WhatsApp is introducing interesting new features to enhance the New Year texting and calling experience, the company announced Thursday. For a limited time, WhatsApp users will be able to take advantage of new call effects with a New Year theme during video calls. In addition, the instant messaging platform has launched new animation and sticker packs to match the festive atmosphere. It is worth noting that Instagram is another app owned by the Meta platform, and recently launched a limited-time feature called 2024 Collage.
New Year features on WhatsApp
According to WhatsApp, users can now make video calls during the holidays and use festive backdrops, filters and effects to mark the New Year. It also brings new animation reactions. When someone reacts to a message using Select Party Emojis, both the sender and the receiver will have a confetti animation.
The instant messaging platform also introduced new stickers. A well-curated New Year (NYE) sticker pack is provided, as well as avatar stickers that match the New Year theme. WhatsApp says these features are a great way to communicate holiday wishes in a fun and interactive way.
These features have been added to other additions on WhatsApp in recent weeks. Last week, it introduced even bigger effects for video calls including puppy ears, underwater and karaoke microphones. Now users can choose from a total of 10 effects. Additionally, users can now select specific participants to make group calls without disrupting the entire chat.
Other new features
WhatsApp previously introduced typing metrics for real-time participation in chats. Upon arrival, the user will see visual prompts in the chat and a profile picture of the user entered in one-to-one and group conversations.
Another recent addition is the voice message transcript. As the name implies, WhatsApp provides users with text-based transcription of voice messages received from others. However, only the recipient can see the transcript of the voice message, not the sender. The platform emphasizes that transcripts are generated on the device and that no one else can hear or read its content.
