WhatsApp has recently released an update for iPhone users by allowing them to use Memoji through the TestFlight Beta Program. The update is part of the 2.19.90 WhatsApp Beta update.
So, what is Memoji? If you’re familiar with iPhone’s Animojis, Memojis comes as close as to an Animoji. What it does is that it responds to facial expressions via the phone’s camera. Subsequently, it animates various 3D animated emojis that can be sent as a video file with sound effects. As we all know Animojis can only be used via iMessage but WhatsApp is about to revolutionize the game for all users. Hence, the beta update includes Memoji stickers’ support as a teaser to the actual WhatsApp Memoji.
This not the first update of the Facebook-owned messaging app this year. In fact, WhatsApp recently added a new feature of fingerprint unlocks for Android users. This feature allows users to unlock the messaging app by simply pressing their finger against the fingerprint sensor to enhance privacy settings.
Is Memoji A Stable Feature?
Memojis was first rolled out in 2018 with the release of iOS 12. With this feature, users can fully customize the Memoji based on the facial movement and desirability. Primarily as an entertaining tool, users are seen with the appearance of movie characters and viral video personalities. To make it even more realistic, the user can then copy the dialogue of a scene to replace its audio.
WhatsApp Beta
As mentioned, the Memojis are only available as a Beta version. That means, you can download it to test it out, but glitches might appear throughout the app. To be a part of the Beta version, users can download it for their smartphone through Google Play or App Store. How it actually works is quite straight-forward.
For Google Play:
1. Go to Google Play and search for WhatsApp.
2. Scroll down and find the “Become a Beta Tester.”
3. Click on the “I’m In” button.
4. Click “Join” to confirm.
For iOS:
1. Install TestFlight from the App Store.
2. Join the beta program here.
3. Sign up.
4. Wait for an email invitation.
5. Tap View in TestFlight or Start TestFlight.
Keep in mind that there are limited beta slots. This means that not everyone can test out the beta versions of various features coming to WhatsApp.
WhatsApp Changing Its Name?
It seems like WhatsApp is going through a lot of changes. Recent reports suggest that the messaging app will change its name from WhatsApp to “WhatsApp from Facebook. Though the debates for its name alternation have arisen, Facebook, however, confirms that the name will be changed. But, it’s just a matter of when. Instead of appearing as the main tag, the new WhatsApp name will only be found under the settings.
When the question about the reason behind these changes, a Facebook spokesperson says, “We want to be clearer about the products and services that are part of Facebook.”
Boomerang Feature
Boomerang is one of the most popular features on Instagram. But, what if there’s a potential for WhatsApp to integrate this feature into the boring old text messaging? Rumors says that WhatsApp is proactively developing a boomerang feature that can be used both in the chats and status updates on the platform. Similar to Instagram, this feature allows users to make boomerang-type videos of short clips.
The Boomerang feature is said to be available in the Video Type panel where users can convert their videos to GIFs. There will be a new button that will appear when a video is opened in less than seven seconds on the toggle tab. The Boomerang clip can also be shared with WhatsApp contacts or as a status update.
However, the arrival of this feature is still under wraps.
WhatsApp Dark Mode & Status Update
Many WhatsApp users have been waiting for the Dark Mode feature to be rolled out since 2018. With the Dark Mode already available in many messaging platforms, WhatsApp users are growing increasingly impatient as time goes by.
The ‘Dark Mode’ feature has long been under development and according to reports, this feature might finally see the light in the next few months. What it does is that this feature will make it easier for users to use the messaging app especially during the night. So, prepare your heart to say ‘bye-bye’ to those glaring screens!
Another good news, the WhatsApp status can finally be shared on Facebook soon. Hassle-free, the transfer of the post to Facebook can be easily done with the use of data-sharing API of iOS and Android.
Introducing Photo Albums on WhatsApp
The messaging app is also working on an ‘Albums’ feature for WhatsApp web. Though this feature is already available for the mobile version, the WhatsApp web is still a step behind. What it does is that this feature allows users to group all photos sent to them in one go.
With all of these rich features coming to WhatsApp, it seems like Facebook has really done a do-over on the application ever since it acquired the messaging app in 2014.
As Facebook continues to develop the messaging app to better bring people together and provide convenience to users, the more the social media network giant proves to itself that it made the right choice of buying WhatsApp for $19 billion.
During the early days of Facebook’s ownership of the messaging platform, many were curious as to why Mark Zuckerberg spent a small fortune to purchase an app that only made little money.
It turns out that Zuckerberg saw a potential competitor that could potentially kill Facebook in WhatsApp. The revelation came to them after months of tracking the app using Onavo, a VPN and analytics app, that showed them that WhatsApp is a rising competitor.
Now, Facebook is utilizing the app effectively to strengthen its brand, one less opponent out of its path.
