Here’s what happened in WhatsApp-ville this week

WhatsApp is arguably one of the most popular messaging apps in the world. Its ever-improving feature set is one of the reasons why it is so popular among people across age groups. This week reports details more features that the Facebook-owned messaging app will be rolling out to its platform in the coming days.

Take a peek:

New linked devices: WhatsApp is working on upgrading the user interface of the WhatsApp Web/Desktop in the Settings section of the app. Up until now, when users clicked on WhatsApp Web/Desktop in the Settings section, they used to see a QR code scanner, which enabled them to scan the QR code on WhatsApp Web to access WhatsApp on a laptop or a tablet. Now, the company has updated the UI to display the label “Use WhatsApp on other devices” which is placed on top of the ‘Link a Device’ button. This button will enable users to create new sessions using WhatsApp Web on other devices. However, it will be available in the future.

Storage Usage: WhatsApp has rolled out an update to the beta version of the app that changes the UI of the Data Storage and Usage section of the app, which has now been renamed as Storage and Data. Apart from shuffling the location of certain sub-sections, the company has removed the ability to delete specific media from the new Storage Usage UI section of the app.

Calls: WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will enable users to make calls via WhatsApp Web. As per a report by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp Web will get a video call option and a voice call option that will be placed on the opposite end of the contact, which will make users make WhatsApp calls using their web browsers. 

Join missed calls: This feature will enable users to join missed group calls if they it hasn't been closed. However, this feature is still in the developmental phase.

Biometric lock: WhatsApp, as per a report by the blogsite is also working on improving the biometric authentication system available in its Android app. As of now Android users can only use fingerprint sensor for authentication. Soon, they will be able to use both the fingerprint sensor and the face unlock for the same.

Mute chats forever: WhatsApp has rolled out a new feature on its Android and iOS-based apps that lets users mute a chat forever. Earlier, users could mute a chat for up to one year.

In-chat shopping: This feature is available in the company's business app and it will enable businesses to use WhatsApp to link through Facebook-native catalogs as well as other products and then allow people to purchase them while on the chat.

Facebook hosting services: This is another feature that will be available to the businesses in the coming days. As per reports, it will offer hosting services to SMBs that are already using Facebook and WhatsApp.

Charging tiers: Lastly, the company is planning to charge businesses for the services that it offers. The exact timeline as to when this feature will be introduced hasn't been revealed yet.