The closed beta of WhatsApp for Windows phone has been updated with the ability to send Gifs. This features has already rolled out to Android users around six weeks ago. It is the latest update as WhatsApp bolsters its features for the Windows platform.
With this release, the app moves to version 2.16.232.0. Users can send GIF messages via the video sending page. Any video sent in this way will become a looping animation without sounds.
As we mentioned, this is for the beta app, so other users will have to wait. It is worth noting that this is a WhatsApp closed beta. That means users will need to email [email protected] to be included as a beta tester. The company is not currently accepting new members to the beta list.
While the GIF sending feature is dropping now, we have known about it for some time. In fact, it was around two months ago when the feature first became known. Build 2.16.128 introduced the menu setup for GIF sending, but images were not moving at that point.
Recent Changes
WhatsApp has sent out a number of new features to Windows this year. Document sharing was brought to Windows phone and then brought to the Windows beta app. The feature allows users to send office documents within a message field.
A desktop application was launched in May. The company explained that the app is merely an extension of a mobile account:
“We're introducing a desktop app so you have a new way to stay in touch anytime and anywhere – whether on your phone or computer at home or work. Like WhatsApp Web, our desktop app is simply an extension of your phone: the app mirrors conversations and messages from your mobile device.”