WhatsApp has been spotted working on a feature that will add an extra layer of privacy to its users' messages. The messaging service currently allows users to send images and videos as "view once" messages. These are designed to disappear as soon as they have been viewed. A feature tracker has now spotted WhatsApp working on the ability to send "view once" text messages on Android.
According to a report by WhatsApp feature tracker WA Beta Info, the popular messaging service recently rolled out a version of WhatsApp for Android through the Google Play Beta Program This beta version of WhatsApp includes references to a feature that allows users to send "view once" text messages.
As per the feature tracker, WhatsApp is working on a special button located next to the chat bar, where users type messages before they are sent. The button used to send messages it also displays a lock icon, according to the report, which says that the appearance of the feature might change before it is eventually released. WhatsApp currently blocks users from taking screenshots of "view once" images and videos. Additionally, it is not even possible to share, forward, copy, and save them. The feature tracker says it is possible that WhatsApp may also block screenshots when viewing "view once" messages in a future update.
The Meta-owned messaging service recently introduced a new feature called "Message Yourself" on iOS and Android, letting users send or forward messages to themselves.
WhatsApp's users can forward messages to themselves from other chats, and even share content from other apps directly to a chat with themselves on WhatsApp.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp has also rolled out an enhancement for iOS users, letting them forward media with captions. iPhone's owners will be able to add captions to forwarded media on WhatsApp, which can be manually removed. The feature is available in the latest version of the app on the App Store for users on iOS.
As the report suggests, every time a message is sent to your number, it will be delivered to all the linked devices. Notably, the chat will be end-to-end encrypted, so only the user who sent the message can see them across their linked devices.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp recently introduced Avatars on the messaging app, that enables users to curate their digital representation. Users are allowed to pick hairstyles, facial features, and outfits, from the available combinations to create an Avatar of themselves. The instant messaging app has also added 36 custom stickers that reflect different emotions and actions. One can set an Avatar as their WhatsApp profile photo, or use them as stickers.
Instagram, which is also owned by Meta, previously added support for Avatars, just like Facebook and Facebook Messenger.
However, the feature tracker states that the new tablet version of the app might not be feature-complete. “Note that some features may still not be available when installing WhatsApp on your tablet, for example, the ability to share a new status update, live locations, and broadcast lists,” the report said.
Notably, WhatsApp users can access their primary account on computer and WhatsApp for Web. The feature is finally coming to Android tablets, allowing beta testers to access their messages on both their smartphone and their tablet.
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