WhatsApp launch five new features: What you need to know

WhatsApp has made five key changes to its service with the latest update as it marks its 7th birthday Credit: Press Association

WhatsApp, the Facebook owned messaging service used by some one billion people around the globe, has launched five new features as part of its latest iOS and Android update.

Here we take a look at what the new features are and how to use them.

  • Explore videos with 'in-play' zoom

Now it will be easier to zoom in on videos while watching Credit: REUTERS/Joseba Etxaburu

The ability to zoom in on videos while they are playing means users will be able to explore what they watch in greater detail - especially useful when watching something on a small screen like a phone.

Just pinch your fingers together on the screen while a video is playing to zoom.

  • Enhanced photo sharing

WhatsApp users can now share pictures saved on other applications in their phone Credit: Schott Jiri/Czech News Agency/Press Association Images

Want to share pictures from other apps installed on your phone? No problem, now you can.

Photos can now be shared from the likes of Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive just by opening the "Photo/Video Library" option while in WhatsApp and selecting "choose from another app...".

  • Sending and receiving PDFs

Share files from other applications Credit: Lynne Cameron/PA

The messaging service is now offering users the chance to send and receive PDFs from within their app.

PDFs can be selected from other apps installed on your phone, like iCloud Drive, Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive.

  • Fixed storage issues

Storage issues have been resolved which could be a lifesaver for phone batteries Credit: Lauren Hurley/PA Wire

According to WhatsApp the company has "fixed some crashes and an issue that was using a lot of storage space on some iPhones" by reducing the amount of space the app requires to function.

  • Selection of variety of solid colors for chat backgrounds

Usera can now change the background colour of WhatsApp chats Credit: WhatsApp/Apple store

Thanks to the new update users can now replace the standard background with one of their own choice.

The messaging service now offers a variety of block colours to choose from, but users can also choose their own one from their photo library, just go to the app's settings menu to reset it.