Instant messaging platform- WhatsApp is in the works to roll out new features for iOS users in order to ramp up their experience on the platform. According to Mashable India, the developers are currently working on a large link preview for iOS to make it easier for users to check out what the links are all about. The feature has been spotted by WABetaInfo, a popular website that pushes regular updates around WhatsApp. According to WABetaInfo, the large preview link feature is currently under development and will be available for users in a future update.
WhatsApp is working on the same feature on the Android app and bringing high-quality previews for URLs on the latest beta version. Moreover, some websites do not have a high-resolution preview for URLs, which is why WhatsApp will show a smaller thumbnail. In other WhatsApp-related news, WhatsApp’s Beta users are currently testing a brand-new feature where attached images or videos disappear after one viewing – like Snaps on Snapchat. The feature allows WhatsApp users to send a photograph or video that will delete after being watched or viewed. Also, WhatsApp is restoring the green colour notifications for its Android beta app. The platform had first announced a new dark blue colour in notifications in the 2.21.12.12 beta update. However, WhatsApp is now restoring the old colour again. This is because the new blue colour wasn’t appreciated much by users, according to Mashable India.
Facebook’s feature for Portal lets users dress up as Harry Potter characters
Facebook’s video calling device Portal is getting a ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ crossover that will allow users to dress up as characters from the play using augmented reality technology. As per The Verge, the AR masks that transform you into a character, which are powered by Facebook’s Spark AR technology, will also match your skin tone. “Callers can fully embody the characters thanks to real-time skin sampling that matches the 3D character to your unique skin tone before converting it into an AR mask for seamless integration,” Facebook said.
Anyone can use the new feature by tapping ‘Curtain Call’ in the effects tray on Portal. You can then select one of three locations from the menu to visit: Hogwarts Great Hall, the Ministry of Magic or the Edge of the Forbidden Forest.
When the lights come up, each person on the call will embody a character from the show with a unique spell, which is assigned randomly. Simply nod your head or tap the screen to cast it and watch as your friends marvel at the magic.
The feature works with Portal-to-Portal video calls for users in the US and UK. And if you don’t have a Portal device, “fans on Instagram and Facebook can still interact with the AR masks via each app’s camera and share video and photos via Stories,” according to the company. Facebook has been ramping up its augmented reality efforts. It announced last September that creators would be able to make AR effects for Messenger and Portal in 2021.
