WhatsApp’s Upcoming Features: Link Privacy and Picture-in-Picture Video Viewing
Meta’s WhatsApp has been actively working on introducing new privacy-focused features for its users. One such feature that has recently been spotted in beta testing is the ability to control the privacy level of shared links. This upcoming addition aims to provide users with greater control over the information displayed alongside links, potentially preventing data leaks and enhancing overall chat privacy.
While the link privacy feature has not been officially announced by WhatsApp, select beta testers have already gained access to it. Users with this feature enabled can choose to disable link previews, effectively hiding any thumbnail previews or additional data related to the linked article or content. By doing so, users can share links without revealing potentially sensitive information to anyone who might be prying over their chats.
The link privacy feature is expected to offer multiple benefits beyond enhancing user privacy. It could also help declutter chat threads by removing unnecessary visual elements, making it easier to navigate and focus on the conversation at hand. This aligns with WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to streamline the user experience and prioritize privacy across its platform.
To access the link privacy feature, beta testers can navigate to the Privacy > Advanced section within WhatsApp’s settings menu, where they will find the “Disable link previews” option. It’s important to note that this feature is still in its testing phase and may undergo further refinements before its official release.
In addition to the link privacy feature, WhatsApp is reportedly working on another enhancement aimed at improving the multimedia experience within the app. According to reports from WhatsApp feature trackers, the company is developing a picture-in-picture (PiP) mode for video viewing. This functionality would allow users to watch shared videos in a floating window while simultaneously navigating through other chats or groups within the app.
The proposed PiP mode for video viewing is expected to work similarly to the existing picture-in-picture functionality available for YouTube and Instagram videos shared on WhatsApp. However, it is important to note that this feature is currently in the early stages of development and may not be ready for public release in the near future, as it is still being worked on by WhatsApp’s development team.
These upcoming features showcase WhatsApp’s commitment to enhancing user privacy and improving the overall multimedia experience within the app. As the messaging platform continues to evolve, users can expect to see further improvements and additions aimed at providing a more secure, streamlined, and engaging communication experience.
