According to WABetaInfo (via), the ability to hide your Last Seen status from select contacts comes with WhatsApp beta v2.21.33.14. This feature effectively offers an additional layer of privacy to those that want it. Some would say the feature has been long overdue on the instant messaging app. Since the new option for Last Seen is only available on the beta version of WhatsApp, it may take some time before reaching the stable channel. As we know, WhatsApp features usually go through a thorough beta process before becoming widely available. If you’re already on WhatsApp beta v2.21.33.14, you can find this feature within the app’s Privacy Settings. The Meta-owned app has introduced multiple new features over the past several months.
WhatsApp brought an updated version of multi-device functionality recently
Recently, the company updated its multi-device feature by allowing the seamless use of the app on other devices even when the primary phone isn’t around. This feature works with a maximum of four devices. Moreover, WhatsApp said that it wouldn’t work on tablets, which is a big letdown. Some users were told to join the multi-device beta to access this new feature. Further, the app might soon allow users to delete messages days or weeks after sending them. In its current form, WhatsApp only permits message deletion up to an hour after it is sent. By contrast, Telegram and Signal have long provided this feature on their apps. Of course, no company is without its set of controversies. WhatsApp has tried to enforce its controversial policy change that would involve sharing of data with its parent company Meta. But the announcement faced sharp criticism from experts and users alike. The Hamburg Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information issued a three-month emergency ban restricting WhatsApp from bringing this policy change into effect. This, in combination with the universal condemnation, led WhatsApp to make the policy change optional.
