The status feature on the instant messaging app, which enables users to share momentary updates with their friends and close contacts, has recently received new features from WhatsApp. End-to-end encryption safeguards these updates, allowing users to share information privately and securely. Users of WhatsApp can now control who can view their status updates thanks to these new features, facilitating their ability to connect with others and express themselves freely.
Private Audience Selector
Users now have the flexibility to modify their privacy settings for each status update thanks to the new “private audience selector” feature. Every time they share their status, they have the option of who sees it. The most recent audience choice will be remembered and applied by default in the following status update.
Record and Share Voice Messages
The ability to record and share voice messages up to 30 seconds long on the status feature is another new WhatsApp feature. Users are able to share more intimate updates thanks to this, especially if they feel more at ease speaking out loud than typing.
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Status Reactions
In order to give users a quick and simple way to respond to their friends’ and close contacts’ status updates, WhatsApp has also added “status reactions.” The eight available emojis can now be selected by users by swiping up on any status and tapping it. They can respond by text, voice message, sticker, and other means.
Status Profile Ring
When users share a status update on WhatsApp, a new status profile ring will appear around their contacts’ profile pictures, much like Instagram Stories. This ring will be shown in chat lists, participant lists for groups, and contact details.
Visual Previews for Links
There is now a visual preview of the link’s content when a WhatsApp user posts a link in their status. This improves the appearance of their status updates and helps their contacts understand the link before clicking it.
Expert Thoughts on the New Features
According to Francis Fong, honorary president of the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation, WhatsApp’s decision to roll out these new features is an attempt to further entrench itself in the social media market.
Just as users can cross-platform share stories, Fong thinks WhatsApp wants to integrate the WhatsApp status sharing feature with Facebook and Instagram. Additionally, he thinks that WhatsApp’s ultimate objective is to integrate advertisements into the app, much like Facebook Messenger does.
