WhatsApp update brings brand new stickers and other features to messaging app
Latest update for Android and iOS integrates third-party keyboards
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A brand new WhatsApp update will allow users to access to far more stickers than previous versions thanks to the integration of third-party keyboards.
Previous versions of the messaging app limited users in their sticker selection due to the limitations of the in-app keyboard.
New stickers will be available in the coming weeks, according to WaBetaInfo, who first spotted the new WhatsApp update.
The Stickers Integration feature is currently being tested by Google for GBoard, the virtual keyboard app developed by Google for Android smartphones and Apple iPhones.
By allowing the integration of GBoard into its app, WhatsApp will let users send stuckers within the Google keyboard to contacts.
"Thanks to the sticker integration feature (and the GBoard beta update available on 15 January) any GBoard Static Sticker sent in WhatsApp will be automatically converted from GBoard to a compatible sticker format," WaBetaInfo explained.
"WhatsApp will allow in future to more keyboards to use their integration service, but currently it’s exclusive for GBoard (probably because WhatsApp provided instructions to Google only)."
Other new features expected to be introduced by the world's most popular messaging app are expected to significantly improved security for users.
The Facebook-owned app, which counts around 1.5 billion monthly active users, is working to incorporate biometrics into its authentication process.
This would mean users could protect their messages using fingerprint technology. WhatsApp users will be able to enable this new privacy function within the app's settings.
One of the most exciting features that WhatsApp is rumoured to be working on is a brand new in-app cryptocurrency, that analysts say could bring next-generation payments to its users in India.
Facebook has previously refused to comment on this speculation when questioned by The Independent.
A spokesperson was not immediately available to comment on the latest update and features for the app.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments