WhatsApp, the widely used instant messaging platform, has recently introduced a Channels feature in India, offering a one-way broadcast mechanism for private updates from individuals and organisations. Now, a report reveals that the Meta-owned app is actively developing additional functionalities for channel admins, including the ability to share voice messages and stickers within channels.
According to the report by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp aims to enhance the interaction between channel admins and their followers. The latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.23.2 update, available on the Google Play Store, has unveiled plans to incorporate voice messages and stickers into channels in the near future.
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At present, channels in WhatsApp primarily support the sharing of text messages, photos, videos, and GIFs. The introduction of voice messages and stickers expands the range of communication options, making interactions more dynamic and expressive. These additions are expected to boost better engagement with channel followers.
Furthermore, the inclusion of voice messages and stickers improves communication efficiency in sharing updates, thereby enhancing the appeal of channels. This development can aid channel admins in reaching a wider audience by making their channels more engaging and less static.
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Hide Locked Chats Feature
In addition to these updates, WhatsApp is also working on a feature to hide locked chats, which is currently in progress and is expected to be part of a forthcoming app update.
Currently, the entry point to access locked chats is always visible in the chat list as long as there is at least one protected conversation. This could potentially allow anyone with access to the phone to detect the presence of locked conversations.
With the new feature, users will be able to hide the entry point, making the list of locked chats visible only after entering a secret code into the search bar.
