WhatsApp trials ‘self-destructing’ messages that delete themselves – how it works
WHATSAPP has built a feature that seedy cheating lovers are sure to enjoy – self-destructing messages.
The app is testing a new type of message that automatically deletes itself to stop prying eyes from snooping on your chats.
First cooked up by Snapchat and later "nicked" by Instagram, the auto-deleting post allows users to set a time limit for how long their messages show.
It helps keep chats truly private, as your conversations are hidden even if someone knows the passcode to your phone.
WhatsApp is now trialling its own version on Android, according to reliable leakers at .
The site trawls the code of early versions of WhatsApp to find upcoming features ahead of time.
While it's not currently available to everyone, WhatsApp is testing the feature on a small group of users. It will likely roll it out to everyone at a later date.
The new tool was called "Disappearing messages" when it first emerged, according to WABetaInfo.
But as of the latest 2.19.348 update, it's been rebranded to 'Delete Messages'.
You’ll be able to choose whether posts vanish in one hour, one day, one week, one month or one year.
"As the name suggests, any message eligible to be 'disappeared', will be automatically deleted from the chat," WABetaInfo said.
WhatsApp – a quick history
Here's what you need to know...
- WhatsApp was created in 2009 by computer programmers Brian Acton and Jan Koum - former employees of Yahoo
- It's one of the most popular messaging services in the world
- Koum came up with the name WhatsApp because it sounded like "what's up"
- After a number of tweaks the app was released with a messaging component in June 2009, with 250,000 active users
- It was originally free but switched to a paid service to avoid growing too fast. Then in 2016, it became free again for all users
- Facebook bought WhatsApp Inc in February 2014 for $19.3billion (£14.64bn)
- The app is particularly popular because all messages are encrypted during transit, shutting out snoopers
- As of January 2018, WhatsApp has over 1.5billion users globally
The feature will work in both group chats and one-on-one conversations.
You'll reportedly be able to switch it on or off or change the time limit before a deletion in your settings.
As with any leak or rumour, we can't say for sure when – if ever – the tool will be released to everyone.
WhatsApp may still decide to bin it last minute, so don't hold your breath until we hear something concrete from the firm.
If you want to try it first, there's a handy trick. You can sign up to the beta version of the app to get all of the latest features before the general public.
In other news, find out how to read deleted WhatsApp messages on your phone.
Another secret trick lets you change your WhatsApp font to confuse your mates.
And if that's not enough, here are 16 fun WhatsApp tips that will change the way you use the app forever.
Do you know any genius WhatsApp tricks? Let us know in the comments!
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