Previously, the messaging app relied on users’ phone contacts, but this new update allows contacts to be stored within WhatsApp itself. 

This simplifies contact management, especially in situations where a phone is lost or when using WhatsApp Web and Windows.

The feature, which is set to roll out soon, enables users to save contacts directly within the app, ensuring that these details are accessible across multiple devices without needing to sync with a phone’s contact list. 

This change will also be useful for those managing both personal and professional contacts separately, particularly if they use multiple WhatsApp accounts on a single device.

Among the great elements of this new update is the introduction of Identity Proof Linked Storage (IPLS), an encrypted system that securely stores contacts. This technology generates an encryption key to protect user data and ensures that saved contacts are linked only to a specific WhatsApp account. 

Again, the platform has partnered with Cloudflare to safeguard the cryptographic integrity of the contact list, preventing any unauthorised alterations.

In the future, WhatsApp aims to introduce usernames, allowing users to share contact details without disclosing their phone numbers. This added privacy feature could reduce the risk of spam and unwanted messages, as it allows for a higher level of anonymity. 

The introduction of usernames is already available on rival platforms like Signal and Telegram, but WhatsApp hopes this will offer its users a similar privacy option.

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This update allows users to quickly locate and connect with their most important contacts through the app’s chats and calls tabs.

Starting today, users can see their favourite contacts and groups at the top of the calls tab and filter them in the chats tab, enhancing the overall user experience. The new feature will be rolled out to all users over the coming weeks.

To add contacts or groups to your Favourites, use the Favourites filter from the chats screen to select the desired contacts or groups. You can also tap ‘Add favourite’ from the calls tab to choose which contacts or groups to prioritise. Alternatively, navigate to Settings > Favorites > Add to Favorites to manage and reorder your favourites at any time.

This feature will ensure seamless communication with your top contacts, whether for quick chats or speed dialling from the calls tab. WhatsApp’s Favourites feature aims to reduce the time spent searching for frequently contacted individuals or groups, providing a more efficient messaging experience.

The Favourites feature is a great enhancement following WhatsApp’s previous introduction of chat filters such as “All,” “Unread,” and “Groups.”

Now, with the addition of WhatsApp Favourites, users have even more control and convenience in managing their conversations.

With this update, which has been tested on iOS, Android, and the web, WhatsApp is improving user functionality and satisfaction.

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