaging experience.