WhatsApp today introduced Channels, a feed-style one-way broadcast service coming to the popular chat platform where admins can send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls to followers. WhatsApp calls Channels "a simple, reliable, and private way to receive important updates from people and organizations," and cites hobbies, sports teams, and updates from local authorities as examples. The personal information of admins is kept hidden from followers, so things like phone number and photo profile aren't shown. Likewise, following a channel won't reveal your phone number to the admin or other followers. Admins will also have the option to block screenshots and forwards from their channel. WhatsApp says it is building a directory where channels can be discovered, and you can…

WhatsApp announced earlier this year that it would finally let users log into the same account on multiple smartphones, as the platform has never allowed this except by offering the Web version that works only on desktop devices. After making the feature available for Android users, WhatsApp’s new Companion Mode is now being rolled out to iPhone users as well. more… The post WhatsApp now rolling out Companion Mode for iPhone users appeared first on 9to5Mac.

WhatsApp's Companion mode is now rolling out on iPhone, allowing you to use the same account on multiple iPhones. (via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

WhatsApp appears to have a username feature in the works that could potentially provide people on the messaging service with an additional layer of privacy. As things stand, if someone wants to add you as a WhatsApp contact, you're required to share your phone number with them, even if they add you via the QR code method. That's how it's always worked in WhatsApp, but it looks as if Meta's developers understand that users might sometimes prefer to add certain contacts without revealing their phone number. WABetaInfo has spotted a WhatsApp username field in the latest beta Android app, allowing users to choose unique usernames for their accounts. The likelihood is that WhatsApp intends to let users reach other people…

WhatsApp usernames look likely to be offered in a future version of the secure chat app. This would potentially make it easier to add contacts, and offer greater privacy … more… The post WhatsApp usernames in development, with simplicity and privacy benefits appeared first on 9to5Mac.

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