Whatsapp update brings in group invites via links, QR Code and NFC tags

Whatsapp has not been sitting still when it comes to new features. Especially with newer competition in the form of Google’s Allo and a potential competitor in Google’s Duo, it seems to be intent on not letting its users down when it comes to the feature list. In its latest beta update, Whatsapp has now added the ability to send link invitations to groups in the app.

The new feature is available to users who are using the 2.16.281 or higher version of the app on Android and 2.16.10 and above on iOS, along with several bug fixes. Group admins can now send a link to other users in Whatsapp which reads “Invite to group via link”, which will add them to the group. It also allows the admin to share the link via a third party application, a QR code or an NFC tag. Admins will also have the option of invoking the link to avoid it being shared after the intended people have been added, or if it has been sent to the wrong people by mistake.

To use it, 

• Go to a Whatsapp group or create one and tap the three dots button on the top right corner and then tap on 'Group info'.
• You should see an 'add participants' option on the page. Tap that and your contact list should appear. Choose 'Invite to group via link' on top of the list.
• You should see a new screen open with a unique link, which can be shared via WhatsApp or any other app. You can copy the link to share it. The option for revoking the link will also be found here.
• A QR code or an NFC tag can also be generated. With the QR code, you have the ability to share it in print by saving it as a PDF. Similarly, you can also take advantage of NFC-enabled phones by clicking on the 'Write NFC tag' option and creating NFC tags
• Recipients, when they click on the link or scan the QR code or connect via NFC, will receive the popup confirming whether they want to join or cancel.

In light of the recent update that made the maximum number of users in a group to 256, this new group invite feature makes it really easy for admins to quickly add the needed member to a group. Overall, there has been a slew of features like tagging people, GIF support, Doodle support and more that indicates Whatsapp’s bid to be transformed from a popular texting platform to your one and only chat application.