WhatsApp is developing several new features for upcoming upgrades in 2023. The improvements come with a share screen function, a username addition option, and more. All of the app’s versions, including iOS, Android, and Desktop, will receive the new functionality.
WhatsApp’s developers are always working on new platform improvements and functionality. The platform is owned by Meta, and new upgrades are frequently released to improve the app’s security and privacy while also improving the user experience. WhatsApp has unveiled several new features, including chat locking, the ability to edit transmitted messages, and others.
WhatsApp is working on additional features such as usernames, archive status, and more to make the platform more engaging and user-friendly. Let’s look at every one of the new WhatsApp features that are anticipated to be released soon with upcoming updates.
You can add usernames to WhatsApp
According to reports, WhatsApp is developing a new function that would let users give their accounts usernames. WhatsApp is developing a username feature that will provide users an alternative to displaying phone numbers, according to screenshots shared by WaBetaInfo. Users will have the ability to hide their phone numbers using this function, making only their usernames public.
With the addition of this functionality, members of the Meta-owned platform will be able to connect without disclosing their phone numbers by using usernames. Additionally enhancing the security of users’ accounts is this function.
More beta testers will get access to the functionality in a subsequent release as it is still under development. When it becomes available, a specific section in the WhatsApp Settings > Profile menu will allow users to access the username feature.
Use WhatsApp to share your screen
Users will be able to share their phone screens thanks to a new feature that WhatsApp is going to offer. Users of WhatsApp will be able to share their screen during video calls thanks to the addition of this new functionality via a special icon in the call control view. Similar to Google Meet and Zoom’s screen sharing functionality, the capability will operate. Once activated, the video callers will be able to see and record whatever the recipient chooses to display.
However, the users of WhatsApp will have complete control over this feature and can stop screen sharing at any time, even when their screen content is being transferred during the video conversation. This is vital to keep in mind. Furthermore, users’ permission to share screen content will be required before screen sharing is allowed. According to reports, WhatsApp’s share screen function is currently accessible to the app’s Android beta testers. However, following testing, the function will be made available to all with upcoming app updates.
Reminder for passwords feature
WABetaInfo has also stated that Meta would soon offer a password reminder tool for Android and iOS users, revealing all the advancements across WhatsApp. Users can use the feature to check their encrypted backup password for accuracy and change it if necessary.
Users can encrypt their backups from beginning to end by setting up a personal password or a special 64-digit encryption key. The report emphasizes that only users will have access to this encrypted data; neither WhatsApp nor the backup service providers (Apple and Google) would have access to the unlocking key or be able to view encrypted backups.
Filtering by app language and message draft
Additionally, WhatsApp is testing a brand-new feature with its beta users that gives them the ability to change the app’s language and add a message draft filter. Select Windows beta users can effortlessly utilize the app in a language other than their default language thanks to the feature, which is already accessible.
WhatsApp has added a new selection called “Language” within the app settings, as part of this most recent update. Even if the language of the program is different from their system language, users who have access to this capability can change it. With upcoming software updates, it is anticipated that the capability will soon be made available to all users.
Business status archive feature
Additionally, WhatsApp is launching “Status Archive” as a new service for companies. Businesses will be able to let their customers know about previous status updates thanks to this capability. Currently being rolled out to WhatsApp Business for Android beta testers, the feature will eventually be accessible to all users.
According to Wabetainfo, the platform’s status tab will be improved with the implementation of the status archive feature. Users will be informed when the functionality becomes life for their WhatsApp account once WhatsApp has updated it. After 24 hours, users’ status updates will be archived on their devices if the feature is turned on.
Additionally, WhatsApp business users will get easy access from the menu within the Status page to adjust their archive preferences and see their archive status. Businesses can continue to use the archived status updates for sharing or Facebook and Instagram advertising until they expire in the archive because they will be kept on the device for 30 days.
It should be noted that the archived status will continue to be private to all users and will only be available to the relevant business for evaluating their archived status changes.
