WhatsApp reportedly working on cashback feature to reward users for making payments
Earlier, WhatsApp has released its payment service, WhatsApp Pay in India and Brazil. Although the service will still be available to all users, the messenger has begun to explore new features to promote acceptance.
In August this year, WhatsApp began testing a new button in the chat bar that brought WhatsApp Pay forward and allowed users to pay with a single tap. Now, it is reported to be working on the cashback feature to reward users for making payments.
According to WABetaInfo, it has seen an improvement feature in the latest release of WhatsApp beta (v2.21.20.3). As you can see from the attached screenshot, the feature can add a new payment shortcut over the Chats tab. The shortcut says: “Get cashback on your next payment.”
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While the shortcut itself does not disclose details about refunds, WABetaInfo reports that the feature will send users a refund within 48 hours of using the app. It will be limited to UPI payments in India, and users will receive a single refund. The refund amount is currently limited to ₹10 (~ $ 0.14), but that may change as the feature is removed from the stable release.
At the moment, it is not clear whether the refund feature will be available to all users or limited to those who have not sent a payment on WhatsApp. We expect WhatsApp to share more information when it officially announces this feature.
If you have not set up WhatsApp Pay by now, so get started. Note that the app is currently only available to 20 million WhatsApp users of 400 million in India. If you are not part of the pilot program, you may not be able to set up WhatsApp Pay on your phone. To check whether it is available on your phone or not, tap the three-dot menu button in the top right corner of the app and look for the Payments option.
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.
WhatsApp introduces notification activity feature for group chats
WhatsApp is bringing a new feature to improve notification management, especially for group chats through a new beta update. The fresh version of WhatsApp is available with version 2.24.21.22 in the Google Play Beta Program.
The new beta update of WhatsApp adds a new notification activity feature for group chats. It will let users choose how they want to receive notifications. There are two choices – All and Relevant to me.
- All: Users can get notifications for every message in the group.
- Relevant to Me: They will receive only important ones like mentions and replies.
In this way, users can easily manage large groups as the features help to reduce unnecessary messages. This change is particularly helpful for those in large groups.
Additionally, the new notification activity screen will help explain how muting group chats works. Currently, some users find it confusing when they still receive notifications from muted groups.
The new feature aims to make this clearer as it allows users to see exactly what types of notifications they can still receive, even when a group is muted.
WhatsApp is currently working on these features to enhance user experience and will make them available in future updates. Till then, stay tuned with us.
WhatsApp introduces new filters and backgrounds for video calls
WhatsApp introduces new filters and backgrounds for video calls
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, has announced exciting new features for WhatsApp to enhance the personalization of video calls with filters and backgrounds. Following the introduction of voice chat mode and image editing features, these new features aim to make video calls more engaging.
WhatApp’s latest beta update for Android (2.24.16.7) brings facial filters and interactive effects to add a personal touch to their video chats. The update comes with ten different filters, such as Warm, Cool, and Vintage TV. Users can choose one that matches their mood or the vibe of their conversation.
In addition, a background editing tool lets people blur their surroundings or choose from various default backgrounds, like a lively city skyline or a peaceful beach sunset. The update also includes helpful features like Touch Up for a smoother appearance and Low Light tool for better visibility.
To use these features, simply tap the effects icon in the top right corner during a video call, allowing for quick changes to backgrounds and filters.
Zuckerberg has recently shared screenshots showing off these new options, highlighting how easy it is for users to personalize their video calls. These new options make conversations with friends, family, or colleagues more enjoyable.
Currently, these features are available to some users who have installed the latest version of WhatsApp on both Android and iOS. More users can expect to see these features rolling out in the coming weeks.