New Update WhatsApp Messenger - Stable and Beta updates

[silversurfer]

Meta finally unlocks easy WhatsApp chat history transfer between iOS and Android​

WhatsApp posted a Tweet from its official Twitter handle confirming the ability to transfer chat history from an Apple iPhone to an Android smartphone, and vice versa. The app is promising users “the freedom to switch to and from your preferred devices.”:

A new way to keep the chats that mean the most
Today, you’ll have the ability to transfer your entire chat history from Android to iOS and vice versa.
Now you have the freedom to switch to and from your preferred devices.
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) July 20, 2022​

Meta finally unlocks easy WhatsApp chat history transfer between iOS and Android

WhatsApp posted a Tweet from its official Twitter handle confirming the ability to transfer the entire chat history from an Apple iPhone to an Android smartphone, and vice versa with ease.

www.neowin.net

 

[silversurfer]

Messages sent using WhatsApp can now be deleted more than 48 hours after they were sent. Until today, WhatsApp users had just an hour to decide.

WhatsApp confirmed on Twitter that users need not rush to delete any message. In case a user wants to delete a message, they have “a little over 2 days” to delete messages from chat history after they have hit send.

Rethinking your message? Now you’ll have a little over 2 days to delete your messages from your chats after you hit send.
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) August 8, 2022​

The ability to delete a message isn’t new. However, WhatsApp has significantly extended the timeframe. Deleting a message is quite easy too. Open up the WhatsApp group or individual chat in which the message was sent. Tap and hold the content to delete and click “Delete”. Users are presented with the options “Delete for everyone” or “Delete for me.”

Until today, WhatsApp users had the aforementioned options for just an hour after they had hit send. However, moving forward, users will have more than 2 days to delete the messages.

It is important to note that all recipients must be updated to the most recent version of WhatsApp in order for this to work. Additionally, users who delete the messages they sent for everyone, won’t receive a notification if the messages didn’t delete for one or all of the recipients.

WhatsApp gives more than two days' time to delete a message sent to an individual or group

WhatsApp will now allow its users on iOS and Android more than two days to rethink sending a message and deleting it for everyone. The facility is available for individual and group chats.

www.neowin.net

 

[silversurfer]

What's new in WhatsApp Desktop​

The app is faster, and you can tell it right from the get-go. That's basically because it is not an Electron app anymore. The performance improvements are welcome, as are the notification badges. Speaking of which, notifications arrive instantly in the new app, and you don't need the program running in the background either. The interface of WhatsApp Desktop has been revamped, it now resembles a native Windows 10 program. The app has a light theme and a dark theme that you can switch to from the Settings.

The old version of the messaging app would only work if your phone was online, it was a requirement to synchronize your chats between the devices. This limitation was also true for the WhatsApp Web version that is accessible via web browsers. The new WhatsApp Desktop app is a proper standalone program, it no longer requires your phone to be connected to the internet, in other words it supports multiple devices just like its rival, Telegram. Your chats are still end-to-end encrypted, which is a good thing.

Note: There is a device limit, you can use WhatsApp on up to 4 linked devices and a phone at the same time.

Download the WhatsApp Desktop app from the Microsoft Store. It requires Windows 10 14316.0 or higher. New users will need to scan a QR code using WhatsApp on your phone, to sign in on your PC. If you already have the Electron app installed on your computer, it will be upgraded to the UWP version. You can use it alongside the beta version, but you may want to disable notifications in one of the apps, otherwise you will be bombarded with double notifications for every message that you receive.

WhatsApp for macOS​

WhatsApp states that a native app for macOS is in development. If you have a Mac, you can opt in to the Testflight program to participate in the beta. Unfortunately, the slots in the beta are full already, so you may have to wait for a while to try it.

I've been using the regular beta app for a few months on my MacBook, it's based on Electron (web-based) and looks similar to the Windows version, except for some visual elements such as the colors and button styles. Its performance, however, is quite poor, it's slow to open, and there is a delay while messages are synced between devices, and notifications don't arrive immediately.

WABetaInfo says that the new WhatsApp macOS beta version is built on Catalyst technology, which means the app is actually a port of the iPad version. So, we can expect it to offer better performance while using fewer resources. The app has a refreshed design that introduces a new sidebar to quickly access Chats, Calls, Archived Chats, Starred Messages, etc.

WhatsApp Desktop gets a native UWP version on Windows - gHacks Tech News

WhatsApp Desktop has been updated to a native UWP version on Windows. A macOS version is also in development.

www.ghacks.net

 

[silversurfer]

WhatsApp group chats could be getting a feature that displays profile pictures of users while texting. WABetaInfo reports the addition is a possible part of WhatsApp Beta for iOS 22.18.0.72.

