WhatsApp to bring Facebook-style stickers, group calls and more!
Facebook-owned popular messaging app WhatsApp, used by over 1.3bn users, has been on a roll lately, introducing new features almost every week and constantly improving the app. Now, popular tipster WABetaInfo said that the new WhatsApp beta version 2.17.443 on Google Play Store reveals many new exciting features for users and group admins. Here's more on the features spotted by WABetaInfo, including Facebook-like stickers.
Preview of Facebook-like stickers spotted by WABetaInfo
WABetaInfo claimed that the latest beta update shows WhatsApp's new "Stickers" that would be available in groups based on their categories on the Android app. The tipster also shared a screenshot of the "Sticker tab" which is located between the emoji and GIF options. Even in the past, there have been several reports that WhatsApp would bring Facebook-style stickers to its platform.
Investigating more about Stickers: WABetaInfo
WABetaInfo stated: "WhatsApp is working since many months to implement stickers in the application. WhatsApp is going to group stickers, so there will be some tabs (lol/love/sad/wow reactions) next to the GIF one and probably we won't find all (of) them in the same section."
Group calling feature confirmed again: WABetaInfo
WABetaInfo stated WhatsApp has once again confirmed the possibility of "Group Calls" in the beta update. The beta update doesn't let users switch between voice and video calls, saying, "Couldn't switch between voice and video call because this feature isn't available in group call." This hints at group voice and video calls (that's why the call switching feature has stopped working), said WABetaInfo.
A secret feature for group admins
WABetaInfo says the new beta update showed a revamped layout for the GIF tab. Also, in another screenshot the tipster showed a new WhatsApp feature only for admins to manage their groups, allowing them to demote or remove admins from the group.
WhatsApp removes the Reply Privately option for groups
While WhatsApp added several features in the latest beta update, some features were also removed. It recently rolled out "Reply Privately" feature for groups "by mistake" on an Android beta version. But this feature has been dropped now. It allows users to reply "privately" to someone within a group, without opening the personal chat. Other group members wouldn't be able to see it.
WhatsApp drops "Show all contacts" option, too
In the latest beta update, WhatsApp also removed "Show all contacts" option under "Contacts" in Settings, said WABetaInfo. However, the tipster added it could also be a bug as the "Show all contacts" option still appears in the official FAQ section for "Finding Contacts".
