WhatsApp brings Chat Lock to linked devices, mentions for Status Updates

WhatsApp locked chats on linked devices

While WhatsApp introduced chat locks last summer, it had a major privacy drawback. The chats stayed locked only in the primary device. So, the locked chat folder could be accessed without a passcode on a linked device. WhatsApp corrects this with the WhatsApp Beta for Android 2.24.8.4 update. It is available from the Google Play Store. The feature was first spotted by WABetaInfo.

Here's how it works:

How to enable Chat Lock on linked devices

Step 1: On the primary phone, open WhatsApp.

Step 2: Open the locked chat folder.

Step 3: Tap the Settings option.

Step 4: Tap on the Secret Code option.

Step 5: Create Secret Code.

Step 6: Enter your code. 

Step 7: Confirm the code. 

Done.

Mention specific contacts on WhatsApp Status Updates

• If you're wishing someone or tagging them in a photo or a text update, you can mention their name through the "Add Private Mentions" option. This feature was spotted on WhatsApp Beta for iOS 24.7.10.71.

• The mentioned contact will get a notification about the same. They won't therefore miss the status update. This could result in a greater sense of interaction. The tagged person will engage with your post. 
• The mention will be discreet, i.e., only the mentioned person receives the alert that they have been tagged. Others can't see the same.

Since both these features are currently in the beta phase, they should take some time before reaching regular users. WABetaInfo also reports about a picture-in-picture option for videos and a feature to find similar channels.