The feature can not be disabled and will simply show the profile picture of each group member when they send a text. Development on the feature is ongoing; hence, beta users do not have access to it yet. Reports suggest the capability will resemble the interface of iMessage and group chats on Messenger and Instagram Direct, since the profile pictures are visible at all times.

Build 22.18.0.72 is also considered to be the 2.22.18.72 version in the WhatsApp Settings. The TestFlight build is 22.18.0. Users can become beta testers for WhatsApp by applying here, although the program is closed at the moment. The official launch date for this feature is unknown, as even beta testers have not received it yet.

WhatsApp might display profile pictures of group members in chats

WhatsApp could add a feature that displays profile pictures of group members besides the text they send in group chats. The addition is undergoing work and has not rolled out to beta users either.

www.neowin.net

 

[silversurfer]

WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature that allows users to share a direct link to a call, making it easier to stay in contact with your loved ones. The Call Links feature will start to appear on WhatsApp this week and can be accessed through a banner located at the top of the Calls tab. WhatsApp users who want to try the Call Link feature will need the latest version of the app.

Mark Zuckerberg announced the feature on Facebook, saying that WhatsApp users will be able to share a link to a call with “a single tap.” The ability to share a call link with up to 32 users was teased back in April during the announcement of another upcoming feature, WhatsApp Communities.

The Call Links feature will support both audio and video calls, and Zuckerberg also confirmed that encrypted video calling is currently being tested for group calls with up to 32 people, which is notable, as WhatsApp currently caps video calls at eight users.

WhatsApp adds one-click links to join a call and tests 32-person video chats

Now you just need to find 31 friends.

www.theverge.com

 

[silversurfer]

WhatsApp users can finally decide who views their online status​

Today, it has added another layer of privacy that gives users control of protecting their online status from unwanted viewers. Rumors about the feature began in July, and four months later, WhatsApp proved these to be true.

More privacy, more control #MessagePrivately with multiple layers of protection on WhatsApp. pic.twitter.com/tsiTOMGjIs
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) October 20, 2022​

Users can hide their online status from selected individuals by clicking Settings > Privacy > Last Seen and the Online option. Then they can choose any of the four options:
Everyone, My contacts, My contacts except, and Nobody, and set the same preferences for their online status.

WhatsApp users can finally decide who views their online status

WhatsApp has introduced a feature that lets users hide their online status from others. It has also updated the beta version for testers by adding polls on WhatsApp for web and other features.

www.neowin.net

 

[silversurfer]

Meta is rolling out new features to its instant messaging platform WhatsApp to make the platform more convenient to use for large groups of people.

One of these is Communities, which the company first began testing in April. This feature allows users to combine group chats “under one umbrella with a structure that works for them.” This way, people can receive updates sent to an entire community and organize smaller discussion groups on important things.

To use the feature, users can tap on the new "Communities" tab at the top of their chats on Android or at the bottom on iOS. From there, they can start a new Community from scratch or add existing groups.

WhatsApp will also offer admins new tools to manage communities, such as the ability to broadcast announcements to all members and control over which groups to include. "We think Communities will make it easier for a school principal to bring all the parents of the school together to share must-read updates and set up groups about specific classes, extracurricular activities, or volunteer needs," WhatsApp's blog stated. Communities are end-to-end encrypted and will be available to all WhatsApp users in the coming months.

WhatsApp rolls out Communities and 32-person video chats

WhatsApp has now rolled out its Communities feature, which it has been testing since April. Communities allows users to connect multiple groups together under one umbrella to organize group chats.

www.neowin.net

 

[Slerion]

Nice finally , cause Whatsapp is the "safest" main stream messenger , Telegram was rising but its not end to end encrypted by default.

 

[silversurfer]

Status is a popular way to share ephemeral updates with friends and close contacts on WhatsApp. They disappear in 24 hours and may include photos, videos, GIFs, text, and more. Just like your personal chats and calls, your WhatsApp status is protected by end-to-end encryption so you can share privately and securely.

We’re excited to add a set of new features to status on WhatsApp that make it easier to express yourself and connect with others.

Private Audience Selector​

Every status you share may not always be right for all of your contacts. We’re providing you with the flexibility to update your privacy settings per status so you can choose who views your status each time you update it. Your most recent audience selection will be saved and used as the default for your next status.

Voice Status​

We’re introducing the ability to record and share voice messages up to 30 seconds on WhatsApp status. Voice status can be used for sending more personal updates, especially if you feel more comfortable expressing yourself by talking rather than typing.

Status Reactions​

We’re adding status reactions to provide a quick and easy way to respond to status updates from your friends and close contacts. This was the #1 feature users wanted, following the launch of Reactions last year. You can now quickly reply to any status by swiping up and tapping on one of eight emojis. You can of course still reply to a status with text, voice message, stickers and more.

