Meta has released update to Messenger’s opt-in end-to-end encrypted chats, including group chats and calls, notifications for screenshots of disappearing messages, stickers, GIFs, reactions and more.
End-to-end Encrypted Group Chats and Calls on Messenger
Last year, Meta began testing end-to-end encryption for group chats, including voice and video calls., and this feature is now available to everyone.
Screenshot notifications
Last year, Meta updated the settings for disappearing messages in end-to-end encrypted chats and are now introducing a new notification when it is detected that someone screenshots a disappearing message.
The feature will be rolling out over the next few weeks for disappearing messages in end-to-end encrypted chats.
Replies
You’ll now be able to reply to specific messages in your end-to-end encrypted chats, either by long pressing or swiping to reply.
- Tap and hold to reply: long press on a message to reply to it. Your reply includes a copy of the original message.
- Swipe to reply: you’ll also be able to swipe on the message you want to reply to. Swipe and type!
Message forwarding
You can now forward messages to your friends and family with this new feature! Long-pressing on a message will give you the option to forward. One you tap the ‘forward’ button, a share sheet will be displayed so you can share with one or many people or groups. You’ll also be able to create a new group before forwarding a message.
Video edits
When sending a photo or video from your gallery, you’ll have the option to edit before sending so you can add your own personal touch. This includes adding stickers, scribbling or adding text, cropping, and audio editing too (for videos).
In addition, Meta area are making the verified badge available for end-to-end encrypted chats to help you identify authentic accounts and have meaningful interactions. When saving media, you’ll be able to save a video or image by long-pressing on any media you receive.
To help you feel more present in your encrypted 1:1 and group chats, typing indicators are now available so that you can see when others are typing.
With reactions, you’ll be able tap and hold on a message to bring up the reactions tray to make your choice of reaction. You can also double tap a message to “heart” it. And for those who love GIFs and Stickers, they are now available for a more feature rich chat experience in end-to-end encrypted chats.
