-The 12-minute short film tells the story of NBA player Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was born in Greece to Nigerian parents
-WhatsApp is currently testing import backup for Android
-WhatsApp plans to bring edit message feature for desktop app
-A screenshot showed that the camera shortcut is placed within the navigation bar and it will show up for those users that can already create a community in the future
-WhatsApp to allow status updates with 30-second voice notes
New Delhi / San Francisco, NFAPost: Meta-owned WhatsApp is venturing into the film-making business and will premiere its first original short film titled ‘Naija Odyssey’ on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube.
The 12-minute short film tells the story of NBA player Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was born in Greece to Nigerian parents. “The Greek Freak. That’s not me, that’s not all of me. Naija Odyssey, the cross-culture story of Giannis by WhatsApp. Stream Sept 21 on Prime Video,” WhatsApp said in a tweet.
The 12-minute short film signifies WhatsApp’s foray into entertainment, a first for a social media messaging platform. However, ‘Naija Odyssey” appears to be a way to promote WhatsApp as Antetokounmpo recently signed an endorsement deal with the company, another first for the platform, reports Variety.
“‘Naija Odyssey’ is a story that reinforces how WhatsApp helps us embrace our multifaceted lives. In navigating relationships, identity, and even adversity, WhatsApp is there a” enabling you to embrace all sides of you by connecting you to those who matter most,” a company spokesperson was quoted as saying.
The 12-minute movie will also be released on WhatsApp’s social media accounts, including its YouTube channel. Antetokounmpo was named the ‘NBA All-Star Game MVP’ for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021.
Narrated by Antetokounmpo and his mother, ‘Naija Odyssey’ is inspired by the classic Greek epic poem ‘The Odyssey’, depicting different moments in his life.
WhatsApp to soon introduce import backup feature
WhatsApp, the Meta-backed instant messaging app, is reportedly testing a new feature which will let users import chat backup easily. Earlier this year, WhatsApp was working on a corresponding export backup tool.
According to a blogpost on Wabetainfo, WhatsApp said the import backup tool is still under development for the Android 2.22.20.10 beta version.
As per the screenshot shared by WhatsApp, when a user tries to log into WhatsApp from a different device (or the same one following reinstallation of the app) the individual can now easily import the exported backup to the device without risking any data.
The latest import backup feature will work even without a Wi-Fi connection and a local backup that has automatically been created by WhatsApp to make export to import easier.
WhatsApp did not confirm any release day yet, but we can expect it be rolled out soon.
WhatsApp now lets you edit text
WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is reportedly testing ‘Edit Message’ feature for its desktop app. In a blogpost by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp’s edit message feature for desktop app is under development and is not yet available to desktop beta testers.
Earlier in May, WhatsApp tweaked about the edit message feature. In a screenshot shared by WhatsApp, a new view lets users enter a text that will be replaced with the original message that has been already sent. As the feature is under testing, the details about the time window for global rollout is unknown.
WhatsApp working to let users create polls in group chat: Report
Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp is likely working on a new update that will allow users to create polls in chat.
With this feature, which is under development, group participants will be able to share polls with other members of the group. It will be possible to add up to 12 options but this value may change before the release of the feature, reports WABetaInfo.
This feature is under development so it is not ready to be released to beta testers.
As per the report, an entry point for the feature will be available within the usual chat action sheet where you can find all other media sharing options and it opens the section that we spotted during the development of WhatsApp beta for Android 2.22.10.11.
A recent report said that WhatsApp is likely working on a feature that will add a new camera shortcut for iPhone users on their app.
A screenshot showed that the camera shortcut is placed within the navigation bar and it will show up for those users that can already create a community in the future.
It looks exactly like the one implemented on WhatsApp beta for Android (but since there was a bug, it has temporarily been removed in another update), the report had said.
WhatsApp to let users share voice notes in status updates
WhatsApp is working to let users upload voice notes as status updates. This comes after WhatsApp tracker WABetaInfo had earlier announced working on configuring avatars. These features are under development and will be released to beta users at a later date.
According to WABetaInfo, users will be able to share 30-second voice notes with contacts based on privacy settings. The feature appears similar to text status composer. Users can choose a background colour for their voice note, which will pop up as a message bubble.
In addition, users will soon receive messages from WhatsApp as in Telegram. As per the WABetaInfo report, users will receive information about privacy, security and other updates through the chat feature, which is under development.
