WhatsApp has announced a bunch of new features right in time for the holiday season, and the most notable addition is something that the company thinks “will make voicemails a thing of the past.” In reality, it works much like traditional voicemails, with the added convenience of leaving a video message after missed video calls.
In a blog post, WhatsApp explains that users can now leave a voice or video message after missed calls, depending on the call type. Users on the receiving end can listen to these messages later on with just a tap. In addition to the new voicemail feature, WhatsApp is adding support for reactions in voice chats and a spotlight feature for group calls that prioritizes the speaker to help others easily follow along.
Meta AI’s image generation capabilities are also getting a boost
WhatsApp has improved Meta AI’s image generation capabilities using models from Midjourney and Flux, so users should “notice huge improvements when creating annual holiday greetings to share in your chats or status.” The messaging app has also introduced a new feature that lets users animate photos using Meta AI.
Furthermore, the company has introduced a new media tab on desktop. This feature was first spotted in a beta release last month, and it’s finally making its way to the stable channel. The tab lets users search through shared documents, links, and media from all chats in one place.
Other improvements include updated link previews in chats, new interactive stickers for Status, and support for questions in Channels to help admins better engage with audiences. Although WhatsApp doesn’t say exactly when these new features and improvements will reach users, the messenger’s App Store listing states shorter link previews and the spotlight feature for group video calls will roll out over the coming weeks.