8 new WhatsApp features you need to know

WhatsApp recently joined the 1-billion users club. The Facebook-owned WhatsApp has now become almost the de facto mode of communication in many countries around the globe. The regular updates the app gets has gone a long way in bolstering its user base.

The popular instant messaging app has received a slew of new features in the past few months. Here's a glance at 6 such cool features you should know about.

We tell you the 8 most awaited and exciting features that you can now find on your WhatsApp:

1. Sharing the documents: Do you know that along with photos and audio clips, you can also share your documents on WhatsApp? Yes, the company's most recent update allows you to share your PDF files on the chat app. Users will have to update the WhatsApp to its latest version, which is available through the Google Play Store and the company's own website.

2.Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud Drive integration in iOS:WhatsApp has released an update for iPhones that adds new features like sending files from Google Drive and Dropbox as well as lets users zoom in on videos as they play.One big feature of this update (v 2.12.14) is the integration of iCloud Drive, Google Drive, DropBox, OneDrive etc to send files to other contacts. This means that users can send photos and videos stored in cloud storage services directly from WhatsApp. However, other files stored in the cloud, like Excel sheets or Word documents, still cannot be sent via WhatsApp.

3. The much-talked about middle finger: Now you can better express your anger to someone on WhatsApp! Amongst the number of unique emojis the app has introduced, in one of its updates, users can also find the controversial middle finger emoji. Other new emojis include a bucket of popcorn, upside down smiley face, burrito, racing cars, spider and many more. So, go ahead and express yourself in a unique and better way on WhatsApp!

4. Pinch-to-Zoom videos:  The pinch to zoom feature lets the iOS users zoom in the videos while it is playing within WhatsApp.

5. Shared link history: WhatsApp now helps you keep a tab of the links that you share on the chat. Earlier, the app allowed users to see only the videos and images that have been shared on the thread. With this update, it is possible to see all the links that have been shared on either singular or group chats.

6. Group member limit increased from 100 to 256:WhatsApp recently increased the number of users one can have in a group to 256. This number previously was restricted to 100. The update is update is available to both iOS and Android app users.

7.Become a WhatsApp 'tester':This is the best way to become a WhatsApp pro. WhatsApp recently launched a beta tester programme. Once signed, as a tester, you will receive an update that includes a testing version of the WhatsApp Messenger app. However, as with all beta versions, these features too may be unstable or have a few bugs.However, so far the programme is only for Android users.

8.Keep starred messages while clearing chat:This feature gives you more flexibility while deleting your chats. So far, Android users have the option to delete messages older than 30 days or over 6 months. However, often felt if you could save some of these. You have the option now: Users can keep starred messages while clearing chats. This version is so far in beta mode.