WhatsApp has been the go-to messaging app since it was first released, but there are a few things it’s missing that Facebook’s Messenger app has had for years. There’s no option to make voice calls, send voice messages, or have group conversations with more than two people – all features Messenger users are used to. However, it looks like these features could soon be making their way to WhatsApp too. WhatsApp’s newest update is a total Facebook copycat
How it works
WhatsApp recently added one of Facebook Messenger’s most-popular features—the ability to add filters and edit photos. This means that you can tweak your snaps before posting them, much like you can with Snapchat. Previously, WhatsApp only allowed users to take pictures directly within their camera app or upload existing pictures from their photo library. The new feature lets you play around with pre-existing pictures and apply basic effects before posting them.
How do you use it?
It’s called WhatsApp Status. It lets you share photos and videos with your contacts in real time, sort of like Snapchat Stories or Instagram Stories. You can even pin your latest upload to your profile for up to 24 hours, which means that it’ll remain on top of your profile until you upload something new (or it expires). Pinned statuses appear above all other updates on your contacts’ screens.
When will WhatsApp release the new features?
WhatsApp’s developers haven’t said when they plan to roll out these new features. But according to The Guardian, it could be as soon as next week.
Is this a good move by WhatsApp?
The reasons behind WhatsApp’s decision to copy its rival are unclear, but it might be looking to compete with Facebook on a different playing field. The messaging app’s core offering—messaging—isn’t something that can be monetized in any way, unlike social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, which boast more functionalities beyond sharing images and videos with friends.
Do you think people will actually use the new features?
No. I think it’s another way for Facebook to collect more data on users, which in turn will help their advertising efforts and make them more money. WhatsApp really does nothing with my contact list anymore—I don’t know why anyone would use it when you can text your friends directly from any of your other messaging apps. The app itself has become superfluous, so I doubt many people will even notice these new features.
What other features do you think WhatsApp needs to add?
WhatsApp is one of, if not THE most widely used messaging apps in today’s society. The only way WhatsApp can grow even more and further increase its user base is to add more features that users want. Although they are working on many different updates, they do not include any of these new features. I think some cool things that WhatsApp should consider adding in their next update would be
Will you be updating your app now?
Many updates have come to WhatsApp that are directly copied from popular apps like Snapchat and Instagram. Now, with WhatsApp adding Stories, which allow users to share photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours, it’s become even more of a carbon copy. It’s hard to ignore how blatant their ripoffs are.