WhatsApp has introduced a variety of new in-app features just in time for the holiday season. These enhancements span across Chats, Calls, and Updates, aiming to provide an upgraded experience and seamless communication for its users. One notable feature highlighted by WhatsApp is the introduction of missed call messages, which eliminates the necessity to send voicemails. Additionally, WhatsApp has upgraded its AI image generation tool.
Highlights
WhatsApp’s New Features for the Holiday Season
Missed Call Messages
Among the many new features introduced by WhatsApp, missed call messages allow users to record either a voice or video note when the person they are calling is not available. WhatsApp noted that this new approach will render voicemails obsolete. The application has also rolled out new stickers for voice chats, which will display as animations and will not disrupt the ongoing conversation. Furthermore, during group calls, WhatsApp will automatically highlight the speaker.
Upgrades to AI Image Generation
WhatsApp has made significant improvements to Meta AI’s AI image generation capabilities, now enhanced by models from Midjourney and Flux. WhatsApp emphasised that users will observe substantial improvements when crafting annual holiday greetings to share via chats or status. Additionally, users can transform any photo into a short animated video using Meta AI with text prompts.
Updates Section Enhancements
In the Updates section, WhatsApp has introduced new stickers in Status, along with options to include music lyrics, questions, and interactive stickers. Furthermore, WhatsApp Channels will now enable admins to ask questions, fostering better engagement with their audience.
New Desktop Features
For users of WhatsApp on Desktop, a new media tab has been added, which comprises documents, links, and media from chats. This feature is currently being rolled out for Mac, Windows, and Web versions of the application.
