- Official launch of WhatsApp Plus, an optional subscription model for 2,49 euros per month with exclusive customization features.
- The web version already allows group video calls with up to 32 participants and integrates the screen sharing option.
- Meta unifies services under the Meta One plan, integrating artificial intelligence advantages and advanced tools across all its platforms.
- New themed features geared towards major sporting events to improve interaction in channels and group chats.
The quintessential messaging app continues to surprise us with changes designed to keep us constantly glued to the screen. Meta has decided to kick things into high gear so that to send audio or photos of the holidays, betting heavily on personalization and productivity in everyday life.
In Spain, we're already starting to see these changes, with features gradually rolling out to both mobile devices and desktop versions. It seems Mark Zuckerberg's idea is to unify the user experience regardless of where we connect from, giving a fresh look to the interface we've been using for years.
WhatsApp Plus: the return of the optional payment model
One of the most talked-about news items is the arrival of WhatsApp Plus in Europe , a subscription service that, for a monthly fee of €2,49, offers a range of aesthetic and management options that were previously unavailable through official channels. There's no need to worry, as basic functions like sending messages and making calls will remain free, but anyone wanting to personalize the app icon or use exclusive themes will have to pay.
This strategy is part of a larger plan called Meta One, which aims to connect the premium features of Instagram and Facebook with those of the messaging app itself. Subscribers will enjoy much more efficient chat management, allowing them to pin up to twenty conversations so they don't miss anything important among their many friend and work groups.
Security hasn't been compromised in this transition to a paid model, as Meta insists that end-to-end encryption remains unchanged. This means that even if you pay for stickers with special effects or ringtones that no one else has, your conversations will remain private, and no one outside your group will be able to snoop on what you write.
WhatsApp Web catches up with mobile
On the other hand, those of us who spend half our lives in front of a computer are in luck. The web version of the platform has finally caught up and integrates features that were previously only available in the desktop application. It's now possible to make large group video calls with up to 32 people connected simultaneously from a web browser, something that will make life much easier for many in the workplace.
The best part is the addition of real-time screen sharing. This is a godsend when you need to show a document or explain a process without having to constantly send screenshots. The controls are very simple and allow you to choose which group members join the call, so you don't bother everyone unnecessarily.
To make the experience complete, Meta has also capitalized on the popularity of major sporting events to launch specific tools. An exclusive football directory has been created where users can check results and follow official channels with a single click. Even the football emoji has been temporarily updated to pay tribute to the most prestigious international competitions of the moment.
These updates demonstrate that the platform is constantly evolving, blending the need to monetize the service with real improvements that facilitate both personal and professional communication . The rollout is being phased in, so if you don't yet see the subscription option or the new calls in your browser, it's only a matter of time before they appear in the settings menu. We're entering a new phase where the application becomes more versatile, allowing us to organize our digital lives in a much more visual and efficient way.