That WhatsApp messaging service has been on a roll lately with updates, support and bringing the features people want. On the side, they also have their private beta, where they bring online new features (though most of the time it’s just non-disclosed bug fixes). It’s been quiet on the feature front lately, but this morning, we have a report that version 2.11.366 beta has been pushed out to testers with a new tool.
Under settings, users in the beta testing group will find a ‘media autodownload’ selector, pushing that number up to six, along with text size, lock screen, screen rotation, blocked contacts and backup. Media Autodownload is an extension of the app’s ability to automatically save videos and photos to the camera library. Up until this point, media was saved automatically, regardless of a user’s connection.
New autodownload settings
With the addition in version 366, users can choose to have images, audio and/or video saved based on three criteria:
- On mobile data
- On wifi
- When roaming
Just as interestingly, users can choose to have audio saved, which presages the ability for users to attach and receive audio files directly, yet another highly desired feature. Currently, Windows Phone users are restricted to just creating audio clips for sending, but can’t attach anything from their music library, which is found on other platforms. That feature, along with Microsoft’s assistance for API access to that library-call, is most likely in the works, seeing as attach-video was recently brought over.
Unfortunately, there is no visible inclusion of wallpapers yet, which is yet another requested feature high up on the list from users. However, we’re sure it’s on the roadmap for the WhatsApp team, seeing as platform-parity is their long term goal.
There’s no indication of when the auto download configurator will be brought over to the accessible public version, but past reports indicate that it is a few weeks out at most.
Thanks, to our tipster, who wishes to remain anonymous
Daniel Rubino is the Executive Editor of Windows Central, head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft here since 2007, back when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, Microsoft Surface, laptops, next-gen computing, and arguing with people on the internet.
