WhatsApp update: 3 new features out; here is what this Facebook-owned app offers

The Facebook-founded social media app WhatsApp is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to making its services more exciting. WhatsApp has been introducing various features like data sharing, new android versions, group settings etc in recent times. Now the app has brought in yet another Android version named as 2.18.214 through which it has introduced three new features. This new version of WhatsApp can be availed on Google Play Beta Program. 

According to Wabetinfo, the latest feature that WhatsApp has introduced is the Mark as Read shortcut feature in the Notification Center. However, it needs to be noted the is feature is not available yet. 

Reportedly, WhatsApp is working in order to add this feature, adding new improvements in the next updates. It’s not available yet for development reasons and the feature needs to get many other improvements before it is enabled for everyone.

This Mark as Read shortcut feature will help a user to quickly Mark as Read a chat directly from your Notification Center!

Meanwhile, WhatsApp has already announced two new features this week firstly labeling forwarded messages and new group setting for admins. Here’s how these two works. 

Labeling Forwarded Messages

WhatsApp will indicate which messages you receive have been forwarded to you. This extra context will help make one-on-one and group chats easier to follow. It also helps you determine if your friend or relative wrote the message they sent or if it originally came from someone else. To see this new forwarded label, you need to have the latest supported version of WhatsApp on your phone.

In a blog the social media app says, "WhatsApp cares deeply about your safety. We encourage you to think before sharing messages that were forwarded. As a reminder, you can report spam or block a contact in one tap and can always reach out to WhatsApp directly for help. For more information, please visit our WhatsApp Safety Tips page."

New Group Setting for Admins

WhatsApp in its blog says, "Over the last few months, we've added new features that improve the groups experience. Some of these include group descriptions, a catch up feature, and protection for people who are being added repeatedly to groups they've left."

According to the social media giant,  one way people use groups is to receive important announcements and information, including parents and teachers at schools, community centers, and non-profit organizations. We've introduced this new setting so admins can have better tools for these use cases.

To enable this setting, open “Group Info,” tap Group Settings > Send Messages and select “Only Admins.” This setting is rolling out to all users around the world on the latest supported versions of the app.