(New WhatsApp Features)WhatsApp, owned by Facebook on September 30, 2014, now has 1 billion users worldwide and is the biggest online messenger app on the market. Founded in 2009 by Jan Koum and Brian Acton ex-Yahoo employees. The app allows users to upload their contact book and message anyone who has the app installed, at no cost. It is available for iPhones, Androids, Blackberries, Windows Phones, Nokia (NOK) phones and, most recently, desktops. It started as a small startup and swelled to 250,000 users in just a few months, growing so fast that they had to add a charge for using the service per year to slow the subscription rate down. In 2014, WhatsApp was acquired by Facebook and has seen continued growth, reaching the 1.5 billion mark in February 2018.

WhatsApp keeps on rolling out new features and updates in order to enhance the user experience. This year also WhatsApp has rolled out many big features such as Android Payments, Delete for everyone among others, which allow you to make the most from the app. So, here are all the important changes included in WhatsApp this year…

This is 10 new WhatsApp features you must know about

1. WhatsApp adaptive icons feature

You can change the WhatsApp look on your smartphone, The adaptive icon feature is part of Android Oreo operating system and now WhatsApp has also rolled out support for the same. This enables users to change the shape of the WhatsApp logo as per their choice. The new icon placed in an encased mask, which takes shape on the basis of your choice. The company says that if the user is using a launcher that offers support for these icons then they can set it to default shape which is square, squircle, circle, rounded square, and teardrop.

2. WhatsApp Payments features

You can pay via WhatsApp now, After months of talking and testing, Facebook-owned WhatsApp finally rolled out the payments feature for its Android and iOS users. The payment feature powered by UPI which enables users to send and receive money easily.

The company revealed that in order to use the feature, both the sender and receiver should have the UPI payment option enabled. The company has also partnered with various banks in the country such as ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, SBI, Yes Bank and others for the payments feature.

3. Delete for everyone feature

You can now delete your sent messages, The Delete for Everyone feature comes really handy as it allows users to delete any message they have sent by mistake. In order to use the feature, users just have to select the message they wish to delete and then click on the delete icon. Earlier, the feature allowed users to delete the message within 7 minutes of sending it. But now it has increased the time limit to 68 minutes

4. Group description feature

You can now add more than just the name, WhatsApp groups are an easy way to communicate with many people at the same time. Keeping in mind the importance of groups, the company has rolled out the Group description feature. The new feature enables users to add up to 500 characters’ description for the members of any group. Presently, every member of the group is allowed to add or change the description. Once the description is added, the group chat gets a notification as well that ‘Person’s name has changed the group description. Tap to view.’ If you remove the description, that gets recorded on the group chat too.

5. Group video calling feature

You can now simultaneously chat with 4 people With the introduction of video calling feature in WhatsApp. Users were able to make video calls with ease. In order to further enhance the user experience, the popular messaging app rolled out the feature of group video calling. Users can now add more members to an ongoing video call by tapping on the icon placed on the top right corner of the screen.

6. WhatsApp for Business feature

WhatsApp Provides another platform to interact with businesses. Facebook-owned WhatsApp introduced the WhatsApp for a Business app in India earlier this year. The app enables business/enterprise owners to interact with their customers and also manage their presence on the platform.

The company claims that the app consists of verified business profiles and offers features like Quick Replies, Greeting Messages and Away Messages. Companies like Bookmyshow, MakeMyTrip, Xiaomi, Myntra and others are available on the platform.

7. Location and time stickers feature

Add location and time stickers This feature of WhatsApp enables users to add location and time stickers to any photo or video while sharing them. Users just need to select a photo from the smartphone gallery and then tap on the smiley icon in the app. Users will then notice the sticker section of smileys, time stamps and location stamps present. Further, users will now see a dial clock or time sticker with the present time and location. Then you can tap on the sticker and share the video or photo with your friends.

8. Voice-to-video call switch feature

You can now switch between voice and video calls WhatsApp also offers a feature which enables users to switch between a video call and voice call. Users will see a hidden switch, which when pulled, jumps from voice to video calling. However, it won’t start the video call right away. The other party would need to give consent before allowing it.

9. WhatsApp YouTube integration feature

You can play YouTube videos right into the chat window. WhatsApp YouTube integration allows users to view YouTube videos directly in the chat window. With this new feature, users just need to click on the YouTube link present in the chat window. After this, the video will start playing in the chat itself. The YouTube video will be played in a small bubble and users will have to ability to increase or decrease the size of that bubble.

10. Special mention feature

Location sharing with other users WhatsApp introduced the live location sharing feature last year. Which enables users to send their real-time location to any of their contacts. In order to share the live location. The users just need to tap of the ‘Location‘ tab hidden under the ‘Attach‘ icon. There they will see the new option of ‘Share Live Location‘. Users can share the live location in both individual and group chat. Users profile photo will appear in the Map whenever they share their live location with any of their contacts.

Apple Carplay and WhatsApp integration

The popular messaging app managed to meet Apple’s strict rules and it introduced the support for Apple’s CarPlay technology. The update offers push notifications which will enable iPhone. And iPad users to communicate with their contacts while they are on the go.