After the recent introduction of their voicemail feature, WhatsApp for Android will now be receiving some new additional features in its latest beta update. This update will include the ability to write and draw on images, very similar to Snapchat, as well as a front-facing flash.
The latest update also brings about a few camera enhancements. So for example, If you take a photo from the camera through the WhatsApp app, additional editing tools now pop up after the photo has been captured. The new pencil and the ‘T’ buttons on screen allow WhatsApp users to scribble, draw, and write on top of the photo in different colours using the colour picker. This feature was originally introduced by Snapchat, and thereafter Instagram later introduced it as well alongside another Snapchat-like feature called Instagram Stories.
Another impressive introduction to the update features the front-facing flash. This enables a white flash-like effect on the screen when taking selfies for better photography in environments with low light. Both the features are exclusive to the camera used within WhatsApp itself and will not work if images are just snapped from the smartphone camera app.
WhatsApp for Android recently also introduced the ability to send or forward messages to multiple people in one go. Earlier, messages could be sent or forwarded only to one person at a time, now multiple users can be selected at one go.
At the moment, these features are in beta, and in order to use them, you need to register for the Google Play beta testing program for WhatsApp, and then download the latest build from the store. The othe option will be to download the signed apk file from APK Mirror, however, the first method is preferred if you’d like to receive all betas straight from WhatsApp.
WhatsApp is also looking into introducing a video calling capability to its app as well as support for gif image sharing.
