WhatsApp is currently testing GIF integration in iOS 2.16.7.1. This feature enables links with GIF images to automatically play and embed directly into your chat conversations.
According to WABetaInfo, who tracks updates on WhatsApp, you need not have to open a separate browser to view the image content after the implementation of this feature. WhatsApp will automatically display the image content directly on the chat window.
Even though many messaging apps like Facebook Messenger provide some kind of GIF integration, WhatsApp decided to keep out from the race and decided to make use of static images.
However, if you attempt to share a GIF image directly from your device, the content will not play. In future, we can expect the complete integration of GIF.
The official changelog, however, specifies that the app will be able to save GIFs “as a simple image”. This is interesting because nearly 90 percent of the GIF content is animated and people usually share them over the web and mobile medium for fun purpose.
Changelog of #WhatsApp #beta for #iOS 2.16.7.1 is available now!https://t.co/yHrYkvUBOm #GIF #GifSupport #HOTNEWS #whatsappbeta
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) June 7, 2016
Moreover, the latest beta release also provides an ability to save the GIF images to your camera roll and directly reply to GIF image messages including support for Peek and Pop (3D Touch) actions on GIF images.
We expect that the content will be initially saved as an image to save storage space and in future, you will be able to view complete animated content. Meanwhile, WhatsApp declined to comment when we asked more information about the recent developments surrounding the GIFs.
Alternatively, you will be able to convert a GIF to a simple image and share them over WhatsApp. But that doesn’t make sense since GIF are supposed to animate.
Since the default iOS keyboard doesn’t provide any capability to search for GIFs, you need to find a way outside of WhatsApp to search for the relevant GIF content. Once you have the required link, you can easily add it to your conversation within WhatsApp.
For example, if you have created an animated GIF image, you can share it over WhatsApp with your friends. In the same way, they can also share the images. However, both ends should make use of the latest beta release of WhatsApp to take advantage of the feature.
In addition to GIF integration, the WhatsApp for iOS v2.16.7.1 beta also includes several improvements and bug fixes. We don’t have any information regarding when WhatsApp will release the final update or implement this feature in Android.The recent development of GIF support comes weeks after its rival Viber added the support for its messaging platform. WhatsApp is also gearing up to implement video calling functionality in the upcoming weeks.
The recent development of GIF support comes weeks after its rival Viber added the support for its messaging platform. WhatsApp is also gearing up to implement video calling functionality in the upcoming weeks.
