WhatsApp has reintroduced the “View Once” feature on its desktop version, bringing relief to many users who prefer the convenience of messaging on their computers. The instant messaging giant initially launched this feature in the web version of WhatsApp in the previous year, enabling users to send photos and videos that could only be viewed once by the recipient.
This decision has sparked intense discussions among users, with many applauding WhatsApp for taking steps to enhance user privacy. The View Once feature is a significant move towards giving users more control over their privacy settings.
Similar to Snapchat users, WhatsApp’s View Once feature prevents media content from being saved to the recipient’s gallery permanently. This ensures that the sent media, whether it be a photo or a video, can only be viewed once, and it doesn’t stay on the recipient’s device permanently. This temporary access is restricted to a limited time, providing an added layer of privacy.
The reintegration of this function into computer-based WhatsApp applications serves to create a more consistent user experience across all platforms. One-time view capability is typically utilized for sharing sensitive or temporary information that doesn’t need to be stored permanently in memory. However, desktop users previously lacked this option.
Also Read: WhatsApp Backup Storage to Impact Google Drive Space for Android Users
Sending Temporary Media:
According to the WhatsApp Tracker (Wabetainfo), the View Once feature is now available on desktop applications for Windows and macOS. Users can now send photos and videos with the View Once feature directly from their desktops. The feature can be activated through the caption bar in the drawing editor for Windows users, while macOS users can access it by linking their devices.
The View Once feature is not limited to static images; it also extends to temporary videos. Once the recipient opens the media, it becomes invisible after a period of 14 days. This temporary nature of media sharing ensures that users can send content with the confidence that it won’t be stored indefinitely.
While this update allows people to send photos and videos with the one-time view, the feature is currently not available for opening these media within WhatsApp for computers. This limitation stems from a privacy configuration implemented in the WhatsApp apps for Android and iOS, preventing users from taking screenshots and sharing content with others. This aligns with the feature’s goal of being ephemeral, disappearing after the initial viewing.
Upon receiving such media, the desktop application notifies users that the content can only be viewed on mobile devices.
The reintroduction of the one-time view option in the desktop versions of WhatsApp aligns with the platform’s commitment to enhancing privacy and security measures for its users. By enabling this feature across all devices, WhatsApp aims to offer a more uniform and secure communication experience.
Profile Information in Chats:
WhatsApp has also introduced a new feature that displays user profile information in chats. This enhancement allows users on Android devices to view profile details while staying in the chat window, providing a more seamless experience. This feature displays the “Last Seen” timestamp and location in real-time when the contact is online.
Moreover, users can now quickly update their profile information directly from the chat screen. Any changes made to the profile photo are instantly visible to others in the chat, ensuring that users can keep their profiles up to date effortlessly.
New Voice Chat Feature in Groups:
WhatsApp has expanded its features to include a new voice chat option in groups. This feature enables users to have real-time voice conversations with members of a group. It enhances the communication experience within large groups, allowing instant voice messaging without the need for individual calls.
Additionally, when a voice message is sent in a group, group members receive a push notification rather than an individual message notification. This streamlines the communication process, making it more efficient for users participating in group conversations.
As WhatsApp continues to evolve and introduce new features, users can look forward to a more dynamic and engaging messaging experience. Whether it’s ensuring the privacy of media content or enhancing the accessibility of profile information, these updates contribute to making WhatsApp a versatile and user-friendly platform for communication.
Also Read: WhatsApp Introduces New Voice Chat Feature for Larger Groups
Conclusion
Overall, this reintroduction reaffirms WhatsApp’s dedication to adapting and improving its services to meet evolving user needs, particularly in enhancing privacy controls for sensitive content sharing.
However, the inability to view one-time media directly on desktops emphasizes the continued importance of using the mobile application for complete access to this privacy-centric functionality.
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