WhatsApp is preparing to release four new features to improve the user experience in everyday communication. One of them is the long-awaited emoji reaction feature.
The presence of these four features was announced along with the announcement of the Community feature trial. But these features can still be used by all WhatsApp users, whether they are members of a Community or not.
The first and most anticipated feature is emoji reactions. With this feature, users respond to incoming chats with a choice of available emojis without the need to flood chats or groups with new messages.
"So users will soon be able to send emoji reactions as a light response to express their sentiments towards a message, instead of filling their friends and family chats with new messages," WhatsApp Product Manager Jyooti Sood said in a virtual discussion with the media.
In addition, WhatsApp also increases the capacity of the file sharing feature. WhatsApp users can now send files up to 2GB in size in chats or groups, making it easier for them to collaborate on various jobs.
WhatsApp also brings a new voice call feature with more participants up to 32 people. This feature will also get a new design to further enhance the useful experience when communicating directly.
Finally, WhatsApp group admins will have the new privilege of deleting messages that are deemed inappropriate or problematic sent by group members, to keep the group safe and secure.
Emoji reactions and file sharing features up to 2GB will be available for WhatsApp chats in groups and individually (one-on-one). Meanwhile, the voice call feature for up to 32 people and the deletion of messages by the admin is only available in groups.
"These features will be rolled out over the next few weeks and months before the Community feature arrives, so users can try them out once they are ready," concluded Jyooti.