WhatsApp has announced a wave of new features rolling out to users. These features address some of the most common frustrations people have with the app, for example, freeing up space and, most importantly, cross-platform moving of chats backup. Along with these tools, the company is adding a few other useful new tools.
“To help you make the most of all of it, we’re rolling out new ways to make WhatsApp even easier to use — whether you’re staying organized, juggling work and personal, or getting more out of every chat,” the company said in a blog. Here is everything that is new and what it means for you:
Two accounts on one iPhone
WhatsApp is rolling out the ability to have two different accounts on a single iPhone – a feature Android users have had for a while. This means no more carrying two phones to keep work and personal conversations separate.
“You’ll always know which account you’re in because your profile picture will now be visible in the bottom tab,” the company said. This will make it easy to switch between the two without confusion.
Moving to new phone just got much easier
Switching phones (Android to iPhone or iPhone to Android) has always been a problem for WhatsApp users as they are worried about losing their chat history. The app’s cross-platform transfer feature has now been expanded to support moving entire chat history – including photos and videos – from an iPhone to an Android device.
Previously, transfers were only possible within the same operating system. Now, with just a couple of taps, your conversations travel with you regardless of which phone you are moving to.
Save space by clearing the clutter
If your phone is running low on storage, WhatsApp now gives you a smarter way to free up space. Users can now find and delete large files directly within any individual chat, without having to delete the entire conversation.
Simply tap the chat name and select Manage Storage. Users can also choose to clear only media files when clearing a chat, keeping your text history completely intact.
Sticker suggestions wile typing
WhatsApp is making stickers easier to use by suggesting them automatically as you type emojis. With a single tap, users can swap an emoji for a sticker “that captures exactly how you’re feeling”.
Photo touch-ups powered by Meta AI
Before hitting the send button on a photo, users can now use Meta AI to edit it directly within the chat. The tool lets users remove distracting objects from the background, swap in a new background entirely, or apply a creative style to the image. WhatsApp notes that Meta AI features may not be available to all users immediately.
AI can now help users write better replies
WhatsApp’s AI Writing Help feature has also been upgraded. According to the company the app can now draft a suggested response based on the context of a conversation, helping users find the right words when they are not sure how to respond. Importantly, WhatsApp has emphasised that this feature works while keeping your chats completely private.
