WhatsApp has announced some new status update features that will allow users to share updates with friends and close contacts on the popular chat platform.
First, there is the "Private Audience Selection" feature, which allows users to choose who can see their status updates. Technically, this is nothing new, as users can already choose who can see their status updates when they share them, but this implementation offers a more personalized experience. The last audience selected is saved and used as the default for the next status update. Next up: Status with Voice Note. This feature allows users to share voice notes of up to 30 seconds on their status.
WhatsApp describes this feature as a way to send more personal updates, especially when users feel more comfortable expressing themselves by speaking rather than typing. Status reactions let users react to status updates from friends and close contacts by swiping up and tapping one of eight emojis, including heart eyes, face with tears of joy, face with open mouth, crying face, folded hands, clapping hands, party popper and hundred dots. According to WhatsApp, this was the most requested feature.
WhatsApp expands the functionality of status updates
New status profile rings make it easier to see status updates directly in chat lists, group participant lists, and contact information by displaying a ring around a user's profile picture when they share a status update. And finally, there's a new link preview in status, meaning when a user posts a link, a visual preview of the link content is shown so contacts can get a better idea of what the link is about before clicking on it. As WABetaInfo notes, some of these features aren't really new but they have been added to the list of recent improvements for status updates to underline WhatsApp's commitment to improving the user experience. WhatsApp says these updates have already been rolled out to all users worldwide and will be available to everyone in the next few weeks. (Photo by DenPhoto / Bigstockphoto)
