Signal to get several WhatsApp-like features

WhatsApp’s new terms of service and privacy policies have pushed several towards Signal, the much safer alternative to WhatsApp. The Facebook-owned messaging app has now delayed the rollout of its terms of service but that hasn’t stopped users from migrating to other apps like Signal, Telegram. Taking full advantage of the situation, Signal has now implemented many WhatsApp-like features. So basically the app does not want to give any reasons to users to get back to WhatsApp.

Talking about Signal becoming a popular app in India, Brian Acton, Executive Chairman of Signal Foundation had said, “At Signal, we don’t collect any user data. People in India and across the world can see that and resonate with Signal’s vision. The kind of transition we have seen in such a short time span is testament to that - and we are committed to keep working harder, to keep the momentum going, and to keep protecting everyone on Signal.”

So here are some features that Signal has borrowed from WhatsApp

1) Chat wallpaper

As per Wabetainfo, in the latest beta update, Signal has released a new feature that would let users change the chat wallpaper. The feature was previously not available on the app. “Before the announcement of new Terms of Service, Signal hasn’t a good feature to change your chat wallpaper. Well, the latest beta update released today includes this feature, and it’s literally a copy of the one implemented in WhatsApp,’ Wabetainfo report read.

2) Status update

Just like WhatsApp, Signal will now let its users update their statuses. In the about section on WhatsApp, users can write something about themselves. Signal has rolled out the same feature in the beta update.

3) Animated Stickers

Signal is also rolling out the Animated Stickers that is available on WhatsApp. “The latest update brings the support for Animated Stickers, along with “Day by Day”, the first official animated sticker pack. Signal also offers the possibility to create animated stickers from the Signal Desktop app, allowing to share them with your friends.WhatsApp has enabled the support for animated stickers the last year, and the possibility to import third party animated stickers is coming within the next weeks,” Wabteainfo read.

4) Group calls

Signal had a group call feature but it only allowed five participants but now it has increased the limit to eight just like WhatsApp.

5) Group invite link

Signal will now let users send a shareable group invite link, to invite other Signal users to join the groups. This feature has also been borrowed from WhatsApp.