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The next WhatsApp update provides clearer management of contacts. The new features will soon be available for all devices.
Kassel – WhatsApp will soon be releasing a new update. This should enable users to better organize their chats and manage contacts more clearly. The new functions and improved contact management offer practical options for using Messenger even more securely.
A big change in the upcoming WhatsApp update is this Introducing the “Lists” feature, as WhatsApp explains on its website. With this innovation, users can filter their chats according to individual categories and thus organize their conversations at a glance. The idea for lists is based on the “chat filter” introduced in the spring, which could already be used to specifically search for messages. According to Whatsapp, the response to the filter function was positive, so the concept has now been further developed in the form of lists.
WhatsApp brings big innovations: “List” management for improved chat overview © IMAGO / CHROMORANGE
WhatsApp wants to make chats clearer: Update brings list function
The lists allow chats to be clearly organized according to personal criteria. For example, users can create lists for family chats, work groups or neighborhood groups and thus find their most important contacts and chats in a clear structure. This not only makes organization easier, but also makes it possible to quickly access relevant conversations – a practical feature for users with a high number and range of chats.
The list function is easy to use: To create a new list, all you need to do is click on the + symbol in the filter bar of the chat tab. Existing lists can be edited and updated by long pressing on the list name. Similar to Favorites, users can add both individual and group chats to lists, which are then visible in the filter bar.
The new lists allow chats to be divided into individual groups. © WhatsApp
WhatsApp focuses on improved multimedia use: contact management across all devices
In addition to the lists, the update also offers WhatsApp Improvements in contact management. Previously, it was only possible to add contacts via mobile devices by either typing in a phone number or scanning a QR code. However, with the new update, contacts can also be added and managed via WhatsApp Web and on Windows computers, which WhatsApp says will make dealing with contacts easier.
This advanced contact management offers another option that is particularly useful for users who share their mobile phone with others or use multiple WhatsApp accounts for different purposes. It is now possible to save contacts exclusively in WhatsApp – separately from the contacts saved on the phone. This not only increases data protection, but also makes standard dual SIM use obsolete. This makes it easier, for example, to separate business and private contacts and still access both types of contacts at any time in the app.
WhatsApp usage will become more decentralized: In the future, users will be able to add new contacts from multiple devices. © WhatsApp
WhatsApp update brings more privacy: username instead of phone number
The saved WhatsApp contacts are retained even if the device is lost or needs to be replaced. In addition, the function will soon be available on other linked devices, enabling flexible contact management across different platforms.
The update also brings innovations to improve privacy. In the future, users will be able to manage and save contacts using user names. This eliminates the previous need to provide a phone number when contacting a new person. WhatsApp announced that the update with the new functions will be gradually released for all users this year. The developers also plan to further expand the list function so that users can make their communication even more targeted and personal. The instant messaging service always tries to improve the user experience through updates, most recently in July 2024. (ls)
