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Facebook is working on a number of new features for its WhatsApp messaging app, many of which are expected to launch this year.
These include everything from deeper integration with Facebook-owned platforms, as well as long-awaited functionality across the desktop, web, Android, and iOS platforms.
WhatsApp is testing a number of new features, many of which are already available in beta versions of the app for Android and iOS.
These features are expected to be rolled out soon, and most should be rolled out this year, barring a change in development strategy or major delays.
There is currently no set timetable for further integration of Facebook with WhatsApp, although this is expected to continue in the future.
Below are the new features expected to arrive on WhatsApp this year.
Mute video
WhatsApp is working on a video mute feature that will allow users to mute video content before sending it to a contact or adding it to their status updates.
Once launched, this functionality will present users with a small sound icon when uploading a video on WhatsApp.
This icon can be toggled to mute or unmute video content as preferred by the sender.
Currently, users can already trim video content when they send it to others, as well as add text and drawings to the media.
This feature is already available in the beta version of the WhatsApp application for Android and is expected to be rolled out on other platforms in the near future.
Web and desktop calling
WhatsApp is working to add a long-awaited feature to its web and desktop applications: voice and video calls.
Currently, this functionality is only available in the WhatsApp applications for Android and iOS.
However, a recent report from WABetaInfo states that these features are being rolled out in beta for the web and desktop versions of the app.
The implementation is relatively slow, but once it is available to users, they will see new voice and video call icons within the WhatsApp web and desktop user interface.
These icons include a “beta” label to reflect their current state of development and there may still be issues with functionality that will need to be resolved before deployment is accelerated.
Read later
WhatsApp is working on a new feature called “Read later”, which will be implemented as a replacement for archived chats.
This new Read Later feature will include the new Vacation Mode feature, which allows you to keep hiding archived chats even when new messages arrive.
Also, when a chat is placed in the Read Later section, the user will not receive notifications from that chat.
The Read Later section will be accessible from the main WhatsApp chats list, and can be edited to disable the vacation mode functionality, enabling notifications for chats stored in this section.
Users can also enable or disable the ability to move chats within Read Later and automatically save received media to their camera roll.
This feature is currently in beta and is expected to be released in the near future.
Multi-device support
WhatsApp has continued its development in multi-device support and is reported in final stages of testing before a major launch.
This functionality will allow users to log into the same WhatsApp account on four different devices simultaneously.
The requirement for an internet connection on the registered smartphone will be removed, allowing users to log in and use the WhatsApp web or desktop without their smartphone being connected to the application.
It will also be possible to log into WhatsApp on other devices, eliminating the need for a connection to your smartphone.
Chat history can be synced between devices, as well as muted chats and other information.
This feature is expected to launch in 2021.
Now read: WhatsApp sets a historical record for calls on New Year’s Eve
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