WhatsApp is transforming and adding a similar service to Google Maps

Last year, WhatsApp expanded its offering of functionality and services in order to become an app that transcends instant messaging. A few weeks ago, the app started implementing payment and cryptocurrency delivery; Now, everything indicates that the Meta app is testing a tool to find restaurants and other types of business near a user’s location.

The news was announced by WhatsApp CEO Will Carthcart and specialized broker Wabetainfo, who confirmed that the new functionality will be tested by some users in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Nearby Businesses will have an easy to use search interface where users will have a search field, as well as the ability to view files, photos or links of mentioned nearby businesses..

This tool allows you to filter business between restaurants, supermarkets, clothing stores, and more. Once the category is selected, the user will access a list of nearby stores, although the exact scope of this search is not specified.

“Like everything we do on WhatsApp, we’ve built this system privately: we don’t log your location or the companies you see,” the company’s CEO explained via his Twitter account.

The functionality will begin to be available in beta versions of WhatsApp for iOS and Android in countries where the company is enabling the tool, although there is no set date for it to actually launch.

On the business side, WhatsApp Business users have received an update to quickly reply to messages to customers from the notification bar, so these two functions complement each other and will focus on enhancing communication between businesses and individuals.

This new “map” will leave WhatsApp to compete in some respects with other navigation services such as Google Maps, Foursquare or TripAdvisor, so everything indicates that the instant messaging company will move away from simplicity to expand its catalog of services towards other horizons.

You can now listen to WhatsApp audios before sending them

WhatsApp has been updated with a new functionality, because although it was already available to beta users, now everyone will be able to play voice notes before sending them.

This update is available in voice messages for iOS and Android users, so you don’t need any third party app, just update your WhatsApp to the latest version.

WhatsApp has already announced a new interface for displaying audio, however, this recording can now be paused and re-listened before sending it, so people can be sure they want to send this message.

Although the recording process has not undergone any changes, to take advantage of this new functionality we will have to slide up when we record the voice memo to block the microphone.

When we move up, a new box will appear that gives you the possibility to turn off the sound, from here you will have access to the preview of the voice message, which you can listen to as many times as you want before sending it. In the event that we do not want to send the message when we listen to it, simply click on the trash can icon to delete it.

Read on: