In the last few months, Meta-owned WhatsApp has introduced a number of new features. Be it working on a chat lock for the web version of WhatsApp or stopping users from taking screenshots of others’ profie photos, the messaging platform is taking steps to enhance user experience. And now, a report by WABetaInfo says that WhatsApp will soon give users the option of sending messages to other platforms as well. For instance, you might be able to send messages to apps such as Telegram and Signal using WhatsApp. However, the apps that will be supported as part of the feature haven’t been made official yet and hence this information should be taken with a pinch of salt.
The WABetaInfo report states that WhatsApp will be introducing a new update, marked as version 2.24.6.2. This update hints at a forthcoming feature designed to manage third-party chats.
In response to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which emphasises chat interoperability to enhance user communication across different applications, WhatsApp had previously announced working on a chat interoperability feature in beta version 2.24.5.18 for Android. The latest examination of the 2.24.5.20 beta update from the Google Play Store reveals that WhatsApp is actively developing a dedicated chat info screen for third-party chats.
The chat info screen for third-party chats, as seen in a screenshot shared by WABetaInfo, showcases essential details. Given that profile names and photos are not available for third-party chats, WhatsApp plans to display the default profile photo along with the name of the third-party app associated with the chat. Users will have control over which apps can communicate with their WhatsApp account, ensuring personalised preferences.
However, it’s important to note that there will be certain limitations with third-party chats within WhatsApp. For instance, group chats involving third-party apps will not be supported, and making calls with these apps will also not be possible.
Initially, communication with third-party chats might be limited to text messages, but future updates may expand these capabilities. In addition to this, users will have the option to manually activate the interoperability service as this feature will be optional.
WhatsApp’s recent privacy feature
Recently, WhatsApp was reported to be working on a new privacy feature as well which is being designed to stop users from capturing screenshots of others’ profile pictures.
A WABetaInfo report stated that the recent WhatsApp beta for Android, accessible on the Google Play Store, introduces a notification when users attempt to screenshot someone else’s profile picture. The notification reads ‘Can’t take a screenshot due to app restrictions’.
Although the screenshot block feature is currently available to a select group of beta testers, it is expected that this feature will be rolled out to all users in the upcoming weeks.
