The latest WhatsApp beta has revealed that future versions of the instant messaging client will support GIFs, bots, two-factor authentication, and more.
The bevvy of new features heading to WhatsApp seems to show no signs of abating; this year alone the popular instant messaging client has introduced voicemail and end-to-end encryption, while the addition of Snapchat-style image editing and video calling is still awaited.
Now, the latest WhatsApp beta has revealed the presence of several new features. Among them is the ability to send and receive animated .GIF files – something we think meme lovers all around the world will enjoy.
Read: WhatsApp tests stickers, and brings new features to iOS and Android
Presently, GIFs show as videos in the latest beta though we imagine that they’ll be shown in their own dedicated format on the app upon final release.
A noticeable change in WhatsApp’s legal information reflects the possibility that bots could soon come to the platform as the fruit of the instant messaging app’s new data sharing partnership with its parent company, Facebook.
If true, the introduction of bots would be one way for brands to interact with consumers on the app, which Facebook has promised will occur in the near future.
You accepted TOS recently, and if you read all new terms, you read this part too. Are we thinking the same thing? This sounds like bots. pic.twitter.com/YkWpm7XtCX
“” WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) September 19, 2016
Read: How To: Opt out of sharing WhatsApp data with Facebook
Lastly, it would appear the platform could soon gain a security upgrade through the addition of two-factor authentication. While how this might work is yet to be confirmed, it is likely that the platform would issue users with a code to login to the app should they leave it unattended for an extended period of time or attempt to access it from a new device.
The latest official update to the platform brought with it the ability to directly mention users in a group chat. Typing ‘@’ followed by a user’s name will present a list of all participants in a group chat.
Read: WhatsApp finally gets voicemail support: Here‘s how to use it
What are your thoughts on new changes heading to WhatsApp? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmithSA
