WhatsApp begins early access for multi-device feature, here’s how to enroll
Just recently, WhatsApp pushed a new beta update through Google Play Beta Program for Android smartphone users. This update with new features allows users to test the “Multi-device” feature that has entered the final phase of the beta release.
According to Wabetainfo, the multi-device feature allow users to send or receive messages from their browser, computer, or Facebook portal. Once enabled, all of your linked devices will be able to work without a connection with your phone.
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WHATSAPP MULTI-DEVICE FEATURE:
- WhatsApp Web, WhatsApp Desktop, and Portal can work without an active Internet connection on your mobile phone.
- This first version of multi-device does not support another additional phone, but it’s possible they will provide the support in the future, seen that WhatsApp was working on a log-out option on linked mobile devices.
- It’s possible to link up to 4 devices to your WhatsApp account.
- Voice and video calls work across linked devices.
- You cannot message or call people that have an outdated WhatsApp version installed, from WhatsApp Web/Desktop or Portal.
If you are also a WhatsApp Beta tester, then you can easily check if the feature is already available for your WhatsApp account! Just open WhatsApp Web/Desktop Settings from your smartphone and, if the feature is enabled for your WhatsApp account, you can see a new section called “Multi-device beta”.
Many users will be wondering how our current conversations stored on WhatsApp/Facebook? The answer is no. WhatsApp does not store your messages after delivery but, when someone sends you a message, the message is delivered to all your connected devices.
When you create a new session, your chat history is transferred from your phone to the connected device, and this process is encrypted. In the meantime the process is complete, all buttons are removed from the corresponding device, and messages will be saved in the local database.
Your messages, calls, status updates are still end-to-end encrypted, even if you join the multi-device beta program.
What you should know when using Multi-Device Beta:
- When you join multi-device beta, all your previous sessions will be removed and you need to link your devices again. Probably WhatsApp will ask to connect your phone to WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop twice when you join the multi-device beta the first time. This is to ensure the transition to multi-device.
- Linked devices are automatically logged out from your WhatsApp account after 14 days of inactivity on your phone, due to security reasons. So you need to use your phone at least once every 14 days.
- Some features are not supported yet, because it’s a beta version, like the possibility to view live locations on linked devices, pinned chats don’t show up immediately but you need to manually search for them the first time and, if you use WhatsApp Business, your business name and labels cannot be edited from WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop. These small issues will be fixed in a future update.
As always, WhatsApp rolling out this new beta update to select Android users, while a broader rollout is expected very soon. You can check for the latest WhatsApp Beta update through Google Play Store on your registered account.
WhatsApp is releasing a new beta update for Android, which reveals that the company is developing a new feature that lets users search images on the web. The fresh beta update can be identified through version 2.24.21.31.
The Search images on the web feature of WhatsApp will allow users to check the authenticity of images they receive to make it easier to spot misleading or fake content.
When a user wants to search for an image, it will be uploaded to Google, which helps them find similar images or sources online to quickly get more information.
Notably, WhatsApp ensures privacy by not storing or processing these images. While the image is sent to Google for searching, it remains private and secure.
With this new feature, users will be able to use any image, whether sent by a friend or received in a forwarded message for search on the web to verify them online.
In addition to the image search, WhatsApp is also developing a feature to check links in frequently forwarded messages to verify their authenticity.
The image search feature is currently under development and will be available in a future update. Users can expect more information soon as WhatsApp continues to enhance its platform. Stay Tuned!
WhatsApp introduces call link feature to group and individual chats
WhatsApp for Android is rolling out a new beta update with version 2.24.21.29, which comes with a handy call link feature. This update makes it easier for users to start calls in both individual and group chats.
With this new feature, users can easily generate call links without needing to go to the Calls tab. The call link shortcut is now located in the chat attachment menu. Previously, creating call links was a bit complicated since users had to go to the Calls tab to generate them.
Now, to use the Call Links feature, simply tap the attachment icon while chatting. This makes starting a call faster and more convenient since you can do it right from your ongoing conversation.
Initially, the call link feature was only available for group chats, but now it works for individual chats as well. Many people might not have known they could create call links before, but this update makes it clear and easy to use.
This call link feature is currently available to some beta testers who have installed the latest version of WhatsApp from the Google Play Store. As the update continues to roll out, more users can expect to see this feature in the coming days.
Android users get iOS-like contact syncing feature with fresh WhatsApp Beta
WhatsApp has released a fresh update for beta users on Android with version 2.24.21.26. This update introduces a new feature that gives users more control over how their contacts are synced across different devices on WhatsApp.
The latest update allows users to add, edit, or delete contacts from any device linked to their WhatsApp account, such as tablets or computers. It means that any changes made on one device will automatically sync to all other connected devices. It helps contact list up-to-date no matter where you are.
For those who want to keep personal and work contacts separate, there’s an option to disable syncing for specific accounts. This lets users prevent certain contacts from showing up in their WhatsApp to maintain privacy.
Moreover, WhatsApp also adds extra security by using cryptographic hashes to protect the phone numbers of contacts who aren’t on the app. This ensures that user data remains safe while still allowing WhatsApp to monitor for any unusual activity related to contact uploads.
Users can still chat with their existing contacts as the app remains fully functional, even with contact syncing turned off. If someone switches to a new phone or reinstalls WhatsApp, their linked contacts will automatically be restored easily.
WhatsApp contact syncing feature was already available to iOS users, and now Android beta testers can enjoy the same benefit. As the update rolls out, more users will have the chance to try this privacy feature.