Oliver Haslam on June 29, 2016, 5:19 am

WhatsApp To Add Support For Live Photos, Even For Unsupported Devices

WhatsApp is working on a new release of its popular instant messaging app that will allow owners of smartphones other than the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus and iPhone SE to see Live Photos in all their glory, according to a new report. According to the Dutch publication, WhatsApp is currently testing Live Photos support as part of the app’s existing beta release schedule, although no expected release date for when the app will go live in the App Store has been shared.

The feature, as-yet unannounced by WhatsApp but under testing within the current beta release, allows those with the latest iPhones to take a Live Photo and then share it via the instant messaging service. For those that own iPhones capable of viewing Live Photos, WhatsApp will work as normal, but for anyone with non-compatible devices, WhatsApp is working on the ability to convert those photos into animated GIFs.

Currently, Live Photos are displayed as static images after being sent via WhatsApp, so the addition of support for Live Photos is a feature that will no doubt be well received when it makes its way to the version of WhatsApp that is live in the App Store. While currently in beta testing, it’s unclear when any new features will become available for users.

Alongside the Live Photos support, WhatsApp is also adding improved video recording, which will allow users to zoom while video is being captured, as well as new emoji based on the upcoming Olympics, all of which will be great additions to an app that is already in use by millions upon millions of users worldwide.

The instant messaging marketplace has exploded of late, and even Apple, in preparation for the iOS 10 software release later this year, is giving iMessage a lick of paint and several new features aimed at making conversations a lot more expressive.

(Source: iCulture [Google Translate])