Messenger service users can look forward to numerous new features in the coming year.
WhatsApp has again introduced numerous new functions this year. Nevertheless, the messenger service belonging to Meta does not run out of new ideas. That is why WhatsApp users can look forward to some innovations in 2022 as well. In the next year there should even be some real hits. We have listed those features that, according to the current status, should be rolled out for all users in 2022.
Multi-device support
The absolute highlight is the final version of the multi-device support. Numerous WhatsApp users can already use the messenger service in a beta version on up to five devices with one account. The main device (smartphone) does not have to be connected to the Internet. Regardless of which device (cell phone, tablet, notebook, PC, etc.) you use to chat – the latest news appears on all connected devices in real time. WhatsApp also has an automatic security feature built in. If you don’t use the messenger service on your main smartphone for two weeks, you have to log in again with all devices. The connection between the devices is automatically cut after 14 days. In addition, all chats on all devices are still end-to-end encrypted.
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WhatsApp wants to improve the feature further. Because so far it has only been available as a general web or desktop app. It would be much better if WhatsApp were to publish separate (native) apps for all devices (tablets, smartwatches and computers) that can be downloaded and installed from the respective app stores. Because only then can you really use the multi-device support as most users would like it to be.
Response reactions
In addition, WhatsApp has been working flat out for several weeks on integrating “reactions” into chats. Instead of having to reply to every message, users can simply react to them with various emojis. So the sender can see immediately what the recipient thinks of it. This has been possible for years on Facebook and Instagram. As a screenshot published by WABetaInfo shows, users can choose from six symbols. Possibly some will be added. At the moment, in any case, these are: “I like it” (thumbs up), heart, laugh, wow, sad and grateful. According to the report, there will be reactions in individual and group chats. In group chats, each participant should be able to see all reactions and also recognize who they came from. In any case, in the new beta version it is not possible to submit it anonymously.
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“Last online” status
WhatsApp wants to expand its data protection settings in 2022, which should be well received by many users. You get a new function with which you can make yourself “invisible” from unpleasant contacts. At the moment, users have three options for the “Last online” status: “Everyone”, “My contacts” and “Nobody”. Depending on the selected settings, everyone, only your own contacts or nobody, can see the last time you were online with the messenger service. If you want only some, but not all, contacts to see the “last online” status, you are currently looking through your fingers. You can only choose “Nobody”. But that should soon be over. According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp has added a new option to the current beta versions for iOS and Android. This is “My contacts except …”. Users can in future, therefore, exclude certain contacts from being informed about their “last online” status and thus make themselves “invisible” to unpleasant contacts.
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“Undo” button for status messages
There should also be an innovation in the normal status messages, which automatically disappear after 24 hours. The feature is now as popular as the stories on Instagram and Facebook. Once you have posted the status, it is a bit of a hassle to delete it. This is especially problematic if you notice immediately after posting that you have made a (typing) error, or you have used an (embarrassing) photo that not every contact should see. In addition, in the heat of the moment, it can happen that you inadvertently publish the status before it has actually been completed. In situations like this, many users wanted a quick way to undo the matter. And that’s exactly what they should get in 2022.
WABetaInfo has discovered an “Undo” button for the status function in beta versions for Android and iOS. This appears immediately after you have posted the status. If the user presses the “Undo” button, the status disappears immediately. So you don’t have to switch to the status tab to delete it. This saves you some time and you can be sure that the status has not yet been viewed by anyone.
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You can delete the status immediately using the “Undo” button.
Pause function for voice messages
With a new feature for voice messages, WhatsApp should fulfill a great wish of users in the coming year. Anyone who will record a voice message in the future can press a pause button. Then the recording is interrupted and as soon as you know how to continue speaking, it can simply be continued. Above all, this will ensure that audio recordings sent will be shorter in future. Because currently you have to speak them in one piece and every second of thought (which can sometimes take a little longer) is sent along. Therefore, the new pause function could also ensure that the function of the faster playback of voice messages, which is also quite new, is used less often again. WABetaInfo has released a video showing what the new pause feature looks like:
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