Meta-owned WhatsApp has been introducing newer features and making the application’s usage easy and smooth for its users. The new updates highlight that the app is committed to improving the user experience.
The instant messaging app has announced a set of new features for status updates for both Android and iOS devices in the coming weeks, WaBetaInfo reported Tuesday.
WhatsApp published a blog post to introduce new features for status updates. Some of the features, however, are not new but they are on the list of recent improvements for status updates.
Just like all the other features, the messaging app has made sure that these features are also secured with end-to-end encryption. This is to ensure the privacy of users, allowing them to share the updates privately and securely with the people of their choice.
The picture shows newly released WhatsApp features on mobile phones. — WaBetaInfo
Private audience selector
With this feature, users will be allowed to choose who they can share their status updates with. It adds a customised experience to the messaging app as users have the authority to show their status updates to a selected number of people.
Voice status
This feature has allowed users to share voice notes, of up to 30 seconds, on status. It was announced under the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.2.8 update and WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.2.0.70 version from TestFlight.
Status reactions
This feature allows users to react to a status just like message reactions. They can react with a heart-eye emoji, tears of joy emoji, open mouth emoji, emoji, folded hands, clapping hands, party popper, and 100 points.
Status profile rings for new updates
Through this feature, users can see if there is an update for status right within the chat list. This feature was introduced to more people via the WhatsApp beta for the Android 2.22.19.17 update.
Link previews on status
This feature allows users to share link previews when they share a link as a status update.
The WaBetaInfo said that these features are available on the Android, iOS and desktop versions of the app.
Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has begun his wartime visit to Israel as he landed in Tel Aviv on Monday to discuss “rising antisemitism” on social media with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
During his visit to Tel Aviv, the tech billionaire will also meet the relatives of the hostages held by Hamas following their October 7 attack.
“In their meeting, the president will emphasise the need to act to combat rising antisemitism online,” said President Herzog’s office on Sunday after announcing the meeting with Musk.
His meeting comes after the tech guru was accused by civil rights groups of amplifying anti-Jewish hatred on the microblogging website X, formerly known as Twitter.
The tweet accused Jews of promoting hatred against whites, and Musk’s reply, acknowledging the statement as the “actual truth,” triggered a fierce online backlash.
Musk, later defending himself against accusations of anti-semitism, asserted that such claims were “nothing could be further from the truth.” He clarified his intentions, expressing goodwill towards humanity and a desire for a prosperous future for all.
In an effort to counterbalance the controversy, Musk announced his commitment to donating advertising revenue from his company, X, to hospitals in Israel and Gaza.
Last week, Israeli media reported that Musk would visit Israel this week, with plans to tour Gaza border towns.
According to N12, the Tesla magnate was expected to engage in discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Herzog during his visit.
Additionally, Musk had previously pledged to provide internet satellite connectivity to Gaza’s remaining civilians and humanitarian workers.
To further enhance user experience, WhatsApp is working on a new update to further enhance the display of profile information by acting on the user feedback and incorporating desired updates into the platform.
The development was discovered via the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.25.11 update available on the Google Play Store, reported WaBetaInfo.
The meta-owned platform is working to allow the displaying of profile information within conversations beneath the contact name.
Once introduced, the feature will provide users with an easier and faster way to interact with profile information when it is made visible in our conversations.
— WaBetaInfo
Users would be able to easily view the profile information within the chat rather than having to navigate to the chat info screen.
Furthermore, this enhances visibility in the event that users have recently updated their profile information, guaranteeing that those involved in the conversation are promptly informed of any modifications.
It is significant to remember that the user’s privacy settings will only permit the display of this information.
OpenAI has rolled out a significant update for ChatGPT, enabling regular users on both iOS and Android devices to engage with the chatbot using a human-like voice.
Initially introduced in September, the voice feature was exclusively available to Plus and Enterprise users until yesterday. This expansion signifies a milestone in ChatGPT’s accessibility, allowing a broader audience to experience conversational capabilities in voice mode.
ChatGPT with voice is now available to all free users. Download the app on your phone and tap the headphones icon to start a conversation.
To activate the voice feature, users will find a headphone icon at the bottom right of the screen upon opening ChatGPT. Clicking on it prompts users to choose from five distinct voice options: Juniper, Ember, Breeze, Cove, and Sky, representing a spectrum from feminine to masculine. Users can easily switch between these options later.
The interaction with the voice assistant is visually engaging, with a grey circle appearing in the centre, transforming into a white cloud-like image while the chatbot processes information.
The voice assistant, exemplified by options like Sky with a raspy voice, introduces a more human-like element, including pauses during responses, fostering a conversational experience.
Despite the innovative leap, some users noted that the voice function occasionally prompted assistance queries even when the user remained silent, and there was a lack of a clear mechanism to turn off the application.
However, the flexibility to exit the app while keeping it active in the background enhances multitasking possibilities, catering to scenarios where users may want information while engaged in other activities.
This move towards a voice-centric interaction marks a departure from traditional text-based chatting, offering a more natural and engaging conversational AI experience.
OpenAI’s decision to make this feature available to a wider user base underscores the evolution of ChatGPT, positioning it as a versatile and accessible tool for diverse interactions.