WhatsApp has initiated the rollout of a new privacy feature that empowers users to control the privacy settings of shared links within their chats. Although not officially announced yet, this feature has been observed on select beta testing accounts. Additionally, WhatsApp is reportedly developing a new video-viewing feature within the app. A recent report indicated that the company is working on a locked chats feature for linked devices, anticipated to arrive in a future update. The Chat Lock feature was initially introduced for smartphones in May 2023.
As per a report from Android Police, WhatsApp has commenced the rollout of a link privacy feature for some beta testers. This feature enables users to disable link previews, eliminating thumbnail previews and associated article data from appearing alongside the link. Consequently, no identifiable information regarding the link will be revealed to unauthorized individuals browsing through the chats.
Moreover, this feature is anticipated to streamline chats and enhance navigational ease, while also playing a crucial role in preventing potential data leaks. Beta testers of WhatsApp can access this feature by navigating to Privacy > Advanced under the WhatsApp settings menu and selecting the Disable link previews option.
WhatsApp Testing New Video-Viewing Feature
Meanwhile, according to a report from WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, the company is in the process of developing a new video-viewing feature. This feature would enable users to watch videos shared among contacts on the app in a picture-in-picture segment within the app. This functionality mirrors the picture-in-picture feature available when viewing YouTube and Instagram videos shared on WhatsApp.
The report highlighted that this picture-in-picture viewing of WhatsApp media videos is exclusively accessible within the WhatsApp application, not extending to other apps. Consequently, users can watch a video sent by a contact, exit the chat, and engage in other chats or groups within WhatsApp while the video continues playing in a smaller window.
Furthermore, the report mentioned that this feature is currently in the development phase and is not yet ready for rollout to beta testers. As a result, it may not be available for public release in the immediate future.