Status Profile Rings for New Updates​

With the new status profile ring you’ll never miss a status from a loved one. This ring will be present around your contact’s profile picture whenever they share a status update. It will be visible in the chat lists, group participant lists, and contact info.

Link Previews on Status​

Now when you post a link on your status, you’ll automatically see a visual preview of the link content, just like when you send a message. Visual previews make your statuses look better, and also give your contacts a better idea of what the link is before they click.

These updates have started rolling out to users globally and will be available to everyone in the coming weeks. We look forward to people enjoying these new status features soon.

New Ways To Enjoy WhatsApp Status

Status is a popular way to share ephemeral updates with friends and close contacts on WhatsApp. They disappear in 24 hours and may include photos, videos, GIFs, text, and more. Just like your personal chats and calls, your WhatsApp status is protected by end-to-end encryption so you can share...

blog.whatsapp.com

 

[brambedkar59]

Trying to turn WA more into FB

 

[silversurfer]

The Meta-owned WhatsApp has launched a new update that renamed the announcement group to "Updates" for iOS and "Home for Android. The company's aim is to make the application more user-friendly.

WhatsApp has been working to develop its community feature and attract more users, making it an easier communication hub for different communities all around the world. According to WABetaInfo, the company has launched a small update for its beta testers that renames the announcement groups in communities.

"This renaming decision may have been made due to the fact that the announcement group is typically a read-only conversation where only community admins can send messages, and it may not fit the traditional definition of a group," the website added to clarify the situation.

WhatsApp's latest update proves focus on "Communities" - gHacks Tech News

The Meta-owned Whatsapp aims to bring more features to communities as the company has recently launched another minor update.

www.ghacks.net

 

[silversurfer]

Meta has announced that it will be adding three new security features to WhatsApp in the coming months. The new features include Account Protect, Device Verification, and Automatic Security Codes. These features will accompany already existing security features such as two-step verification, end-to-end encrypted backups, and encrypted messaging.

With Account Protect, WhatsApp will now ask you to verify on your old device that you’re trying to use the app on a new device. Meta didn’t explain what happens if you’ve lost your old device, but presumably, this won’t prevent you from setting up on a new device. The new security check is just designed to provide a bit more security.

With Device Verification, Meta runs checks in the background to verify it’s really you sending messages. The company said the chief reason for adding this feature was to protect against unofficial WhatsApp clients. It said fake WhatsApp clients can steal your authentication keys to send spam. With Device Verifications, users will enjoy more security without having to do anything.

The last new addition is Automatic Security Codes, this feature uses something called Key Transparency. This automatically checks you have a secure connection with the person you’re chatting to. You'll be able to navigate to the encryption tab in WhatsApp in the coming months to see if chats are secure.

There’s nothing end users need to do to get these new features, just wait patiently as Meta rolls them out in the coming months.

WhatsApp will soon add three new security features

WhatsApp will roll out several new security features in the coming months. They include Account Protect, Device Verification, and Automatic Security Codes. End users don't need to act to get these.

www.neowin.net

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Account Protect: If you need to switch your WhatsApp account to a new device – we want to double check that it’s really you. From now on, we may ask you on your old device to verify that you want to take this step as an extra security check. This feature can help alert you to an unauthorized attempt to move your account to another device.

Device Verification: Mobile device malware is one of the biggest threats to people’s privacy and security today because it can take advantage of your phone without your permission and use your WhatsApp to send unwanted messages. To help prevent this, we have added checks to help authenticate your account - with no action needed from you - and better protect you if your device is compromised. This lets you continue using WhatsApp uninterrupted. Go deeper on the tech here.

Automatic Security Codes: Our most security conscious users have always been able to take advantage of our security code verification feature, which helps ensure you are chatting with the intended recipient. You can check this manually by going to the encryption tab under a contact’s info. To make this process easier and more accessible to everyone, we’re rolling out a security feature based on a process called “Key Transparency” that allows you to automatically verify that you have a secure connection. What it means for you is that when you click on the encryption tab, you’ll be able to verify right away that your personal conversation is secured. For those interested in going deeper into the tech, click here.

These are three additional ways we’re helping secure your account. While there’s many things we can do to make security easy for everyone, there are two features that only you can turn on: two-step verification and use of end-to-end encrypted backups. If you’re already using both, please tell your friends about them so more people can benefit from these layers of security too.

