What has changed on WhatsApp? A Guide to Recent Improvements and Updates
Tags: news, ux, software, updates
Published: 2023-09-14 13:19:03

## **Experience the Future of Messaging with WhatsApp**

In today's world, WhatsApp is everywhere, bringing people together worldwide. But in 2023, it's not about connecting; it's about making communication better. Discover the cool new stuff in WhatsApp version 2.23.17.80 that makes messaging even more awesome. WhatsApp released this version on August 31, 2023.

## **New Features**

The following are some of the recently introduced new features:


### Instant Video Messages

Imagine chatting with friends by sending short video messages, up to 60 seconds long, that play when opened, and you can tap to hear the sound. Plus, your conversations are kept private with end-to-end encryption in video messages.


To use this feature:

1. Tap the audio record button, which changes to video recording.
2. Press down the video record and swipe up to start recording your video message.

It’s like having a more personal and expressive conversation with your friends.


![Instant Video Messages](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/yfmnkjplbiyi2w7173on.png)


### Silence Unknown Callers
This feature helps protect your online security and privacy. You will have more privacy and control over your incoming calls with the help of this feature. 

To enable this privacy feature, follow these steps:

1. Open the 'Privacy' menu in your settings.
2. Locate 'Calls Settings.'
3. Toggle the function by selecting it.

This will improve your privacy and provide you with more control over incoming calls. 


![Silence Unknown Callers](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/l3sjljehm9vanywyhy9p.png)


### Privacy Check-up
This tool offers a summary of your existing settings. It also provides suggestions on how to enhance them, helping you manage your privacy settings effectively.

To enable this feature: 

1. Open the 'Privacy' menu in your settings.
2. The Privacy Check-up setting is located at the top.


![Privacy Check-up](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/p7qtowl8eqaz51385o49.png)


### Edit Messages
Now, users can edit messages to correct errors or add more details without losing their original content. This tool is incredibly helpful when you want to make your statements clearer or fix typos.

To edit your text: 

1. Press down the message sent.
2. Click the Pen symbol at the top right corner.
3. Edit your message, then click the checkmark to send.


![Edit Messages](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/nb77muqb4lxfjv47ocwq.png)


### Private audience selector
You can now share your status updates with specific contacts on WhatsApp. Here are the steps:

1. Tap the 'camera' or 'pencil' icon under the 'Status' tab.
2. Create a text-based status or upload/capture an image.
3. From the bottom left, select the 'Status (excluded)' button.
4. Choose the contacts you want to share the status with by selecting the 'Only share with...' option.
5. Hit the 'checkmark' icon to upload your status.


![Private audience selector](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/76xn634oyz0z73wtt4ky.png)


### Picture-in-picture Mode
With this function, you can conduct picture-in-picture (PiP) video calls. This allows you to make video calls in a small window while still using the app you want to use. 
To use this feature, press your back button during an ongoing call.


![Picture-in-picture Mode](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ta2ocgb2ko1u8nlz3l7y.jpeg)


### View Once for Video
You can use it to send videos that you can view only once. The message will vanish upon viewing. 
To do this; After you select a video or image, click the '1' symbol in the lower right corner


![View Once for Video](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/szb3hyqokugess3j2hhu.jpeg)


### Pin Messages
You can use this function to retrieve essential messages by pinning them to the top of your chat list. You can pin up to three conversations at once. 
To use this feature
1. Press down on the chat to be pinned
2. Click the Pin symbol at the upper right corner 


![Pin Messages](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/losfkdkxjsce5v8kfvmq.jpeg)


## **UPCOMING FEATURES** 

The following are expected features still awaiting release.

### Chat Lock
Users can use a password or fingerprint to protect private chat with this feature.

### Business Directory
People can use a business directory to find places and services nearby. This is useful for small companies trying to connect with potential clients.

### Pinned messages
WhatsApp is adding a cool feature: you can now pin important messages in your chats or groups. This means others can see that message first, no scrolling needed. Useful for events, alerts, or important stuff in group chats!

## **CONCLUSION** 
In the fast digital world, WhatsApp is constantly improving with new features. They want to make messaging safer and easier. But this is only the start. Keep an eye out for Part 2 of this post, where we'll explore more of WhatsApp's progress. We're excited about what's coming next!

## **REFERENCES**
- [Tech Advisor](https://www.techadvisor.com/article/1476397/5-features-coming-to-whatsapp-in-2023.html)
- [91mobiles](https://www.91mobiles.com/hub/whatsapp-new-features/)
- [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/prakharkhanna/2023/03/31/new-whatsapp-features-in-2023-faster-windows-app-edit-messages-pin-messages-and-more/)