WhatsApp recently announced a new feature that modifies its current Disappearing Messages setup. While users can set any messages that they sent as disappearing, the ones who received these messages can opt to save them for later use. The free instant messaging app calls this latest feature the Keep in Chat.
WhatsApp Will Allow Users to Keep Disappearing Messages, But Only With the Sender's Consent
As reported by Engadget, the Keep in Chat option enabled users to stop messages in the disappearing message thread from completely vanishing. Users can long press on a message that they wish to refer back to later on, and that message will stay in the thread.
However, this latest feature has a limitation as the people who sent the disappearing texts should first give their consent to save their messages. If they don't give their approval within the specified time period, then the messages will disappear as intended
Senders of the disappearing messages will get a notification that someone wants to use the Keep in Chat option for their messages. In this case, it is up to the requestor to convince the sender to allow them to save the texts. Once approved, a bookmark icon will be visible next to saved messages. They can be accessed through the Kept Messages folder where they are organized for each conversation.
WhatsApp said that the Keep in Chat feature will be available to all users within a few weeks. Some users will have to wait as the feature will be released gradually. As of now, this is the only confirmed new feature for the messaging app, although there are reports that WhatsApp is preparing another feature for future release.
According to GizChina, the Android Beta version of WhatsApp is currently testing a feature that allows users to write personalized descriptions for forwarded files. This way, there will be less chance of misunderstanding as users can provide context on the files that they are sharing with other people. The feature was first discovered by user WABetaInfo, and it is now available for selected Android Beta testers.
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Keep in Chat Feature Doesn't Intend to Undermine the Purpose of Disappearing Messages
When the Disappearing Messages feature became available in 2020, many users are relieved as they are given the option to protect the privacy of the messages containing sensitive details. However, with the existence of Keep in Chat option, it appears to be undercutting the objective of disappearing texts. However, WhatsApp explained that there could be some instances when users provide important details in messages that they set as disappearing, such as voice notes or addresses. In this case, it is important to give users the option to keep these details before they vanish.
Furthermore, WhatsApp still gives the sender the final say on whether they will allow their messages to be saved for future use. Therefore, the purpose of disappearing messages is not completely disregarded.
WhatsApp strives to improve its messaging platform by introducing new features regularly, including the new Keep in Chat feature. The messaging app also recently introduced Companion Mode which allows users to access their account on two devices at the same time.
