Two new WhatsApp betas are at present out there for Android customers. One makes it a lot simpler to self-message and the opposite introduces Companion Mode, which helps you to join as much as 4 telephones to at least one account.
WhatsApp technically already had the power to ship messages to your individual telephone quantity, however you had to make use of the Click on to Chat characteristic to open up a brand new chat room and ship it there. Now it’s rather more streamlined. According to WABetaInfo (opens in new tab), all it’s a must to do is open up your contacts record the place you will notice a brand new “Me (You)” contact and the phrases “Message your self” beneath. Faucet that, ship a message to your self, and also you’re achieved.
Companion Mode
Along with connecting to different units, Companion Mode additionally transfers information over, like your chat historical past, from the account to a brand new gadget. WABetaInfo states some options will not work. You might not be capable to handle broadcast lists and stickers, or view stay places. Private messages and calls will nonetheless have end-to-end encryption so you’ll be able to relaxation simple figuring out your info is secure.
To activate Companion Mode, you first open the registration screen (opens in new tab) and broaden the choices menu. There needs to be an choice to hyperlink a secondary telephone by scanning a QR code. In the event you don’t see the choice, you’ll have to attend till the following beta. WABetaInfo explains that the betas roll out in waves and it might take a number of weeks for a choose few to get it.
In the event you’re focused on doubtlessly changing into one of many fortunate few to check out each options, you’ll first have to affix the Google Play Beta Program (opens in new tab) and set up WhatsApp model 2.22.24.18. There are plans to incorporate tablets in Companion Mode, however there’s no info on when this may occur. We reached out to Meta and requested when each options will launch for Android units. This story will probably be up to date if we hear again.
WhatsApp safety
WhatsApp has had fairly the yr because it’s seen a ton of recent options being added. Only recently, the app introduced Communities, huge teams that may maintain as much as 1024 members, and the power to make video calls with as much as 32 individuals. With 5 billion downloads from the Google Play Retailer alone, WhatsApp’s person base is huge…and a goal.
There have been incidents of people downloading WhatsApp knockoffs with the purpose of stealing person entry keys. Unhealthy actors steal these keys to run “malicious campaigns” together with, however undoubtedly not restricted to, stealing cash. Cyberstalking has additionally seen an uptick on WhatsApp in latest months. Learn our protection to be taught what to look out for and the right way to defend your self.
