WhatsApp gets Google Maps-like feature for finding businesses

A new feature is under development for WhatsApp messaging service. The messaging app tests the ability to find businesses right from the application. Think of a restaurant or a supermarket.

WhatsApp lets users search companies

In Brazil, Facebook is testing a new functionality in WhatsApp. A new feature gives users the option to search for nearby businesses using WhatsApp. Think, for example, of finding a supermarket, a restaurant or a hotel. The companies in the overview are companies that have linked their telephone number to a WhatsApp Business account. Will Cathcart, responsible at WhatsApp, the information is not shared with WhatsApp nor with the company.

WhatsApp previously said that approximately 175 million people contact a company via WhatsApp every day. In recent times, WhatsApp Business has received more and more attention, and this functionality can help further. For now, the feature is only being tested in Brazil, in the capital, Sao Paulo. In the near future, it will be examined whether the service will be rolled out more widely.