WhatsApp rolls out two new feature for both Android and iOS
users. One of them is the Picture-in-Picture video calling feature and the
second one is the text status update. To recall, both the features were earlier
available for the beta users, but now WhatsApp has pushed out both the features
to stable builds. WhatsApp has been rolling to several new features almost
every other day; this is basically because the Facebook-owned messaging
platform is aiming towards improving its functionalities.
The new Picture-in-Picture video calling feature allow users
to multitask. The feature basically allows the users to make video calls and
send messages to friends simultaneously. For instance, if a user is on a video
call and also wants to talk to some other friend via message, they can simply
resize the video calling screen so they can talk to one friend via video call,
and message the other one. After resizing the video call screen will appear at
one side of the mobile screen, while the background will be that of the chat
box. It is noteworthy, the resized video calling screen can be resized as per
requirement and it can also be dragged to any corner of the phone screen.
This is the Picture-in-Picture feature, also known as PiP.
Now the text status updates feature. Like we share pictures and videos as
status, iOS and Android users will now be able to set a text status as well. It
is different from the profile text status. We know that picture and videos on
WhatsApp status last's only for 24 hours. The scene will be the same with the
new WhatsApp text status as well. So, how does this feature work?
To set text as a status message, users will first have to go
to the status option and click on the 'pencil' icon which will be displayed
below the screen. On clicking the icon, WhatsApp will ask the user to enter
text. Alongside entering the text status, the users will also be able to change
the background colour of the text status. The text status works like the photo
or video status. It will disappear after 24 hours; friends will be able to
comment on the status which will come as a personal message to the user.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp is looking out to expand its platform
and make the messaging platform more constructive and productive. Hence the
Facebook owned messaging platform is looking out introduce WhatsApp business
app.
WhatsApp has officially confirmed that they are working on a
new tool which will help businesses to connect and communicate easily with its
consumers. This tool will basically help businesses - especially small and
mid-sized to boost productivity. "We're looking forward to making it
possible for people to connect with businesses in a fast and personal way, and
giving businesses the tools to make that easier to do," WhatsApp Chief
Operating Officer Matt Idema said. "Some businesses may use service
providers to manage their messages, and those service providers may be able to
read the messages you send to those businesses," he further adds.
Commenting on the new venture - WhatsApp for business the
company promises to keep the chats between businesses and consumers absolutely
end-to-end encrypted.
