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Three NEW WhatsApp features added in surprise updates – including huge iPhone change

WHATSAPP has several huge updates lined up – including changes to calls and voice notes.

We've picked out three key tweaks to the app that you'll definitely want to know about.

WhatsApp is constantly getting updates
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WhatsApp is constantly getting updatesCredit: WhatsApp

All of these features are part of the WhatsApp beta, which is a test version of the app.

They were mined by , a website dedicated to uncovering new features in the WhatsApp beta.

This gives us big clues about what new features are coming to the final versions of WhatsApp.

We have a guide on how to join the WhatsApp beta at the bottom of this article.

Alternatively you can just wait for these features to finally make their way to the general release version of WhatsApp.

However, some of these features may change (or could even be scrapped) before making it to the live version of WhatsApp.

Forwarding voice notes

WhatsApp is working a change to how voice notes are forwarded.

This would mean orange icons would appear when a voice note or audio file has been forwarded.

It will help signify content that has been forwarded.

And there's also a change that adds the ability to tweak playback speed and voice notes.

WhatsApp recently updated that app so that voice note playback doesn't end when you leave a chat.

WhatsApp voice calls

An iPhone change adds a new interface for voice calls on WhatsApp.

This includes voice waveforms for group calls.

That means you'll be able to see who is talking and who can be muted.

Emoji shortcuts

This change is specifically for the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) version of WhatsApp.

It's one of the options for using WhatsApp on Windows PCs.

In a recent beta update, users can quickly access specific emoji.

This works by typing a colon and then a specific word (like "woman") to pull up emoji.

It was already available as a feature on WhatsApp web (in your browser) and the official WhatsApp desktop app.

How to get WhatsApp beta

To download WhatsApp beta for your smartphone you need to go to Google Play on your Android and search for WhatsApp.

Scroll down the page until you see "Become a Beta Tester".

Tap the "I'm In" button and then click "Join" to confirm.

Now all you have to do is wait for the update to the beta version of the app.

Joining the WhatsApp beta on iPhone is more difficult, and has limited capacity.

Follow Apple’s guide .

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In other news, Google Chrome users have been urged to delete their browser.

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