WhatsApp 2.12.505, a BETA version, is now available for download on Android. However, unlike the rumors had it, the newest version of WhatsApp does not have a video calling feature. The latest BETA release comes with few bug fixes and five new features, including exchanging PDF files and integration of cloud drives.
The new WhatsApp version is now more stable, but sadly, the long debated video calling feature has not been confirmed by the company for the current or any future version. If any such feature is in fact introduced, no doubt Android phones will be the first to get the piece, NeuroGadget reported.
According to the PlayStore account of the application, users will now be able to exchange PDFs and even send from cloud apps installed on their phones. Likewise, the photos or videos can also be shared back and forth directly from the Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive.
The latest release also offers an enhanced design, which is attuned to facilitate browsing photos and videos. The chat background colors can be selected from a color pallet for added personalization while videos can be zoomed during the playback, DailyStar Reported.
The developers have also announced that WhatsApp is going to discontinue its support for smartphones that are powered by BlackBerry, BlackBerry 10, Nokia S40, Nokia S60, Window 7.1, Android 2.1 and Android 2.2 OS towards the end of 2016. So the 2017 releases of the application will not run on the said mobile operating systems.
Here is how you can install the latest WhatsApp update:
BETA versions of an application are test releases, which means that you have to install it manually to test it out. Although, the latest WhatsApp 2.12.505 is available on Google Play Store, but you must join the WhatsApp BETA program to install it on your Android phone.
Another alternative is directly downloading the APK file and installing it on your phone, this method will save you registration for WhatsApp BETA program. To do this, first enable the "Unknown Sources" from your Android phone's security settings and log on to whatsapp.com/android and get the WhatsApp 2.12.505 APK file.
This video shows how to install an update manually:
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