Facebook-owned WhatsApp is working on several new features, including multi-device support, search by date feature, redesigned storage usage section, ShareChat integration, and more.9
Multi-device support feature
The multi-device support feature will allow users to access their WhatsApp account on up to four devices simultaneously. Currently, users can access their WhatsApp account on two devices simultaneously, which includes smartphone and desktop. This feature is currently under development and there is no information available about its release timeline. Reportedly, the feature is being tested for both Android and iOS.
Search by date feature
WhatsApp is developing a new feature that will allow users to filter messages of a particular date. WhatsApp is adding a new calendar icon that will appear above the keyboard when using the chat search option. Tapping on the calendar icon will open the date picker, and uses will be able to choose the exact date to filter messages. As per reports, the feature is currently under the alpha stage of development.
Redesigned Storage Usage section
According to a report by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp has redesigned the storage usage section. The redesigned storage usage section comes with new filters that let users find and manage large and forwarded files easily. This feature will be available to the Android version of the WhatsApp. Besides, WhatsApp is also adding a new Sort button that will help users to sort photos shared in the chat. Users will be able to sort photos in Newest, Oldest, and Size orders.
Option to keep starred content
WhatsApp already provides an option within chats to clear all messages except the starred messages. However, if a user clears the messages from the storage usage section, the app clears all messages, including the starred ones. WhatsApp is testing a new feature that will allow users to clear chats from the storage usage section without deleting the starred messages. This feature is being tested in the iOS version of the app, reports WABetaInfo.
ShareChat integration
WhatsApp is testing ShareChat integration for users in India. Users will be able to view ShareChat videos directly on Whatsapp, without being redirected to the browser. ShareChat videos will also support Picture-in-Picture mode in the WhatsApp messenger like Instagram or YouTube videos in the messenger app. This feature is under development for both Android and iOS platforms.
Search image on the Web feature for iOS users
WhatsApp has started testing search image on the Web feature for iOS users. The feature will replace the forward button with a search image button on the most forwarded images. Tapping on the search image button will upload the image to Google, which will enable users to gather more information about the image. This feature will help to reduce the spread of misinformation. The feature will also come to the Android version of the WhatsApp.
New chat bubble color in the dark mode
WhatsApp is modifying the color of chat bubbles in the dark mode. The new dark color chat bubble will help users to reduce eye strain while accessing the app in a low light environment.
All these features are in the development stage and not yet available to the beta version of the WhatsApp messenger. WhatsApp may also make changes to these new features before rolling out to the public version of the app.
