TextNow vs WhatsApp

2024. WhatsApp now lets users plan and schedule events in Communities



WhatsApp is introducing a new method for coordinating events within Communities, streamlining the process of planning gatherings directly within the app. Users can create events that others can RSVP to, facilitating visibility of attendees within the group. Event details will be accessible on the group's information page, with attendees receiving notifications closer to the event date. Initially available to Community-affiliated groups, this feature will gradually extend to all groups in the upcoming months. Additionally, WhatsApp is enhancing Announcement Groups by enabling users to respond to messages without cluttering notifications. Replies will be consolidated for easy viewing, allowing admins to engage with members while maintaining organization within the group.


2023. WhatsApp launches its native macOS app



WhatsApp has introduced a new native Mac app, enabling users to engage in video calls with a maximum of eight participants and audio calls with up to 32 individuals. The redesigned app is tailored to Mac users, facilitating increased productivity on larger screens. Notably, users can seamlessly share files through drag-and-drop functionality in chats and access a more extensive chat history. After a period of testing, WhatsApp released the app in public beta earlier this year, making it available to users with Apple Silicon systems and macOS 11 Big Sur or later.


2023. WhatsApp introduces a new Windows client with better calling features



WhatsApp has unveiled an upgraded Windows client that boasts enhanced calling features and improved performance. With the latest version, users can stay connected even when their phone is inactive, thanks to multi-device synchronization. The desktop app now also enables group video calls for up to eight people and audio calls for up to 32 participants, on par with the mobile application. Furthermore, WhatsApp plans to expand the number of people allowed in a group call. In light of its multi-device linking capability that allows one account to be used across various devices, the company has been focused on enhancing its desktop experience.


2022. WhatsApp's new Communities tool sounds a lot like Slack


WhatsApp has introduced a new feature called "Communities," which enables users to create groups within the app for specific organizations or groups, such as schools or apartment buildings. These communities will have sub-groups where members can discuss specific topics, and administrators will have the ability to send announcements to all members. The concept of communities on WhatsApp bears resemblance to Slack, a popular messaging platform in the digital workplace. Along with the introduction of communities, WhatsApp is implementing some additional changes to its Groups feature that also resemble Slack's functionality. Notably, users will now be able to express themselves through emoji reactions, and audio calls will accommodate up to 32 participants. The file sharing size limit has been increased to 2 GB, and group administrators have the ability to delete messages. These updates bring enhanced functionality and versatility to the WhatsApp platform.


2021. WhatsApp brings its Business API to the cloud to speed adoption



WhatsApp is introducing a new version of its WhatsApp Business API, which will now be hosted on Facebook's infrastructure in the cloud. According to the company, this shift will significantly reduce the integration setup time from weeks to just minutes. As a result, businesses can swiftly transition to WhatsApp's API platform and effectively communicate with their opted-in customers. Over the past few years, WhatsApp has been expanding its Business API to create a significant revenue stream from its otherwise free messaging service. Presently, businesses pay WhatsApp on a per-message basis, with rates varying depending on the number of messages sent and the region. Currently, numerous large enterprises, including Vodafone, Coppel, Sears Mexico, BMW, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Iberia Airlines, Itau Brazil, iFood, and Bank Mandiri, have already adopted the existing API (non-cloud based) to enhance their operations.


2021. WhatsApp adds voice and video calling to desktop app



Support for voice and video calling is being introduced to the desktop app of WhatsApp for Mac and Windows. Initially, this feature will only be available for one-to-one calls, but the company plans to expand it to include group voice and video calls in the future. The video calls are designed to work seamlessly in both portrait and landscape orientation. Additionally, the desktop client will always remain on top of other windows, ensuring that video chats are never lost amidst a browser tab or a stack of open windows. WhatsApp conducted tests for this feature with a small group of desktop users last year.


2020. WhatsApp finally launches payments



WhatsApp has made an announcement that users in Brazil will have the privilege of being the first to send and receive money through its messaging app. This will be made possible by utilizing Facebook Pay, the payments service launched by WhatsApp's parent company, Facebook, last year. The payments service is currently free for consumers, meaning there are no commission fees involved. However, businesses will be required to pay a 3.99% processing fee to receive payments. To complete transactions, users will need to enter a six-digit PIN or use their fingerprint. To use the service, you need to connect your WhatsApp account with your Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card. Initial local partners for this service include Banco do Brasil, Nubank, and Sicredi. Additionally, Cielo, a payments processor, is collaborating with WhatsApp to facilitate transactions. The company stated, "We have created an open model to allow for the inclusion of more partners in the future."


2019. WhatsApp adds business catalogs


WhatsApp is enhancing its business app by introducing a new feature called "catalogs." This feature enables businesses to present and share their products and services with potential customers. Interested customers can explore product photos, view prices, and read descriptions to make informed purchase decisions. These catalogs function as convenient mobile storefronts on WhatsApp, eliminating the need for a dedicated web page. Business owners can effortlessly create catalogs by accessing the Catalog option in the app's settings, uploading product photos, and providing relevant details, including optional product or service codes.


2019. WhatsApp Business app added customer service features to its desktop and web apps



About a year ago, WhatsApp launched its dedicated app tailored for small businesses. Now, the company is enhancing the usability of the app on desktop and web platforms by incorporating several popular features that were previously exclusive to mobile devices. These additions encompass tools for organizing and filtering chats, as well as facilitating prompt responses to customer inquiries. One such feature is Quick Replies, which enables businesses to swiftly address common customer questions using pre-written responses. It joins a suite of other customer service features, including automated greeting messages triggered when a customer contacts the business account, and scheduled away messages for instances when immediate responses are not feasible.


2018. WhatsApp launched encrypted group video calls



WhatsApp introduced video calling in 2016, initially limited to two participants. However, in a recent update, the app has expanded its video calling support to accommodate a total of four participants. While this increase may appear modest when compared to other services, such as Facebook Messenger allowing up to 50 participants or Skype supporting 25 participants, it presents unique challenges for WhatsApp. The app prioritizes end-to-end encryption for all messages, including video calls, by default. Additionally, WhatsApp must ensure that new features are optimized for users with slower internet connections and older devices. Balancing these factors while maintaining the app's security and performance is crucial for WhatsApp's video calling capabilities.