WhatsApp users are in for some extra features that the messaging platform is set to release in 2019. The assortment of new features and additions is going to transform how WhatsApp users will communicate with each other post the updates.
India currently has more than 1.5 billion users on WhatsApp and this user base is constantly growing with the penetration of smartphones in the rural markets and also a lighter version of WhatsApp being introduced for features phones like the one on JioPhone.
Many of the features which we will be talking about have been heard about through rumours and random leaks so don’t be surprised if you come across one you have already heard of.
Fingerprint Security
WhatsApp is looking to introduce extra protection for your WhatsApp inbox with the fingerprint lock feature. This feature will allow users to lock their WhatsApp with a fingerprint ID. If the app is not able to validate the fingerprint, users will have an option to enter a pass code to use the app. This feature was first seen being tested on an iPhone and we can expect a roll-out soon after its development is complete.
Dark Mode
Dark Mode has been long due on WhatsApp and it seems 2019 is going to be the year the messaging app finally receives the update. The primary objective behind releasing Dark Mode is to reduce the amount of strain on the eyes of the user. A darker theme does warrant easy viewing for the users. In addition to this, phones packing an OLED screen might see a considerable improvement in the battery life as well.
Universal Picture in Picture Mode for Videos
Facebook-owned messaging app WhatsApp rolled out "Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode" for smartphone and web users of WhatsApp that allows them to view videos within a chat window, without opening third party pages or apps.
It is expected that a new update will be rolled out for PiP mode, which will allow any third-party video in the form of an mp4 file shared by users to be utilised in this feature as well.
Media Content Preview
WhatsApp is looking to introduce a feature in which users will be able to preview whatever video content they receive in the notification window. You will be able to preview the image/video by expanding the notification bar. Earlier, users had to go to the inbox and access the video, the same won’t be the case once the update rolls out.
Consecutive Voice Messages
This is one update many will be looking forward to, especially the ones who communicate via WhatsApp audio. It is believed that WhatsApp is working on a feature where a chain of audio messages sent on WhatsApp will automatically play after the first voice message finishes playing. Users won’t have to individually tap on each audio message to listen to them.
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