WhatsApp Gets a Handy @all Feature for Group Chats
A new software update builds on WhatsApp’s group chat chops by adding anonymous polls and introducing an easier way to start a smaller private chat away from the larger group.
WhatsApp, which currently boasts over 3 billion users, has released an update that includes a handy @all feature for group chats. This feature allows every member of the group to be notified, even those who have muted the chat in the past. The @all function is designed to override mute settings and notification preferences and is intended for urgent matters like updates or last-minute cancellations.
To prevent misuse, @all is restricted in larger groups, with only administrators able to trigger it, and includes an off-switch. Users can also mute @all alerts entirely in their notification settings. The platform has rolled out this feature gradually as part of a series of group-focused updates. Other updates include polls, which now allow users to set an end time and hide voter names, as well as the ability to create new group chats from existing ones by tapping a single button.
Lastly, WhatsApp is introducing usernames in the coming months, providing an additional layer of privacy for users who wish to connect without sharing their phone numbers.
Written by urgent.news from Wired's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
