Download WhatsApp New Version 2021: Features, Benefits, and Drawbacks
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users. It allows you to send text messages, voice messages, photos, videos, documents, stickers, and more to your contacts for free. You can also make voice and video calls with up to eight people at a time. All your communications are protected by end-to-end encryption, which means only you and the person you’re talking to can read or listen to them.
But what’s new in WhatsApp in 2021? What are the features, benefits, and drawbacks of using this app? And how can you download the latest version of WhatsApp or its modded version called GB WhatsApp? In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more.
What is WhatsApp and why is it popular?
WhatsApp is a free messaging and video calling app with end-to-end encryption
WhatsApp was founded in 2009 by two former Yahoo employees who wanted to create a simple and reliable way to communicate with their friends and family. They named it after the phrase “what’s up” and used a green speech bubble as their logo. In 2014, they sold their company to Facebook (now Meta) for $19 billion.
WhatsApp uses your phone’s internet connection (4G/3G/2G/EDGE or Wi-Fi) to send and receive messages and calls. You don’t need to pay any fees or subscriptions to use it. You just need to have a phone number that can receive SMS verification codes. You can also use your phone number to create a profile with your name and photo.
One of the main features of WhatsApp is its end-to-end encryption. This means that every message or call you make on the app is encrypted by default. Only you and the person you’re communicating with can decrypt it. No one else, not even WhatsApp or Meta, can access it. This ensures that your conversations are private and secure.
WhatsApp has over 2 billion users worldwide and offers various features and services
WhatsApp is not only a messaging app. It also offers various features and services that make it more useful and fun. Some of these include:
- Status: You can share photos, videos, or texts that disappear after 24 hours with your contacts
- Groups: You can create or join groups of up to 256 people and chat, share, and collaborate with them
- Broadcasts: You can send messages to multiple contacts at once without creating a group
- WhatsApp Web and Desktop: You can use WhatsApp on your computer or laptop by scanning a QR code with your phone
- WhatsApp Business: You can create a business profile and use WhatsApp to communicate with your customers and clients
- WhatsApp Pay: You can send and receive money through WhatsApp using your bank account (available in select countries)
With these features and services, WhatsApp has become more than just a messaging app. It has become a platform for social networking, e-commerce, education, entertainment, and more. According to Statista, WhatsApp had over 2 billion monthly active users as of October 2021, making it the most popular messaging app in the world.
What are the new features of WhatsApp in 2021?
WhatsApp has introduced end-to-end encrypted backups, multi-device support, and more
In 2021, WhatsApp has added some new features to improve its functionality and user experience. Some of these include:
- End-to-end encrypted backups: You can now backup your WhatsApp chats and media to Google Drive or iCloud with end-to-end encryption. This means that only you can access your backup with a password or a recovery key. This feature is optional and you can turn it on or off in your settings.
- Multi-device support: You can now use WhatsApp on up to four non-phone devices at the same time, such as tablets, laptops, or desktops. You don’t need to have your phone connected to the internet or nearby. You can also link or unlink devices from your phone. This feature is currently in beta testing and will be rolled out gradually to all users.
- View once: You can now send photos or videos that disappear after the recipient opens them once. You can use this feature for sensitive or private content that you don’t want to be saved or forwarded. You can tell if a message is view once by the one-time icon next to it.
- Joinable calls: You can now join a group voice or video call even if you miss it or decline it initially. You can also see who is on the call before you join it. You can use this feature for spontaneous or planned calls with your friends or family.
WhatsApp also has a modded version called GB WhatsApp that offers additional features
Besides the official version of WhatsApp, there is also a modded version called GB WhatsApp that offers some additional features that are not available in the original app. Some of these include:
- Customization: You can change the theme, font, color, icon, and wallpaper of your WhatsApp interface according to your preference
- Privacy: You can hide your online status, last seen, blue ticks, typing indicator, and recording indicator from your contacts
- Schedule messages: You can set a date and time to send messages automatically to your contacts or groups
- DND mode: You can disable the internet connection for WhatsApp only and avoid any interruptions or notifications
- Dual accounts: You can use two WhatsApp accounts on the same device without any conflict or issue
However, GB WhatsApp is not an official app and it is not available on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. You have to download it from its website or from third-party sources. This means that it is not verified or secure, and it may contain malware or viruses. It may also violate the terms of service of WhatsApp and Meta, and result in your account being banned or suspended.
