Highlights
- WhatsApp testing QR code chat history transfer for Android
- New feature eliminates the need for Google Drive backups
- Video calls now support up to 32 participants
- Screen sharing with audio and speaker spotlight feature introduced
WhatsApp is testing a new tool meant to simplify the switching of devices for the user by allowing the transfer of chat history using a QR code for Android users.
The “Transfer chat history” feature is meant to let users do without Google Drive when transferring their chats between devices.
New WhatsApp Chat Transfer Feature in Beta
This latest development comes after a similar feature was discovered in a beta update last year, suggesting that the company is experimenting with different ways to allow chat history transfer.
As tweeted by WABetaInfo, a popular and unofficial WhatsApp news portal, the transfer chat history feature can be viewed on the beta version of the app on Android- version 2.24.13.6.
This feature, as of now anyway, is made available only for Android users in the said beta version but it’s not clear as of yet whether or not Apple will spawn the feature for iOS.
However, given that WhatsApp on iOS uses iCloud for backing up chat history, the feature should be useful for iOS devices as well, although there are no details yet on when it might be introduced for Apple’s platform.
WhatsApp Enhances Video Calling Experience
Apart from the chat history migration feature, WhatsApp has also confirmed a number of upgrades for its video calling feature.
Most significantly, up to 32 people will now be able to participate in a video call from any device.
Also, video calls on WhatsApp now allow screen sharing with audio so that users can easily do so during video calls.
The next to be introduced is the “speaker spotlight” feature where the person speaking would automatically be highlighted and his image shown on the screen.
It says that “over the next few weeks” these new video calling enhancements will be available to all WhatsApp users.
The company is said to be relentlessly focused on audio and video quality, thus its service ensures its users get clearer calls irrespective of the user’s place.
To improve call reliability, WhatsApp has recently launched a new codec that enhances noise and echo cancellation for mobile device calls, while also providing higher resolution for video calls on fast connections.
How will WhatsApp users transfer Chat History with QR
Users will have to open the chat transfer section and use their old phone’s camera to scan the QR code which will be available on their new device.
After the user scans the QR code, the chat history will get transferred to the new Android phone.
WaBetaInfo says that the feature has been spotted in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.2.7 update, but it may not be visible to everyone.
There are many ways to back up chats & transfer them.
Users can save chats locally in the phone’s storage or cloud storage solutions like Google Drive.
Once this is done the next step is to log in to WhatsApp on a new device, and then the app lets you recover the chat history.
To recover data from local storage is little difficult while through Google Drive it’s a little simpler .
WhatsApp users can enable auto backup for chats.
The chat backup option can be seen in the messaging app itself.
The steps below need to be followed –
- WhatsApp’s settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- You can select “Daily” option in the Back up to Google Drive section.
- WhatsApp let’s you select your own Google account or any other email id, which you can enter in the Choose an account section.
- The iPhone users get iCloud option to backup chats.
FAQs
What is the new chat history transfer feature on WhatsApp?
The new feature allows Android users to transfer their chat history between devices using a QR code, eliminating the need for Google Drive backups.
Is the chat history transfer feature available for iOS?
Currently, the feature is only available in the beta version for Android, and there is no information yet on when or if it will be introduced for iOS devices.
What video calling upgrades has WhatsApp introduced?
WhatsApp has upgraded its video calling feature to support up to 32 participants, added screen sharing with audio, and introduced a speaker spotlight feature.
When will the new video calling features be available?
The new video calling enhancements will be rolled out to all WhatsApp users over the next few weeks.
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