WhatsApp will introduce @todos command to highlight notices in large groups

To solve the problem of important messages quickly getting lost in very active conversations, WhatsApp is preparing an update that will include the @todos command, as well as enhancements to polls and a simplified way to form new groups.

According to a statement on its blog, these modifications aim to make group interactions more efficient in users' daily lives.

New command highlights important messages

By using @todos, a notification will be sent to all members whenever it is necessary to draw attention to a crucial notice. This feature will work even in muted groups, although each user has the option to configure how they wish to receive this type of alert or disable it completely.

In groups exceeding 32 participants, the functionality will be restricted to administrators. WhatsApp points out that this tool will be valuable for communicating deadlines, plan changes, and other urgent notifications.

Polls become more complete

Poll functionalities will also receive additions to aid in collective decision-making. Among the innovations are the possibility of setting a date and time for the voting to end, the option to keep voters' names hidden, and permission to edit the question for up to fifteen minutes after publication.

Additionally, there will be a change that will allow for the quick creation of a new group using some participants from an existing conversation, eliminating the need to add them individually.

More features for group chats

These new functionalities add to resources recently implemented, such as message history, member labels, and event reminders.

WhatsApp emphasizes that group chats constitute one of the primary uses of the platform. The company reports that the application has over three billion users globally and exceeds one hundred million users in the United States. For the company, this update reinforces the focus on tools that promote greater organization and efficiency in communication within groups, especially when they have a large number of participants.

tecnoblog.netAugust 3, 18:41

Global users report sudden interruption in WhatsApp access

Users from Brazil and various other nations are reporting that WhatsApp has been blocked since the beginning of this afternoon, the 3rd. The application unexpectedly stopped working, mainly on mobile devices, displaying an error notification.

According to reports that began accumulating about an hour ago, the affected accounts cannot send messages or use any of the application's features.

The complaints were concentrated on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter, where users from various regions described the same inconvenience: a blockage that occurred without any prior warning and without providing a clear justification.

At the time of writing this note, there is still no independent confirmation regarding the scope of the problem or a unified reason for the cases presented. Tecnoblog contacted Meta, the owner of WhatsApp, and is awaiting an official response. This story will be updated as soon as the company comments.

olhardigital.com.brJuly 28, 18:23

WhatsApp makes voice and video calls available in the browser and expands Web version features

WhatsApp announced on Tuesday (28th) the inclusion of voice and video calls in its Web version. This addition allows users to make calls directly through the computer's browser, eliminating the need to install specific software.

New features on the Web platform

The company presented this functionality as an update that is being progressively implemented for users. This advancement enriches the capabilities of the service accessed via the browser, making the experience more similar to that provided on other devices.

In addition to calls, the update introduces several other tools, such as screen sharing, reactions during conversations, recording of calls made, and technical improvements focused on enhancing transmission quality.

Improvements to the communication experience

With this change, the user can use WhatsApp in the browser to make both audio and video calls directly on the PC. Previously, this type of contact required the use of applications intended for mobile phones or desktops.

According to WhatsApp, calls made through the Web version maintain the same level of security as messages, using end-to-end encryption, which ensures that conversations remain protected against unauthorized access by third parties.

Advanced calling functionalities

The platform has also come to support call transfer between different devices. This feature allows the user to start a call on one device and continue it on another, switching between mobile phone and computer without interrupting the established connection.

Another incorporated feature is the waiting room for calls initiated via a link. This function gives the call organizer the power to define who can join the conversation, requiring prior approval for participation.

The service has also received optimizations to improve the user experience during video conferences. The company reported that images now reach high definition faster at the beginning of calls, and a noise reduction system helps make the voice clearer in environments with external noise.

Context of recent updates

This update integrates a series of changes announced by WhatsApp across its various platforms. In the previous week, the application had announced changes to the versions for iPad and vehicles equipped with CarPlay and Android Auto, aiming to align these systems with the experience offered on mobile phones.