Meta has introduced a new and essential feature bundle on WhatsApp ahead of the holiday season, aimed at making communication easier, faster, and more modern for users. This update includes features like missed call messages, new status stickers, improved group calls, and AI image generation.
No more voicemail on missed calls, direct messages
WhatsApp is now almost going to do away with the traditional voicemail system. If you call someone and they don’t answer, you can now record a voice or video message with one tap.
The option of a voice message on missed voice calls and a video message on missed video calls will appear. These messages will not appear in a separate voicemail box but in the same chat where you were talking earlier.
This system is much easier than the old mobile voicemail, where you had to dial a number, listen to a menu, and listen to messages one at a time. Now everything will be in one place, in one chat.
Group calls and voice chats are better than ever
WhatsApp has also improved the calling experience:
- The reactions feature has been added to voice chats, which allows you to respond with emojis without speaking.
- Speaker spotlight will be automatically enabled on video calls, making the person speaking stand out.
These features will be constructive in large group calls.
Status is now not just for showing off, but also for communicating
WhatsApp is making Status more interactive. Users can now:
- Add music lyrics to statuses
- Add question stickers that people can answer
- **Enhance conversations with different *interactive stickers*
These features are beneficial for business pages, creators, and channel owners.
AI images in WhatsApp are now more powerful.
Meta AI’s image generation has now been upgraded with Midjourney and Flux technology. The images it creates will be more transparent and higher-quality than ever, especially for holiday greetings and creative posts.
A new feature is also that still images can now be converted into short videos, which can be shared in chats or statuses.
New features for desktop and channels
The desktop version of WhatsApp now has a New Media Tab, where files, links, images, and videos from all chats can be found in one place.
Similarly:
- Link previews have been made cleaner and take up less space
- Channels now have an Ask a Question feature so that admins can get feedback directly from the audience
WhatsApp’s focus: Simplifying everyday use
This update focuses on improving everyday use rather than a significant design change. Whether it’s leaving a message on a missed call, finding a file, or understanding a group call, everything is now easier than ever.
This update is a wise decision to come during the holiday season, as that’s when WhatsApp is most used.
