WhatsApp this week: QR Code support, 30-second Status, Rooms and more

We’re back with our weekly wrap on WhatsApp. There hasn’t been a lot buzz around the app this week than usual, but it doesn’t mean there were no new important updates. For instance, WhatsApp is adding QR code support for easier contact sharing. Let’s take a look at the top WhatsApp updates you may have missed this week.

QR Code

Remember the vCards? The file standard allowed users to quickly share your contact or add a new contact. Then there are many apps that allow you to easily scan business cards to integrate them into your contact list. WhatsApp also allows you to share contacts albeit send as attachments. 

The instant messaging company is now working on a new feature that lets you share and add contacts via scanning the QR code. Available in early beta versions, the feature also has an option to scan others’ QR codes. You also get an option to revoke the scan if it’s shared with someone who doesn’t have your number. 

The feature is likely to come in handy to WhatsApp Business users or those who want to spread their contacts to a wider number of users. 

30-second Status is back

Even as millions of people around the world started to work from home, it had put a massive load on the telecom infrastructure. The internet companies announced some measures to optimise the network without disrupting the services. For instance, YouTube played SD videos by default on mobile. WhatsApp also joined the fray by capping the Status to 15 seconds from 30 seconds. Weeks after the move, WhatsApp appears to be restoring the original Status’ 30-second limit. It’s still not available to all users and is part of the recent beta versions. 

Rooms

Facebook last month announced users will be able to host a bigger group video call through Messenger Rooms. The company is also going to bring support Rooms within WhatsApp and Instagram. Right now, the feature hasn’t appeared in the stable version of the WhatsApp app. 

The recent beta updates reveal that there will soon be a Rooms shortcut along with other functionalities part of the attachment. Note that the Rooms will direct you to Messenger instead of hosting the group call within the WhatsApp. Read how it works here.

Privacy crackdown in Europe

Facebook’s WhatsApp has found itself caught in the firing line as Irish Data Protection Commission inches closer to announce first big sanctions under the EU’s stricter data protection rules. The watchdog is said to have already prepared draft decision on WhatsApp’s transparency around data sharing. The company may face hefty penalty if found guilty of violating the rules.