What are the benefits of using WhatsApp in 2021?
WhatsApp is simple, reliable, and private, and lets you stay connected with your friends and family
One of the main benefits of using WhatsApp in 2021 is that it is simple, reliable, and private. It has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and understand. It works on almost any smartphone or device that has an internet connection. It delivers your messages and calls quickly and efficiently, even on low-bandwidth networks. It protects your communications with end-to-end encryption, which means only you and the person you’re talking to can access them.
Another benefit of using WhatsApp in 2021 is that it lets you stay connected with your friends and family. You can chat with them individually or in groups, and share photos, videos, documents , and more with them. You can also make voice and video calls with them, and see their faces and expressions. You can also update your status and see what they are up to. You can also join groups of people who share your interests, hobbies, or passions, and build community with them.
WhatsApp also allows you to express yourself, and use it for business purposes
Another benefit of using WhatsApp in 2021 is that it allows you to express yourself, and use it for business purposes. You can use various features and tools to make your messages and calls more fun and creative. You can use emojis, stickers, GIFs, filters, effects, and more to convey your emotions and personality. You can also use voice notes, video messages, live locations, and more to communicate more effectively.
Another benefit of using WhatsApp in 2021 is that you can use it for business purposes. You can create a WhatsApp Business account and use it to communicate with your customers and clients. You can provide them with information, updates, offers, and support. You can also use WhatsApp Pay to send and receive money through the app. You can also use WhatsApp Web and Desktop to access your WhatsApp account on your computer or laptop.
What are the drawbacks of using WhatsApp in 2021?
WhatsApp requires your phone number and contacts list to function, and may share your data with Meta
One of the main drawbacks of using WhatsApp in 2021 is that it requires your phone number and contacts list to function, and may share your data with Meta. You need to have a phone number that can receive SMS verification codes to sign up for WhatsApp. You also need to give WhatsApp access to your contacts list to find and chat with your friends and family. This means that you are giving WhatsApp some personal information that may be used or misused by the app or its parent company.
Another drawback of using WhatsApp in 2021 is that it may share your data with Meta, the company that owns WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and other apps. In January 2021, WhatsApp updated its privacy policy and terms of service, which stated that it would share some user data with Meta and its affiliates. This data includes your account information, phone number, contacts list, device information, location information, payment information, usage information, and more. This data may be used by Meta for various purposes, such as improving its services, showing you personalized ads, integrating its apps, and more.
WhatsApp also has some security and privacy issues, such as screenshots, business chats, and Meta’s scandals
Another drawback of using WhatsApp in 2021 is that it has some security and privacy issues, such as screenshots, business chats, and Meta’s scandals. Even though WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption to protect your messages and calls, there are still some ways that your privacy may be compromised. For example:
- Screenshots: Anyone who has access to your phone or the phone of the person you’re chatting with can take screenshots of your conversations and share them with others. This may expose your personal or sensitive information to unauthorized parties.
- Business chats: If you chat with a business account on WhatsApp, your messages may not be end-to-end encrypted. This means that the business account may store or process your messages on their servers or third-party services. This may expose your personal or sensitive information to unauthorized parties.
- Meta’s scandals: Meta, the company that owns WhatsApp, has been involved in several scandals over the years regarding its security and privacy practices. For example, in 2018, it was revealed that a political consulting firm called Cambridge Analytica had harvested the data of millions of Facebook users without their consent. In 2019, it was revealed that a spyware called Pegasus had exploited a vulnerability in WhatsApp to hack into the phones of journalists, activists, lawyers, and others. In 2020
You can use WhatsApp on up to four non-phone devices at the same time, such as tablets, laptops, or desktops. You don’t need to have your phone connected to the internet or nearby. You can also link or unlink devices from your phone. This feature is currently in beta testing and will be rolled out gradually to all users.
How can I delete my WhatsApp account?
You can delete your WhatsApp account by following these steps:
- Open WhatsApp and tap on the menu button (three dots) on the top right corner
- Tap on Settings and then on Account
- Tap on Delete my account and enter your phone number
- Tap on Delete my account again and confirm your choice
Deleting your WhatsApp account will erase your profile, messages, groups, status, and backup. It will also delete you from your contacts’ WhatsApp lists. You can reactivate your account by verifying your phone number again, but you will lose all your data.
bc1a9a207d