WhatsApp to have 2 new functions: They are unexpected but very useful

The popular WhatsApp Messenger will have two unexpected but very useful new functions. Meta Corporation plans to add the ability to send messages to other messengers such as Telegram. In addition, the WhatsApp Messenger runs the Channels feature in more than 150 countries so that users can secretly receive updates about things they care about.

Third-party chats with other messengers

As reported by The Verge, the new feature found in WhatsApp beta version 2.23.19.8 is called " Third-party chats" and enables to send encrypted messages through WhatsApp using the tools built into the Messenger.

According to The Verge, Meta decided to add this new feature to WhatsApp shortly after the European Commission put the WhatsApp Messenger on the list of online services that do not comply with the requirements of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).  They are due to come into effect in March 2024, and assume that messengers must ensure the ability to share information with other apps.

Along with WhatsApp, the European Commission's "restriction list" included 21 other online services, including Google, TikTok, LinkedIn, and several other popular platforms.

Channels

WhatsApp Messenger has announced that it is launching the Channels function in 150 countries. Users can subscribe to Channels, send messages from them to chats, and view the Channels catalog with an automatic filter that takes into account country and other parameters.

The developers are paying special attention to privacy in this new feature. Channels are presented separately from chats, and other subscribers cannot see which channels a user is subscribed to. In addition, the service protects the data of Channels administrators and subscribers.

Among the changes made in the Channels since the start of testing, it is worth highlighting the improved catalog. It automatically filters channels based on the user's location. In addition, filters are available to search for channels by recency, activity, popularity, and subscriber count. Now Channels can also use emojis and see how many messages have been reacted to.

Channels administrators can edit posts within 30 days of their posting. After thirty days, updates are automatically deleted from the WhatsApp Messenger servers. Users can transfer updates from Channels to chats and groups, and messages will have a link to the respective channels.

The developers plan to continue improving the Channels feature based on user feedback. In the next few months, the ability to create channels will be available to all WhatsApp users.