WhatsApp is announcing a raft of new features today including animated stickers, the ability to use QR codes and one tap calls for large groups (up to eight people).
The Facebook-owned chat platform, which has more than 2 billion users worldwide, is making it easier than ever to add a contact with unique QR codes for each user.
‘WhatsApp is already used and loved by more than 2 billion people around the world,’ the platform, which was bought by Facebook in 2014 for about $19 billion, said in a blog post.
‘While our focus remains on providing a simple, reliable and private way for people to chat with friends and family, we also continue to push forward our product design to make sure WhatsApp remains the most useful way for anyone, anywhere to connect.
‘Today, we are excited to confirm some new features that are rolling out over the next few weeks.’
The new features include:
Animated Stickers: Stickers are one of the fastest growing ways people communicate on WhatsApp, with billions sent every day. We are rolling out new animated sticker packs that are even more fun and expressive.QR codes: We are making it easier than ever to add a new contact. Soon when you meet someone new, you will be able to scan their QR code to add them to your contacts. No more tapping in their digits one at a time.
Dark mode for WhatsApp web and desktop: The incredibly popular Dark Mode theme now extends to your computer.
Improvements to group video calls: With now up to 8 people on a video call, we’ve made it easier to focus on whoever you want by letting you press and hold to maximize a participant’s video to full screen. We also added a video icon in group chats of 8 or less, so you can easily start a group video call with 1-tap.
Status comes to KaiOS: KaiOS users can now enjoy the popular feature that lets you share updates that disappear after 24 hours.
The features will be rolling out to users over the next few weeks, in the latest versions of WhatsApp.
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