WhatsApp is the most widely used instant messaging service globally, and the Facebook-owned platform tries to keep adding new features to make it relevant for it’s over billion daily active users. The latest in the series is the new fingerprint lock feature that has been spotted by WABetainfo, which keeps a track on the upcoming WhatsApp feature when they are in the testing phase. For those who are not aware of the authentication feature on WhatsApp should know that this will be a native feature built inside the app and will be safer than using any third-party fingerprint lock to keep your WhatsApp chats safe.
WhatsApp beta for Android 2.19.3: Fingerprint authentication feature
- The new WhatsApp authentication feature spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android 2.19.3 version is currently available to select users. It’s also worth noting that the fingerprint lock will be available to Android users first.
- The new fingerprint lock in WhatsApp will be available in Privacy settings under the authentication tab, which will also be a new addition. The new feature will put an authentic lock on the entire app and not just specific chats.
- To enable the fingerprint authentication, users will have to register their fingerprint on the device. WhatsApp will also have an option for users to choose device credentials if the fingerprint was registered.
- Once enabled, users can open WhatsApp chats only by authenticating the app with the help of fingerprint.
WABetainfo reports that WhatsApp is also working to integrate Face ID and Touch ID to its iOS version. However, the feature is currently in development and will take some time to be available to all users. Considering that the newest iPhones – iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR doesn’t support fingerprint authentication, we can expect Face ID to be the default WhatsApp authentication method.
The new fingerprint feature is expected to add a layer of security to WhatsApp chats. The Facebook-owned app uses end-to-end encryption to protect chats.
COURTESY – TN
