Signal gets some of WhatsApp’s best features to make switching easier

Source: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central

Thanks to the privacy drama surrounding WhatsApp and Facebook, Signal is enjoying a new range of active users. The company has consistently assured its customers that privacy is, first of all, its number one priority, which should make those arriving from WhatsApp feel at ease. And while Signal may have struggled to support all of its new users, it’s determined to become that app that users can be happy to use, and its latest update adds a ton of features that should leave former users. WhatsApp users more comfortable.

• You can add different backgrounds for individual chats by clicking on the person’s name or for all chats going to Settings> Appearance> Chat Wallpaper. You can choose from several solid colors and gradients, and even select photos taken from your smartphone.
• Now you can add a personalized “About me” text to your profile by selecting an emoji and typing a short blurb that can also act as a status message.
• The app is already getting animated stickers, with its first pack, “Day to Day”, now available. You can make your own stickers to share with friends using the desktop app.
• The low data mode for calls decreases the amount of data that calls use, which can be ideal for those with limited data plans.
• You can now have up to eight people on a call, versus five before.
• You can select your download preferences to let the application know when to download media files automatically.
• You can now share a group invitation link that allows others to join the group chat.

Many of these features are already available in many of the best messaging apps, so it’s nice to see them being implemented in Signal, due to their recent increase in popularity. Features are being released for Signal beta v5.3.1, which you can sign up for on the Play Store. And if you’re still on WhatsApp and are thinking about switching to Signal, check out our handy guide to moving your group chats from WhatsApp to Signal.