New Security Features: Account Protect, Device Verification, Automatic Security Codes

New Security Features: Account Protect, Device Verification, Automatic Security Codes At WhatsApp, we believe that your messages should be...

blog.whatsapp.com

 

[silversurfer]

With Disappearing Messages conversations do not have to stick around forever – just like in person discussions. While this extra layer of privacy protects messages from falling into the wrong hands, sometimes there’s that occasional voice note or key piece of information you want to keep.

Today we’re introducing “Keep in Chat,” so you can hang on to texts you need for later, with a special superpower for the sender. We believe if you’ve sent the message, it’s your choice whether others in the chat can keep it for later.

To make this work, the sender will be notified when someone keeps a message, and the sender will have the ability to veto the decision. If you’ve decided your message can’t be kept by others, your decision is final, no one else can keep it and the message will be deleted when the timer expires. This way you have the final say on how messages you send are protected.

Messages you’ve saved on your WhatsApp will be noted with a bookmark icon and you can see these messages, organized by chat, in the Kept Messages folder.
We hope people enjoy this new update and the flexibility to keep the messages they need. This will roll out globally over the next few weeks.

Keep In Chat: Your New Sender Superpower

Keep In Chat: Your New Sender Superpower With Disappearing Messages conversations do not have to stick ...

blog.whatsapp.com

 

[brambedkar59]

Well, I mean reciever can always take the screenshot if they want to. Plus sender won't be notified that way.

 

[MrMr]

Well, I mean reciever can always take the screenshot if they want to. Plus sender won't be notified that way.

Whatsapp is EnCrYpTeD ToO, its a shame they upload the master key so "you can restore your chats" lol. Great feature but breaks any point of privacy. They just add new features that "make people feel more secure", it doesn't mean they are

 

[silversurfer]

Last year, we introduced the ability for users globally to message seamlessly across all their devices, while maintaining the same level of privacy and security.

Today, we’re improving our multi-device offering further by introducing the ability to use the same WhatsApp account on multiple phones.

A feature highly requested by users, now you can link your phone as one of up to four additional devices, the same as when you link with WhatsApp on web browsers, tablets and desktops. Each linked phone connects to WhatsApp independently, ensuring that your personal messages, media, and calls are end-to-end encrypted, and if your primary device is inactive for a long period, we automatically log you out of all companion devices.

Linking phones as companion devices makes messaging easier. Now you can switch between phones without signing out and pick up your chats where you left off. Or if you’re a small business owner, additional employees are now able to respond to customers directly from their phones under the same WhatsApp Business account.

This update has started rolling out to users globally and will be available to everyone in the coming weeks.

Also rolling out over the coming weeks, we’re introducing an alternative and more accessible way to link to companion devices. Now you can enter your phone number on WhatsApp Web to receive a one-time code, which you can use on your phone to enable device linking, rather than having to scan a QR code. We look forward to introducing this feature to more companion devices in the future.

One WhatsApp account, now across multiple phones

One WhatsApp account, now across multiple phones Last year, we introduced the ability for users globally to m...

blog.whatsapp.com

 

[CyberTech]

WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will allow users to transfer their chat history to another iPhone without using iCloud.

Currently, WhatsApp only lets ‌iPhone‌ users migrate their chat history and media to ‌‌another ‌iPhone‌ if they have created a Chat Backup which is uploaded to ‌iCloud‌.

With the new feature, called "Transfer Chats to ‌iPhone‌," users need only download WhatsApp on their new phone, register with the same number, and then use their old ‌iPhone‌ to scan a QR code shown on the new device to automatically transfer their chat history.

As noted by WaBetaInfo, the new built-in service offers a significant advantage to users limited to ‌iCloud‌'s 5GB of free storage who do not have the space available to back up their chat history on Apple's servers.

The rest

WhatsApp to Let Users Transfer Chats to Another iPhone Without Using iCloud

WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will allow users to transfer their chat history to another iPhone without using iCloud. Currently,...

www.macrumors.com

 

[silversurfer]

For the moments when you make a mistake, or simply change your mind, you can now edit your sent messages.

From correcting a simple misspelling to adding extra context to a message, we’re excited to bring you more control over your chats. All you need to do is long-press on a sent message and choose ‘Edit’ from the menu for up to fifteen minutes after.

Edited messages will display ‘edited’ alongside them, so those you’re messaging are aware of the correction without showing edit history. As with all personal messages, media and calls, your messages and the edits you make are protected by end-to-end encryption.

This feature has started rolling out to users globally and will be available to everyone in the coming weeks.

Now you can edit your WhatsApp messages

Now you can edit your WhatsApp messages For the moments when you make a mistake, or simply change your mind, ...

blog.whatsapp.com

 

[Like a Western!]

omg finally

 

[Zero Knowledge]

Nice This is a good step but I do worry about conversations being edited long after you have sent messages. Good to cover up mistakes *ahem*