WhatsApp is actively developing new features to enhance user experience. Android users can anticipate a forthcoming update, Motion Photo, currently undergoing testing. This feature has been identified in the WhatsApp beta version 2.25.22.29 by WABetaInfo and is available to a select group of beta testers.
Motion Photo is a camera function that captures a brief period before and after a photo is taken. It records not only movement but also audio, resulting in more dynamic images. Smartphones like Samsung (Motion Photos) and Google Pixel (Top Shot) already incorporate this feature.
Upon selecting an image from the gallery, a new icon will appear in the top right corner. This icon features a play button, a surrounding ring, and a smaller circle. Tapping this icon enables users to transmit the photo as a Motion Photo, complete with movement and accompanying sound.
To utilize Motion Photos on WhatsApp, the user’s phone must support the function. However, even if a device doesn’t capture Motion Photos, it can still display those sent by others.
In addition to Motion Photo, WhatsApp is also introducing a feature where users can share their usernames instead of phone numbers. This will improve both security and privacy.
Ultimately, WhatsApp’s Motion Photo feature aims to enrich photo sharing and preserve memories vividly, while the username option offers a secure method for identity sharing.