Global messaging giant WhatsApp has announced a significant update, introducing a suite of new features designed to enhance user experience in communication, media sharing, and personalisation. The updates, which include support for dynamic photos, AI-powered customisation tools, and improved search functionality, are now being rolled out to users worldwide on both iOS and Android platforms.
Bringing Chats to Life with Dynamic Media
A key enhancement is the introduction of support for Live Photos on iOS and Motion Photos on Android. This allows users to share images that capture movement and sound, offering a more immersive and vivid way to share moments. The feature is cross-platform, ensuring a richer media experience for all users regardless of their device.
AI-Powered Personalisation
Leveraging Meta AI, WhatsApp is giving users greater creative control over their application’s appearance. Users can now generate custom chat themes and video call backgrounds using AI prompts, moving beyond pre-set options to create truly personalised conversation spaces. These AI-generated backgrounds can also be applied when capturing photos and videos directly within chats. These Meta AI features are being rolled out progressively and may not be available to all users immediately.
Improved Functionality and Expression
To make conversations more expressive, several new sticker packs have been added, including “Fearless Bird,” “School Days,” and “Vacation.” The update also addresses a common user pain point by improving the search function for group chats. Users who can’t recall a group’s name can now search for a contact’s name, and the app will display all shared groups with that individual. Furthermore, Android users now gain a native document scanner, a feature previously exclusive to iOS, allowing them to scan, crop, and send documents seamlessly within the app.
Relevance for the MENA Region
With one of the highest adoption rates globally, WhatsApp is a primary tool for both personal and professional communication across the MENA region. The platform’s new features are particularly relevant for this user base. Enhanced media sharing and AI-driven personalisation align with the digital-first communication style of the region’s young population. For the thriving SME ecosystem, which relies heavily on WhatsApp Business, the addition of a document scanner on Android streamlines operations and improves efficiency for a significant portion of the market.
About WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a freeware, cross-platform, centralized instant messaging and voice-over-IP service owned by Meta Platforms. It allows users to send text and voice messages, make voice and video calls, and share images, documents, user locations, and other content.
Source: Gulf Business
