WhatsApp users may soon have access to a brand-new feature which will allow messages to disappear after being read once.
The eagle-eyed team at WABetainfo say that the Meta-owned service appears to be testing a 'view once' option for the popular instant messaging (IM) service - which would allow users to send messages that can only be read once before vanishing forever.
It's a feature that long-time rivals Snapchat made their name from, but until recently, WhatsApp has never signified an interest in a similar method of communication.
Read more: Urgent WhatsApp warning issued to millions after phone numbers stolen by hackers
The Express reports that alongside self-destructing, all chats sent using the function will not include the ability to be forwarded, nor copied and pasted. It is also very likely that screenshots will be barred when using the view once function, creating a totally secret way of messaging.
Snapchat on the other hand allows screenshotting, but senders will receive a notification when a recipient does so. Of course, at present users can already send 'Disappearing Messages' through WhatsApp, but these remain on file for at least 24 hours before being deleted.
A new upgrade would see complete confidentiality with messages disappearing completely upon opening. As it stands, the feature is going through beta testing, and there is no official word on when or if it will see release - but more news is anticipated in the near future.
While view once chats are still a long way from completion, WhatsApp has recently released a brand-new upgrade available for all to use right now. The IM service announced that it has launched an avatar and caricature mode, which allows users to create and send as stickers and responses to messages.
WhatsApp says that the avatar can be used to create a digital version of yourself, and there are billions of combinations with regards to hairstyles, facial features and outfits. Once designed, the avatar can be added to a user's profile, or be made into one of 36 custom stickers to reflect emotion or action.
Explaining more, WhatsApp said: "Sending an avatar is a fast and fun way to share feelings with friends and family. It can also be a great way to represent yourself without using your real photo so it feels more private. For many people this will be the first time creating an avatar and we'll continue to deliver style enhancements including lighting, shading, hair style textures, and more that will make avatars even better over time.
"We hope you enjoy creating and sharing your avatars, which will be rolling out to users everywhere from today."
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