WhatsApp is rolling out a series of new features, including improved Apple CarPlay and Android Auto experiences, as part of the Meta-owned company’s broader efforts to make the app a more complete cross-device communication platform rather than just a platform used for mobile messaging.
The platform is also launching features that will allow users to join WhatsApp directly from iPad, share what they’re listening to, and open PDFs directly from the app.
WhatsApp has also improved integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, apps that run on smartphones and communicate wirelessly with the car’s infotainment system. Previously, WhatsApp had access to CarPlay, but users were limited to composing messages and making calls. Users can now listen and respond to messages, view call logs, and even access their favorite contacts.
According to WhatsApp, since launching WhatsApp for iPad last year, people have been asking for the option to create accounts directly on their iPad without having to connect to their phone. Users can now register and set up an account directly through the iPad app, the company says.
It’s worth noting that registering for an account still requires your phone number and the ability to receive a one-time password. After that, the app will operate as a standalone account on your iPad and will not be linked to your primary phone as a secondary device, a WhatsApp spokesperson told TechCrunch.
Additionally, users can now share songs from Apple Music or Spotify directly to their WhatsApp status. According to WhatsApp, the idea behind this feature is to allow users to express themselves and make their statuses more unique.
WhatsApp now lets you open PDFs directly within the app without having to download them. When users open a PDF, they can perform simple editing tasks like highlighting and annotating right within chat. This new feature is available on web and desktop, WhatsApp says.
The latest feature announced on Wednesday adds to the growing list of updates to WhatsApp rolled out in recent months.
A few weeks ago, the company launched Usernames to allow people to share their profiles without revealing their phone number. At the end of May, Meta launched a subscription plan for its messaging app that unlocks additional features like profile customization, super reactions, story insights, and more. The WhatsApp Plus plan was launched alongside similar “Plus” services for Instagram and Facebook.
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