Two new WhatsApp betas are presently 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 checklist 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 completed.
Companion Mode
Along with connecting to different gadgets, 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 of 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 straightforward figuring out your data is protected.
To activate Companion Mode, you first open the registration screen (opens in new tab) and broaden the choices menu. There must be an choice to hyperlink a secondary telephone by scanning a QR code. If you happen to don’t see the choice, you’ll have to attend till the subsequent 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.
If you happen to’re fascinated by probably 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 data on when this may occur. We reached out to Meta and requested when each options will launch for Android gadgets. 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 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 person base is massive…and a goal.
There have been incidents of people downloading WhatsApp knockoffs with the intention of stealing person 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 latest months. Learn our protection to be taught what to look out for and the best way to defend your self.
