We are much aware that WhatsApp is trying everything possible to remain the most popular instant messaging app. The truth still remains that WhatsApp is the undisputed king of the world when it comes to popularity in this category. However, if you compare features to other competing apps, you will realize that WhatsApp still lags behind in a number of features.
WhatsApp has Copied a Couple of Features from Similar Apps
Being aware of this, the Meta owned app is trying to play a catch-up game. But it looks like most of the new features are highly inspired by features of other similar apps.
In most cases, we see WhatsApp introduce new features that are already in use by apps such as Telegram or Signal. A notable example is the WhatsApp Polls feature that was introduced recently. As you may already know, this feature has already been on Telegram for some years now. Also the company recently introduced disappearing messages. Another feature that was inspired by Signal Messenger.
According to recent report by Wabetainfo.com, the company is preparing to introduce a new feature. As expected, this new feature seems to be inspired by Telegram. As a matter of fact, it is the most popular feature on Telegram.
If you happen to be on Telegram, them I am quite sure you are very familiar with Telegram Chaneels right? Very soon, you will also have WhatsApp Channels.
Initially, this feature was tipped to come with the name “Private Newsletter”. However the name seems to have changed in order to suite the purpose of the feature.
Gizchina News of the week
Speaking of feature, Newsletter was designed to be a one-to-many form of broadcasting messages. With this, users can subscribe to accounts that they would like to receive newsletters from. Something quite similar to joining a Telegram Channel.
WhatsApp Channels Feature is the New Name For Newsletter 
The feature is still under development but a screenshot has shown that WhatsApp has renamed it to Channels. WhatsApp will place Channels under the Status tab which will also have a change of name from “Status” to “Update”.
The new Update tab will also be redesigned to have all status arranged in horizontal format instead of the vertical format we currently have. It is worth noting that, user information such as contact numbers will remain hidden after you join a particular Channel. With this, other members of the channel will not be able to see you in the channel even if you have their contacts.
This new feature will also give you the power to control who to receive newsletters or broadcast messages from. You can also search for the name of a channel and join since each channel will have a special handle.
Even though it is one of the main features of Telegram, having it on WhatsApp will be one of the best features that was introduced to the platform.
Developers are currently working on this new feature. We will soon see it go live on our phones. We will make sure to share the news as soon as it is released to the general public. Stay tuned.
Source / Via: WABetaInfo
