Signal opens attack on WhatsApp: lots of new features added

Signal has gained a lot of ground with the announcement of the new WhatsApp terms and conditions. The makers of the privacy-friendly chat app immediately take that opportunity to add a lot of new functions.

Signal on the attack against WhatsApp

WhatsApp came this month with new terms that were originally going to take effect in mid-February. This term has since been postponed because it caused a lot of commotion. Ultimately, according to WhatsApp, which has been part of Facebook since 2014, not much would change. However, Signal and Telegram saw the number of users rise sharply. Signal seizes the opportunity to expand the app with a lot of functionality.

Signal has now been downloaded many millions of times. Still not as much as WhatsApp, but the service has grown enormously in a short time. In terms of possibilities it is still behind, but the first step has now been taken by Signal. First of all, it concerns new functions that will be rolled out to the beta version of the application. Later they will be rolled out to everyone.

Photo via Androidpolice

New functions

First of all, it will be possible to quickly and easily change the background of the chat screen. So far this has been a lot more difficult with Signal. The window in Signal is very reminiscent of WhatsApp. Better nicked than badly conceived, shall we say. From now on you can also change the background separately for each chat, where you can set your own photo or a solid or gradient color. Also new is the presence of animated stickers. From now on, you can add a description to your profile in Signal, say a ‘bio’. A function that we have known for many years from WhatsApp and Telegram, for example.

Other new features added to the app by Signal is a feature that uses as little data as possible during calls. You can also manage download settings for media files that arrive. At Signal you can now also share groups as a link to invite others. Finally, you can make group calls with a maximum of 8 people, this was previously 5.

As mentioned, the beta version will get the new functionality first. In the future, everyone will be provided with the new Signal functions. You can sign up for Signal’s beta program here.