The updates are ramping up once again. Now, to be fair, we are generally used to massively popular apps like WhatsApp testing its fresh beta features several times a month. But, the two major updates come at a very close one-day gap between each other. One discusses hidden group chats, and the other introduces an in-app dialer for new contacts.
The First Update (2.24.9.27)
WhatsApp is rolling out two new updates through the Google Play Beta Program as usual, bringing the versions up to 2.24.9.27 and 2.24.9.28. The first update via WABetainfo introduces a feature that allows community admins to hide certain group chats from the list of community groups. In other words, only invited members can find and join these hidden groups, technically providing a sort of dedicated space for more private conversations.
But it is not just an exclusivity button. By hiding certain group chats, admins can theoretically maintain a cleaner and more organized community structure, dedicating more focused discussions to members who are open to them. Sensitive topics, exclusive subjects, or even the typical moderator-only chats. Your flavor choice of discussion privacy.
Moreover, the hidden group feature gives community admins the flexibility to create and manage sub-groups. For example, a community based on a particular hobby or interest could have hidden groups that cater to more specific sub-topics or skill levels. Ideally, this can create better-targeted discussions, instead of cultivating elitism as some people would initially think of when these types of features are involved.
The Second Update (2.24.9.28)
In the second update, WhatsApp is working on an in-app dialer feature that will enable users to make voice calls directly to unknown or new contacts. This feature eliminates the need to save caller info or switch to the default dialer app, making it more convenient for temporary communications, such as business meetings or online purchases.
If you haven’t realized yet, this feature is expected to be very cost-effective for voice calls, especially for international communications. This is sprinkled further with WhatsApp’s signature end-to-end encryption, which as we all know, is already one of its crowning features. It is considerably beneficial for users who frequently make calls, but don’t necessarily want to save contact info (customer support, for example, or one-time business associates).
The update also specified that this feature can potentially integrate with WhatsApp's existing voice and video call features, allowing users to seamlessly switch between different modes of communication within the app. Pretty convenient, though probably already expected based on the typical structure of these features as of late.
Business as Usual
The introduction of these new features aligns perfectly with WhatsApp's general themes of security and privacy. Quite unsurprising, though some might question the timing of these beta tests. But to be fair, WhatsApp had other priorities, such as preventing the spread of misinformation and protecting user data via limiting message forwarding and introducing disappearing messages.
As for its expected rollout period, we have no specific implementation timeline as usual. Stay tuned for further updates!
