WhatsApp is introducing a feature that lets users create chat invite links to bring people into conversations as guests, even without a WhatsApp account. The feature enables some users to start chats with external participants by simply sharing a link.
| Key points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Guest chats |
| Feature availability: | Some features announced in this article may be under development and not yet available to all beta testers, or they may be gradually rolling out to users. If you're unable to access a certain feature, you will need to wait for a future update. Keep reading for more information. |
| News shared last week: | WhatsApp launches Meta AI tab to select Android users! |
| Previous article: | WhatsApp will let messages disappear after being read on Android! |
Weekly WhatsApp Beta Updates: New Features and Improvements
This new weekly roundup brings together all the latest updates about WhatsApp beta shared this week. As a result, you can finally catch up on everything you might have missed from our past announcements. You can consider this summary as a way to stay informed about new features, improvements, and fixes. This week's highlight focuses on a feature that allows a limited number of users to message others without a WhatsApp account. See what else has been announced this week.
WhatsApp launches a profile tab on iOS
A new profile tab is available to a large number of users after installing the latest update of WhatsApp for iOS from the App Store. The tab includes now the profile icon, making it easier for users to immediately recognize which account is currently in use. The settings tab has been renamed to "You", although some users may still see the tab labeled as "Settings". WhatsApp has also refreshed the profile page by adding a default cover photo at the top of the screen. The ability to change the cover photo will be available in the future.
WhatsApp is introducing guest chats on Android, iOS, and Web
WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that lets a limited number of users invite people in their address book without an account. Communication will be hosted in a special conversation called guest chat. It can be joined by people who do not have a WhatsApp account by opening a secure link in their browser. By accepting the invite, the browser will open a conversation on WhatsApp Web. Guest chats are secured by end-to-end encryption, so only the participants in the conversation can read them.
WhatsApp will ask the guest to enter their name to make it easier for the inviter to identify them in the chat. However, users should always verify that they are communicating with the intended person. WhatsApp makes it clear when the user opens a guest chat by displaying the keyword "Guest" in the top app bar and in the chat interface. Guest chats offer limited features since they are designed for temporary access and do not require a full WhatsApp account. Specifically, communication is limited to text messages. Guest chats automatically expires after 10 days of inactivity. Additionally, users can block the guest they invited at any time.
WhatsApp is working on a new log out experience on Android
WhatsApp is working on a feature that will allow users to temporarily log out of an account without losing their chat history. A new dedicated log-out is under development, which will let users review all available options before disconnecting from an account. These include adding a new account, enabling app lock, manage notifications and storage, If none of these options meet their needs, users will still be able to proceed with logging out. Logging out will not remove the chat history from the device.
WhatsApp is working on noise suppression to improve voice and video calls
WhatsApp is developing a feature that will help users reduce background noise during their voice and video calls. Noise cancellation identifies and suppresses unwanted background sounds. These usually include traffic, wind, or nearby chatter. With a future update, WhatsApp will automatically enable noise cancellation once a call is initiated. This option will ensure clearer audio immediately when a call begins. However, users will be able to disable noise cancellation at anytime right within the calling menu.
WhatsApp releases official app for Garmin Smartwatches
WhatsApp announced that users can manage their WhatsApp messages directly from their Garmin device. After installing the latest version of the app from the Garmin Connect IQ™ Store, users must ensure that their smartphone remains nearby within the Bluetooth range to maintain a reliable connection. The new app lets you read notifications for incoming messages. The app also lets users reply to messages directly using predefined replies or emojis, or type a new message directly from the Garmin keyboard. The update works across multiple Garmin smartwatch models that support notifications.
WhatsApp is testing a feature to edit polls on Android
WhatsApp is developing a feature that allows users to edit polls. This feature will let users correct their typos or clarify confusing questions without deleting and recreating the poll. Once users edit a poll, it will be clearly marked as edited. This label will appear right within the message bubble, so everyone in the chat can see it. Note that users won't be able to edit individual poll options once they have been created.
WhatsApp is developing automatic message translations on iOS
WhatsApp is developing feature that will make it easier to translate messages. At the moment, users must select a message and choose the "Translate" option to see its translation. However, translating multiple messages may be complicated. With a future update, users will be able to choose whether the app should translate messages automatically across 21 available languages. Since messages are processed locally to preserve end-to-end encryption, users will have to download language packs. With this feature, users will no longer need to manually select a message to see its translation.
WhatsApp is working on new timing options for disappearing messages
WhatsApp is developing a feature that will add a new timer option to disappearing messages. It is called After reading and it will make it easier for users to ensure their messages disappear immediately after being seen. With this option, new messages will disappear from their chat 15 minutes after they're sent. They will disappear from the recipient's chat 15 minutes after they're read. If the messages are never read, they will automatically disappear after 24 hours. This feature is also compatible with read receipts whey they are disabled as messages will disappear regardless of whether the recipient has read them.
Stay tuned with us to discover new features and updates about WhatsApp coming your way next week. We will continue tracking all the latest beta releases, improvements, and bug fixes so you never miss a thing. Make sure to check back regularly and stay ahead with the newest ways to enhance your WhatsApp experience.
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