WhatsApp is currently testing two innovative features aimed at enhancing user experience – a shortcut for quicker UPI payments through QR code and 60-second status updates. First spotted by WABetaInfo, these additions promise to simplify sharing longer videos as status updates and facilitate faster peer-to-peer transactions via UPI.
The newly discovered features were spotted in recent beta versions of WhatsApp designed for Android devices. Once fully implemented, it will allow users to scan QR codes to make payments to other users or merchants and share videos of up to 60 seconds as their status.
WABetaInfo discovered that the WhatsApp beta version for Android 2.24.7.6 now allows users to upload videos up to 60 seconds long. This is part of the latest beta release available to users who have signed up for beta testing. This update doubles the previous limit for video uploads to status updates, which was set at 30 seconds. However, viewers will also need to install the latest beta version to see these longer status updates, as noted by WABetaInfo.
Additionally, the WhatsApp beta version for Android 2.24.7.3, released to beta testers just before the latest update, introduces a new feature enabling users to make UPI payments with ease. Instead of navigating through the three-dot menu, beta testers can now access a dedicated QR code scanner shortcut positioned above the main chat list. This shortcut sits to the left of the search and camera shortcuts located at the top right corner of the screen.
In other news, WhatsApp has implemented measures to prevent the capture of screenshots of other WhatsApp users’ profile photos on the latest Android version. Pixel smartphones will display an all-black image when attempting to capture a screenshot, while other Android devices will outright decline the action, citing the security policies of the app.
In a recent WhatsApp beta version release for Android, users now have the option to pin multiple chats to the top of their screen. This feature enables users to conveniently access additional conversations without the need for extensive searching. The introduction of the 60-second-long status, QR code scanner, and multiple chat pinning is anticipated to become available to all users through updates to the stable app channel in the forthcoming months.
Overall, WhatsApp’s attempt to enhance the app’s functionality by launching innovative features shows its commitment to providing an improved user experience. Although the QR code scanner and 60-second-long status options are currently in the testing phase, they are soon going to be available to users worldwide.
