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WhatsApp does not stop for a moment.
In recent times, the app has been adding features at a rapid pace to compete with other messaging apps like Telegram and Signal.
What has been launched in recent months and what is expected to reach us this year?
We have summarized the most significant changes for you.
Alerts in your color
The WhatsApp design for Android devices has always included green icons, while for iPhone users the color is the traditional blue color.
Recently, without prior warning, WhatsApp also changed the color on iOS - from blue to green, with no option to change it, and caused outrage.
However, in a new beta version of WhatsApp for iOS we get the option to change the color of the app's notifications.
According to a screenshot revealed by WABetaInfo, users may soon choose from five different colors: green, white, pink, purple, and blue (the current color).
Fast file sharing
According to the website WABetaInfo, which religiously follows the beta versions of WhatsApp, the new beta version reveals an experimental feature for quick and easy file sharing between nearby devices - similar to Apple's AirDrop and Google's Nearby Share.
Thus, apart from sending files within the chat, which requires an Internet connection, WhatsApp will allow users to transfer files easily with other devices that are in the immediate vicinity.
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"Channels" (Channels)
At the beginning of the year, WhatsApp released "Channels" - a new way to receive updates directly from people and organizations that interest you.
It is actually a one-way transmission tool, where channel managers can send text messages, photos, videos, stickers and polls, similar to Telegram.
The "channels" appear under the 'Updates' tab, where you can see the status and content of the channels you have chosen to follow - separately from your chats with family members, friends and communities.
As for privacy, the channel history will be kept for only 30 days and then deleted from the servers, while the channel admins will be able to create content that disappears even after a shorter time.
Text formatting
Last week Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Meta (Facebook) announced the addition of four new text design options to WhatsApp. From now on you can use ordered lists (numbers and dots), formatted quotes and ordered code to highlight and organize your messages, and make even long texts legible and clear More.
Backing up history will cost you money
Your WhatsApp correspondence history backups will begin to be deducted from your Google Drive storage quota.
Until now, Android users have enjoyed a unique benefit: since 2018, WhatsApp backups have not consumed storage space in Google Drive, unlike iOS backups that take up space in iCloud.
The policy change concerns all Android users who have backed up their WhatsApp chat history to Google Drive.
Google explains that the purpose of the change is to "optimize the use of its storage services" and "offer a more uniform experience" to all WhatsApp users, regardless of the operating system they use.
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