New WhatsApp privacy feature

 WhatsApp new features for iOS, Android users

WhatsApp beta app for Android introduces a feature to prevent screenshots of profile pictures, increasing privacy. Users receive a warning when trying to capture screenshots, though no notification is sent for attempted screenshots. The stable version update will be available worldwide in the near future. In a continuous effort to bolster user privacy, WhatsApp has introduced a groundbreaking feature in its beta version, aiming to safeguard users' profile pictures. The popular messaging platform has gone beyond simply disabling the option to save or download profile pictures; it now prevents users from taking screenshots within the app. The introduced new feature updates for both iOS and Android users are mentioned as follows:-

The new mechanism, currently available only in the WhatsApp beta app for Android users, displays a warning message when attempting to capture a screenshot of a profile picture. This proactive approach is designed to deter unauthorized users from capturing and potentially sharing profile pictures without consent. While this update provides an added layer of protection, it is crucial to acknowledge that no security measure is entirely foolproof. Although the app restricts screenshot functionality, individuals can still find alternative methods, such as using another device to capture profile pictures. Notably, WhatsApp does not currently notify users if someone attempts to take a screenshot of their profile picture. The rollout of this feature to the stable version of the app, used by billions globally, may take some time.To complement this enhanced privacy feature, WhatsApp users can further customize their settings in the Privacy Settings menu. By controlling who can view their profile picture, users can actively manage access to their personal information and mitigate the risk of unauthorized sharing. 

Earlier this month, WhatsApp rolled out a notable update to its Channels feature. This latest development allows users to share channel posts through their status updates, providing a new way to interact with content within the platform. The expansion of capabilities comes on the heels of the introduction of four additional channel-related features, some of which were previously tested in beta versions. The recent update has been confirmed for both Android and iOS versions of WhatsApp, following successful tests. While users have long been accustomed to sharing channel posts in individual or group chats, this modification focuses on the ability to share them within status updates. The official announcement was made on the channel page a couple of days ago, even though the feature may have been accessible for a few days prior to the announcement.

WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.4.10.76

WhatsApp has added a possibility for users to mark favourite contacts. With just a single press, users will be able to initiate phone calls with their favourite contacts straight from the calls page, simplifying the procedure. Although this feature is still in development, it appears that WhatsApp is also thinking about adding more features, especially for favourite contacts. This information was found in the most recent WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.4.10.76, which was obtained using the TestFlight app. In addition, WhatsApp is working on a chat filter function to make it easier for users to keep track of their interactions with their favourite friends. In a future update, the new chat filter will allow users to prioritise and easily access chats with their favourite contacts, so they never miss any crucial messages from them. It is important to note that WhatsApp Web will soon receive an update with this feature, so it's not just available on the iOS app.

We anticipate that users managing many conversations with a dedicated chat filter would greatly benefit from the addition of the option to designate favourite contacts. WhatsApp will make it simpler for users to prioritise crucial discussions by enabling them to flag particular contacts as favourites, guaranteeing quick access to people they interact with regularly. Favourite contacts will enable users to tailor their messaging experience to their preferences, guaranteeing that they can effectively manage their chats and maintain constant communication with their most significant contacts.

WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.5.10

It was revealed last year that WhatsApp was investigating the possibility of sending animated emojis made with the Lottie framework. WhatsApp sought to improve user expression and communication by creating a dynamic and engaging form of emoji interaction, made possible by Lottie, a package that enables designers to create animations while keeping quality even when proportions are altered.  The most recent WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.5.10 update from the Google Play Store revealed that, despite support for animated emoticons still being worked on, WhatsApp appears to be working on adding Lottie support for stickers as well.

With the addition of Lottie support, WhatsApp is now concentrating on improving the sticker experience while continuing to support WebP, a popular picture format renowned for its effectiveness and quality.  When comparing Lottie to WebP pictures, more intricate and dynamic animations are possible. Lottie allows stickers to have complex movements, effects and transitions, which enhances their expressiveness and engagement. Furthermore, Lottie animations are adaptable to a range of chat interfaces and screen sizes because they can be resized without sacrificing quality. The addition of Lottie stickers will help users communicate their feelings and messages with greater visual appeal, opening up a whole new level of expressiveness and creativity in their chats. In a later version, Lottie will allow users to benefit from a better quality experience for stickers, mainly because it supports vector-based animations. Lottie's integration with sticker functionality will make it possible to create animated stickers with more realistic movements, vivid colours and fine details, which will improve the degree of engagement in our talks.