WhatsApp has announced two exciting new features that will revolutionise how users manage contacts on the platform.
Firstly, users will soon be able to save new contacts from any linked device, including WhatsApp Web, WhatsApp’s Windows-based app, and eventually, its Mac-based app. This marks a significant shift from the current limitation of only being able to save contacts from smartphones.
According to WhatsApp, previously, users had to manually type phone numbers or scan QR codes within the app to add contacts. This update will provide greater flexibility and convenience.
“Today we’re making it easier to privately add and manage your contacts on WhatsApp, from any device you may be using.
“Until now, the only place you were able to add contacts was from your mobile device, by either typing in a phone number or scanning a QR code. Soon, you’ll be able to add and manage contacts from the comfort of your keyboard on WhatsApp Web and Windows – and eventually other linked devices.” WhatsApp said in its blog post.
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Additionally, WhatsApp has introduced a new feature allowing users to save contacts exclusively within the app.
These “WhatsApp contacts” are ideal for sharing phones with others or separating personal and business contacts when managing multiple accounts on one device.
“We’re also introducing a new choice to save a contact exclusively to WhatsApp. These WhatsApp contacts are ideal for when you are sharing your phone with others or if you want to separate personal and business contacts when managing more than one WhatsApp account on your phone.
“Contacts you save to WhatsApp will be restored in case you ever lose your phone or change devices”
Contacts saved exclusively within WhatsApp will be restored even if users change devices or lose them, ensuring seamless continuity. Users will also be able to customize their contact list for multiple accounts on a single device.
To safeguard contacts saved within the app, WhatsApp is utilizing a new encrypted storage system called Identity Proof Linked Storage (IPLS), rather than its traditional end-to-end encryption method.
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