WhatsApp gets several new features in latest batch of updates
WhatsApp rolled out an update yesterday to add several new features to the messaging platform. The road to getting the update on to users’ devices was a bit rocky though as feedback revealed several problems that caused the team to have to release several updates to patch problems throughout the next 24 hours. With all of the dust apparently settled for now, WhatsApp users will find they have new notification options, the Mark As Unread option, and a low data usage option for voice calls. Google Drive backup also makes a return to the app, although it is part of an automated portion of the program.
For notifications, WhatsApp added options to mute a chat for 8 hours, 1 week, or 1 year. Users can also customize the notifications they receive including when notifications are displayed, whether a popup is used, and what tones, lights, ringtones, and vibrations to use. All of these settings can be applied to specific contacts or groups.
The Mark As Unread feature can be used to switch a message’s status back to green as if it were unread. However, this does not change the status of unread messages nor does it move it in the chronological listing of conversations. As a way to visually mark someone you want to respond to later though, the feature could be useful.
WhatsApp now comes with an option to reduce the amount of data used during voice calls. The Low data usage option is available through settings and may be useful if a user finds themselves in a limited data situation or they are running low on available data for the month.
Finally, in the app’s settings users will notice some statistics relative to Google Drive backups. There is no option to initiate or setup a Google Drive backup. However, when WhatsApp tries to do the 4:00 local backup users are reporting they receive an error message about the app not being able to complete the backup due to a permission issue with Google Drive. Upon granting permission, the backup will commence and will be sent to Google Drive.
You can get WhatsApp from the Play Store or check for updates using the links below.
source: Android Police
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