The popular and versatile messaging app,Whatsapp, has been updated to version 2.16.7. The new update contains features and functionality improvements including larger emojis, zoom during video recording, improved performance and more.
What’s New
- You can select multiple chats at a time to either archive, delete or mark them as read by tapping on Edit in a chat.
- During video recording in Whatsapp, you can zoom in and out by sliding your finger up and down.
- Single emojis sent in chat now appear larger, similar to iMessage in iOS 10
- Chats open much faster
Like Snapchat emojis, Whatsapp has increased the size of single emojis sent in chat. Previously, only the heart emoji appeared bigger (and animated). Other emojis are not animated, though.
The ability to zoom in and zoom out with two fingers during video recording works smoothly. However, it may get a little tiring with constantly pressing the record button with one hand and using the fingers of the other hand to zoom in and out. This ability to zoom in and out during video recording is also similar to Snapchat’s feature.
Whatsapp has been working on catering to the evolving needs of its users and introducing features to keep Whatsapp pertinent. Audio calls were introduced last year while end-to-end encryption for chats and desktop apps were introduced this year. As reported by The Verge, Whatsapp has also been testing video calling in a beta version of the app with a group of testers. Whatsapp already provides text messages and audio calls, so the inclusion of video-calling is the obvious next step for the messaging app. Facebook, the owner of WhatsApp, already provides audio and video calling solutions in its Messenger app for smartphones and tablets, so it will be interesting to see if they decide to introduce integration between them.
