WhatsApp may let users choose unique usernames via its web client
WhatsApp is speculated to be developing a new feature for its web client that will allow users to choose usernames, according to claims from a feature tracker. It should provide more flexibility in connecting with other users on the instant messaging platform by eliminating the need to share phone numbers. The feature is said to be still in development and may not be available to all users of the WhatsApp web client.
Usernames on WhatsApp
According to According to feature tracker WABetaInfo, users will be able to personalize their profiles on WhatsApp with usernames on the web client. The feature was first teased last year, but WhatsApp has now introduced a new user interface (UI). It is speculated that it will add a layer of privacy and convenience to WhatsApp by allowing users to connect with others using usernames, instead of having to share their mobile numbers.
Usernames on WhatsApp Web Client
Photo credit: WABetaInfo
According to an alleged screenshot of the feature, the description reads, “Your friends and family can contact you on WhatsApp using this username.” It further adds that the username will be displayed instead of the phone number to “protect user privacy.”
The feature is only speculated to allow users who have their username to contact them. It is tipped to be unique to avoid duplication, and users may need to check for its availability when choosing a username. Since it is still in development, Gadgets 360 staff was unable to verify its availability on the WhatsApp web client.
Other WhatsApp Features
In addition to the ability to choose usernames, WhatsApp is also said to be developing another addition: a live transcription feature for voice messages. This could potentially allow users to generate transcriptions for voice messages they’ve sent and received. According to the feature tracker, a new banner could appear below a voice transcription, asking the user if they want to receive a transcription of the voice message.
It was reported in WhatsApp for Android beta app version 2.24. 15.5. It was followed shortly after by another feature in development that would allow users to get live transcripts of conversations. While it was initially speculated that it would use Google’s technology, a recent report suggests that WhatsApp may be relying on its in-house voice translation capabilities.
