After introducing many new features for Android and iOS users. WhatsApp is now working to bring new features for desktop users. Earlier WhatsApp updates have faced mixed reactions and responses. WhatsApp is currently working on various features that are expected to improve the overall user experience. The desktop version receives new updates almost as actively as the mobile app. Some of the new updates coming to WhatsApp desktop are listed below.
Screen Lock
WhatsApp desktop app is finally getting the screen lock feature that is being used on Android and iOS for quite some time. This feature prompts you for your password every time you open the app. This gives your WhatsApp an extra layer of security and prevents unauthorized access when the device running WhatsApp is not in use. This feature should come in handy if you share your PC or laptop with someone else. This gives you the peace of mind that your private chats are secure and also saves you from having to use any third-party software to have this option.
WhatsApp Desktop Polls Feature
According to reports, WhatsApp desktop for Windows will get votes soon. The mobile app has recently introduced WhatsApp polls. Windows users have only been able to view and vote on group polls in the app, but soon they’ll be able to create polls on the desktop as well. The feature is already in the latest beta version.
To create a poll, click the add icon next to the chat and a poll shortcut will appear that you can select to open the view. You can add up to 12 choices to the poll. This feature is end-to-end encrypted so only other people in the same conversation can read and answer the same like the WhatsApp mobile app. This feature is currently available in beta and will be released as a global update soon.
Photo Blur
WhatsApp web has released a new feature that allows users to blur certain parts of a photo before sending it to other people. If you’re a WhatsApp beta user then you should have no problem accessing this new editing tool, just need to update to the latest version. This tool does exactly what it sounds like. It’s a very easy and useful tool because during the editing phase you can choose which photo part you want to send and what specific parts of a photo you want to hide/blur and send it to your friend right away.
Calls Tab
The desktop version will soon have a dedicated call tab just like WhatsApp Android and iOS. The Call Tab option appears in the sidebar of the application. This tab displays all your call history in one place. It also allows you to make new calls and search your contacts directly from it. Since it’s only available in beta, your call history may not be synced to your mobile until the Whatsapp stable version comes out.
Profile Picture View
If a group has an unsaved number and their profile picture is hidden, their desktop picture will be displayed in their chat’s color. You can also view a saved contact’s profile picture with one click without opening the chat and clicking on the profile photo to view it in full. This is a new way to view images of saved and unsaved contacts on a desktop.
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