2019 WhatsApp update for Android to lock fingerprints for chats, redesign audio messages

WhatsApp for Android iphone

Users of Apple iPhone and Android phone can look forward to it. WhatsApp could well plan to provide access to its social messaging app for biometric authentication.

WhatsApp has been working on a number of new features in the app for both iOS and Android smartphone users for some time. One of the main features we discussed earlier was that WhatsApp worked to highlight the Dark Mode feature that was to be launched alongside the Android Q update, and now there is a new report that points to possible biometric authentication, i.e. fingerprint access to the WhatsApp app.

WhatsApp new features

In a WABetaInfo report, WhatsApp has updated its beta version numbered Android 2.19.3, providing Android users with a new type of authentication. The report also states that WhatsApp has begun working on the WhatsApp fingerprint authentication for Android applications after working on the Face ID and Touch ID integration feature for iOS users, which is not yet available for developmental reasons.

Beta users can see a new section in the WhatsApp application that shows the option to enable authentication of fingerprints. It works similar to the iOS and is also available on Apple’s iOS. This means that there will be an additional security layer added to WhatsApp, because users will need to authenticate each time they open the app. In addition, the report indicated that the new beta version of WhatsApp will also have a new and improved audio picker in which users can preview the audio files before sending them.

A new tray will open the audio files, where the image preview of the audio file is also available, if available. In addition, WhatsApp users can send up to 30 audio files simultaneously.

WhatsApp has added some new features for iOS users, such as adding personal stickers, replaying privately, 3D touch action for status, group sticker management and more. All of these features are available for all public beta users using the WhatsApp beta update for iOS 2.19.10.21.

Mark Funk
Mark Funk is an experienced information security specialist who works with enterprises to mature and improve their enterprise security programs. Previously, he worked as a security news reporter.