Whatsapp update

Image via Unsplash

WhatsApp update: Self-destruct messages, dark mode and a hidden feature

Let’s take a look at WhatsApp’s upcoming features. Self-destruct messages and dark themes are the most talked about at the moment.

Whatsapp update

Image via Unsplash

There are tonnes of new features coming to WhatsApp soon, including messages that will self destruct. There’s also a hidden feature on the app which very few users know about. Let’s take a look.

WhatsApp beta: What’s new

Dark mode

The WhatsApp team has been working tirelessly on the new Dark Theme. The feature isn’t available but will be released once all the bugs have been ironed out.

Dark Theme has already been introduced to beta testers, who revealed that WhatsApp can automatically enable and disable the dark mode option based on your battery saver settings.

The Set by Battery Saver option will be visible on Android 9 and lower versions. Android 10 users will see the System default option. The team of testers at WABetaInfo adds:

“WhatsApp is continuing to add new features for it, like the one added in this update. For this reason, it’s normal if you don’t see these features in WhatsApp, seen that it is under development. If you don’t see the update on the Play Store, please be patient until Google will roll out for you […] We are monitoring the feature.”

Self-destruct messages

Those of us who use Signal and Telegram will already be familiar with the concept of disappearing messages, and it seems as though WhatsApp finally caught on.

WhatsApp is currently working on the feature – rebranded on the app as ‘Delete Messages’ – and will be available for direct chats and group chats.

Users will be able to set intervals from 1 hour to 1 year. The messages will then automatically disappear based on the specific period of time assigned.

Muted status tab

When this update rolls out, WhatsApp users will be able to hide muted status updates from select contacts. You can mute statues at the moment, but it still shows up at the bottom of the status list.

The new feature will streamline the process a bit, and all the muted statuses will be available under a separate to allow for easier navigation. A small update, yes, but it will be a powerful update.

WhatsApp’s hidden feature

WhatsApp has a hidden feature when you can see exactly how many texts, GIFs, stickers, photos, videos, audio messages, etc., you’ve sent to each of your contacts. Here’s how to see who you chat to the most:

  • Go to the settings menu. Android users can navigate here by pressing the three small dots at the top right corner of the cap. iPhone users will find the settings at the bottom of the app.
  • Head over to Data and Storage usage, then select storage usage.
  • The page that opens will list your contacts, along with a file size for each contact.
  • The person at the top (with the largest file size) will be the one you communicate with the most. (However, if you don’t chat that often to some contacts, but send them tons of photos and videos, they might end up at the top of this list as well)

Also read – WhatsApp threat confirmed: Hackers could use MP4 videos to access your data