Meta has announced a slate of new features for WhatsApp. One standout addition is the support for sharing Live Photos on iOS and Motion Photos on Android. This allows users to capture and send images with embedded sound and movement, preserving the dynamism of real-life moments. These updates emphasize seamless integration with device capabilities, potentially bridging some gaps between WhatsApp and Apple’s native iMessage.
This builds directly on Apple’s Live Photos feature, introduced back in iOS 9. Now, instead of converting these to static images for WhatsApp, you can share them in their full, animated form. It’s a subtle but meaningful upgrade that could make group chats and family shares more immersive.
Meta is leaning into artificial intelligence with customizable chat themes powered by Meta AI. Users can select from predefined colors and designs or generate entirely custom themes using AI prompts.
Video calls also get a boost with Meta AI-generated backgrounds, letting users place themselves in virtual settings—from favorite real-world spots to imaginative scenes. This extends to photos and videos taken directly in chats.
Compared to FaceTime’s portrait mode and background blur on iOS, WhatsApp’s AI approach offers more creative flexibility. It’s particularly useful for professional calls or fun interactions, and it aligns with the growing demand for polished virtual experiences on mobile devices.
WhatsApp is also providing these additional enhancements:
- New Sticker Packs: New packs like Fearless Bird and Vacation are introduced for WhatsApp.
- Easier Group Search: Find groups by searching for mutual contacts in the Chats tab.
- Document Scanning on Android: While iPhone users have had this for a while, its Android rollout ensures consistency across platforms.
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