Earlier this month, WhatsApp launched a separate beta program for iOS users, joining their Android counterparts. Now iPhone users will also be able to get WhatsApp beta updates as they arrive, letting them test out the new features before they’re rolled out to everyone else.
According to the latest tweet by WABetaInfo, the app is getting video previews in push notifications soon. The update will be making its way to the iOS beta soon. Android users won’t be getting it for now.
✅ WhatsApp is rolling out the possibility to view videos directly in the push notification for any iOS beta user having the 2.18.102.5 version installed!
It will be available soon for App Store users.
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) November 20, 2018
As the name implies, it will let you preview the videos you receive directly in your notifications. Think of it like YouTube video notifications, however, the video can be played for a few seconds.
This also poses a risk of embarrassment because someone else will be able to see the video on your phone.
Photo previews are already available so users may have gotten used to it somewhat. You can hide video previews from notifications so that only authenticated users can see the video previews. This means that if you have your phone locked with a fingerprint or a pattern/pin, you’ll only see the previews once you unlock your phone.
One of the users somehow got access to this feature without signing up for the beta program. It’s possible that WhatsApp may be pushing the feature to some of the regular users.
Here’s the feature in action:
https://twitter.com/caschy/status/1065142764164341760
As you can see from the video above, you can only view a few seconds of the video at a time, but it’s long enough that someone peeping on your phone may be able to see the videos you get.
As mentioned above, the feature will be rolled out to WhatsApp beta users on iOS soon. You can learn more on how to sign up for the beta here.
Via TrustedReviews
Really amazing!