WhatsApp has released a holiday update with multiple new features. The update includes missed call messages, voice chat reactions, group call speaker spotlight, Meta AI image improvements, animated photos, a new desktop media tab, cleaner link previews, new Status stickers, and questions on Channels.
Calls
- Missed Call Messages: If a call is not answered, users can now send a voice or video note in one tap, depending on the call type. This replaces traditional voicemails and allows recipients to catch up later.
- Reactions in Voice Chats: Participants can react during live voice chats without interrupting the conversation, providing quick feedback.
- Group Call Speaker Spotlight: During video calls, the active speaker is automatically highlighted to make following the conversation easier.
Chats
- Meta AI Image Creation Improvements: WhatsApp’s Meta AI now uses updated models from Midjourney and Flux, enabling higher-quality image generation for chats or Status updates.
- Animate Images with Meta AI: Photos can now be animated into short videos for chats or Status updates.
- New Media Tab on Desktop: A dedicated media tab on Mac, Windows, and Web allows users to search documents, links, and media across all chats in one location.
- Cleaner Link Previews: Link previews have been streamlined to shorten long URLs and maintain chat flow.
Status and Channels
- New Stickers on Status: Interactive stickers, including music lyrics and questions, have been added for use on Status updates.
- Questions on Channels: Channel admins can post questions to engage audiences and receive real-time responses.
Availability
The update is rolling out globally across iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and Web platforms.