Tech Trends 📰

WhatsApp Rolls Out Document Scanning Feature for Android Beta Users: Here’s What to Expect

WhatsApp is testing a new document scanning feature on Android, currently available only for beta users.. The feature lets users scan documents directly within the app using their phone camera, without needing third-party apps.. Scanned documents are saved as PDFs and can be shared instantly with contacts.. The option appears in the attachment menu as "Scan Document" alongside "Browse Documents" and "Choose from Gallery." It supports both manual and automatic scanning modes.. This update, along with WhatsApp’s recent AI-powered chat summarization tool, aims to make the app more useful for productivity and communication..

WhatsApp is adding ads to the Status screen | TechCrunch

WhatsApp will soon begin displaying ads on the Status screen, similar to Instagram Stories ads.. Ads will appear after users view a few Status updates, using targeting signals like location, language, and followed channels.. Meta says it will not use private data like phone numbers, messages, or calls for ad targeting.. WhatsApp will also allow promotion of Channels in the discovery section and introduce paid subscriptions for exclusive Channel content.. These monetization features will roll out globally in the coming months, expanding WhatsApp’s revenue beyond Business tools and click-to-WhatsApp ads..

WhatsApp introduces controls for media download quality

WhatsApp now allows users to choose between "standard quality" and "HD quality" for photo and video downloads.. The feature helps users manage data usage and device storage more efficiently.. It is currently available only to beta testers using WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.18.11.. Users can customize auto-download settings to match their data plans or network conditions.. The app sends both standard and HD versions of media, letting recipients download based on their chosen settings..

WhatsApp usernames to launch soon, keeping phone numbers private

WhatsApp is introducing a privacy-first username system that will let users chat without revealing their phone numbers.. Usernames must be 3–30 characters long, include at least one letter, and follow strict rules (e.g., no duplicate names, no domain endings like “.com”).. When chatting without prior contact sharing, only the username will be shown—not the phone number.. If a user changes their username, WhatsApp will notify all chat contacts through an automatic message.. Web support is coming soon, and though there’s no official launch date, the feature is already appearing in iOS beta builds—suggesting a rollout is near..

Still Using One of These Older Phones? WhatsApp Will Stop Working Soon

WhatsApp has stopped working on older smartphones from June 1, 2025. The app now requires iPhones with iOS 15.1 or higher and Android phones with version 5.0 or higher. Devices like iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, Galaxy S III, HTC One X, and Sony Xperia Z are affected. Meta says older phones lack the latest security updates and features needed for WhatsApp. The support cutoff was originally planned for May 5, 2025 but was extended to give users more time.

WhatsApp introduces AI tool for profile and group pictures | The Express Tribune

WhatsApp has launched a feature for AI-generated profile and group pictures. Users can create images just by typing a text prompt. No need for real photos which is good for privacy. This feature is currently available to limited beta testers. Users get the option to generate an AI image while changing profile or group icon in settings.