New York (Web Desk): WhatsApp has announced several new features to make group chats more effective and organised. These include a new filter for mentions and replies, the option to pin messages indefinitely, and the ability to show previous messages to newly added members.
According to WhatsApp, a new “Mentions and Replies” option will be added to the filter menu, which appears when users swipe down in the chat list. This feature will allow users to view only those group chats in which they have been mentioned or their messages have received direct replies. It will also include @all messages sent to every member of a group.
Under the new feature, users will be able to pin a message in group chats indefinitely. Previously, pinning periods were limited to 24 hours, 7 days or 30 days.
Another feature will allow newly added members to view recent messages that were sent in a group before they joined. To access this option, users will need to tap the relevant member’s name in the chat. Previously, this facility was available only when adding someone to a group.
WhatsApp is also introducing a group status-sharing feature, allowing users to share their status updates with members of a specific group. Group members will be able to view and react to these updates, as well as share their own statuses. These updates will automatically disappear after 24 hours.
According to the company, these changes will make communication and information sharing in group chats easier and more organised.