(Image source from: Economictimes.indiatimes.com)

WhatsApp unveiled many fresh features for its app on Thursday as the holiday season approaches. The Meta-owned messaging service shared that the new Missed Call Messages function will replace regular voicemail, making it simpler to connect with friends and family. Enhancements have also been made to image creation using Meta AI, which now includes the ability to turn pictures into short videos along with better image quality.

Missed Call Messages is a new option that enables users to leave a recorded message if the person they are calling cannot answer. Depending on what they choose, users can send either a voice or video message with just one tap. The company mentioned in a blog that “this new method will make voicemails outdated.” In addition, users can now react during voice calls with new responses, such as 'cheers!', without stopping the ongoing conversation. Moreover, WhatsApp will now give priority to the speaker during video calls.

In addition, WhatsApp is enhancing image creation through Meta AI. It now incorporates new features for generating images from Flux and Midjourney. The platform boasts a "huge" enhancement for creating images, like yearly holiday cards, in time for the festive season. Meta AI introduces the ability to animate images as well. According to WhatsApp, users can turn any picture into a short video using the prompts they provide. The desktop version of the app includes a new media tab for conveniently organizing documents, links, and media across different chats. The display of link previews is reported to have been improved. Lastly, there are new stickers for Status updates. Users can now include song lyrics, interactive stickers, and questions that others can reply to. WhatsApp is also introducing questions on Channels. The Meta-owned service says this feature will help admins interact with their audience more effectively and receive instant feedback.