Embracing a more private existence, WhatsApp, one of the most popular messaging apps, is reportedly working to implement a smattering of new features that will improve user interaction and privacy. Like its sister platform, Instagram, WhatsApp will personalize Status Updates and simplify media sharing options. What is in development?
Polls and ‘Add Yours’ stickers for more interactive Status Updates
Interactive stickers may soon be available in WhatsApp Status Updates, which means users could interact with their contacts in a new way. One is the poll sticker, which allows users to ask their contacts about their Status and have them vote and react to the post. Unlike in-chat polls, the Status version is still being tested and is unavailable to all devices.
Among the features that will be added is the ‘Add Yours’ sticker, which allows users to invite new contacts to add to a Status Update shared with them. Originally introduced on Instagram, this tool is expected to work differently on WhatsApp: The Status audience can view all interactions and those chosen for them. While it may be a level of engagement, it’s yet to be seen how much WhatsApp users will use this for sharing.
New options for media sharing and image search
Updates will also make it easier for the app to share media and improve image search. Users will have a planned media shortcut to their device’s gallery to hit it and send an image or video in a pinch. For people who often share content, this small change might be a pleasing one that doesn’t make too much of a difference in the general user experience.
The ‘Search on Web’ feature for web-based image searches will also tie WhatsApp into Google Lens. The next one would allow users to search for similar images directly from users’ chats without exiting the app. Though this feature may be convenient for those who need a way to quickly see related images or confirm image sources, the actual utility of that feature might vary between users.
While these features haven’t been rolled out on WhatsApp’s public app, they are in the works in the beta versions, but we don’t know when this will happen. WhatsApp continues adding more tools, which will bring more interaction and control over privacy, but it’s unclear how those features will be welcomed.
Image credit: Furkan Demirkaya/Ideogram
