Two new WhatsApp betas are presently accessible 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 1 account.
WhatsApp technically already had the power to ship messages to your personal cellphone quantity, however you had to make use of the Click on to Chat function 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 you need to do is open up your contacts record the place you will note 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 knowledge over, like your chat historical past, from the account to a brand new gadget. WABetaInfo states some options will not work. Chances are you’ll not be capable to handle broadcast lists and stickers, or view stay areas. 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 ought to be an choice to hyperlink a secondary cellphone 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 could take a number of weeks for a choose few to get it.
In the event you’re inquisitive about probably turning into one of many fortunate few to check out each options, you’ll first have to hitch 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 might be up to date if we hear again.
WhatsApp safety
WhatsApp has had fairly the 12 months because it’s seen a ton of latest 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 consumer base is massive…and a goal.
There have been incidents of people downloading WhatsApp knockoffs with the purpose of stealing consumer entry keys. Unhealthy actors steal these keys to run “malicious campaigns” together with, however positively not restricted to, stealing cash. Cyberstalking has additionally seen an uptick on WhatsApp in current months. Learn our protection to be taught what to look out for and find out how to defend your self.
