Threema users can look forward to: In version 4.5 of the Android app, the WhatsApp alternative has received a comprehensive update. Also included are a new media gallery and global search. A number of new emojis are also arriving. GIGA reveals what else has changed in the popular messenger.

Many smartphone users have turned their backs on WhatsApp, and not just since the new terms of use. Threema is one of the many alternative messengers that have seen a real rush of users in recent times. With the latest version of the Android app, the Swiss WhatsApp alternative is stepping up again and integrating “new features in abundance”, as the makers say write yourself.

Threema 4.5 for Android: WhatsApp alternative with new gallery, global search and more

A global search has now been implemented, which is available to Android users from version 4.5. This allows all chats to be searched at once. So far there has only been a search function within individual chats. An integrated media gallery should also make it easier to send pictures and videos. Speaking of pictures: the new gallery now also offers a picture search by keyword. Matching images should be found even faster. The image recognition itself takes place locally, as Threema particularly emphasizes. Accordingly, data is not loaded into the cloud. The Swiss are thus underlining their privacy-friendly approach.

The image search is switched off by default. To activate it, Threema users have to go to the settings, then to “Media & Storage” and switch on the function there.

Threema is just one of many WhatsApp alternatives:

Quotation option for all message types and new emojis

In addition to the global search, the new media gallery and the image search, Threema has also integrated a large number of smaller innovations in version 4.5 of the Android app. This includes, for example, new emojis, a citation option for all message types (pictures, voice messages and locations) and groups with up to 256 members can now be created on Android.