Recently, Whatsapp announced new useful features. For example, up to 32 people can participate in a voice call, you can respond in a group conversation directly under a message by attaching an emoji and you can share files of 2 GB. In addition, WhatsApp comes with Communities, where separate groups are bundled around a certain place or topic.
WhatsApp recently announced a number of updates that you will soon find on your smartphone, tablet and other devices. For example, WhatsApp adds various innovations to group conversations: people can respond directly to a message by attaching an emoji to it, as you also see with Telegram and Slack, for example. In addition, WhatsApp is launching Communities, where separate groups can be bundled around a specific place or topic.
Group conversations
Whatsapp makes a number of improvements to the way groups work on WhatsApp whether or not they are part of a Community (see below). These features will be rolled out in the coming weeks so you can try them out before Communities launch. For example, a group can now start a voice call (telephone conversation) with up to 32 people where live talking is better than chatting. In addition, there will be a major update for file sharing, the limit of which is currently 100 MB. That will soon be 2 GB, so people can easily collaborate on projects.
Also, the group admins are given delete permissions that allow them to remove erroneous or problematic messages from everyone’s chats.
Communities on WhatsApp
Communities on WhatsApp allow people to bring separate (sub)groups together under one overarching structure that fits their needs. This allows people to receive updates sent to the entire Community and easily create smaller discussion groups. Communities also include new tools for admins, including announcements that are sent to everyone and control over which groups are included. For example, Communities make it easier for a school principal to bring all parents together in one place to share critical updates and create groups on specific classes, extracurricular activities, or volunteer needs.
Communities are private and therefore messages are protected with end-to-end encryption. This security technology is more necessary than ever to ensure people’s privacy and safety. Close-knit groups like schools, church communities and even businesses really want and need to be able to have secure private conversations without WhatsApp tracking those conversations.
Communities on WhatsApp are still in their infancy, and developing the support features will be a major focus for Whatsapp in the coming year.
