WhatsApp rolls out dark mode for computers, animated stickers and more
With our increasing reliance on technology to keep in
touch, especially with people now forced to stay home more due to COVID-19, WhatsApp
has introduced new features to make its platform more useful.
Among the announced features for WhatsApp’s two
billion users are dark mode for its web and desktop applications and animated
stickers. In addition to how sleek and cool it looks, the dark mode feature will
allow users to prolong battery life and protect their eyes from blinding light
when in dark or poorly lit spaces.
WhatsApp said billions of stickers are sent daily, and
that it’s one of the fastest growing ways people communicate on the platform. “We
are rolling out new animated sticker packs that are even more fun and
expressive”, it said.
Additionally, the company will introduce QR codes
which will make it easier to add new contacts by scanning. “No more tapping in
their digits one at a time”, it said.
Improved group video calls will also be one of the features rolled out, with up to eight people on a call. “We’ve made it easier to focus on whoever you want by letting you press and hold to maximise a participant’s video to full screen. We also added a video icon in group chats of 8 or less, so you can easily start a group video call with 1-tap.”
The new features will be rolled out in the coming
weeks and available on the latest versions of WhatsApp.
