WhatsApp has begun testing a feature that will allow users to quickly look up an image they have received from another user, with a couple of taps. The messaging platform has rolled out a new feature to beta testers that will adds a reverse image lookup feature for images in chats, which could help users identify manipulated media. At the moment, the feature is only available to beta testers on Android, but it is expected to be roll out to all users in the future.

WhatsApp Tests ‘Search on Web’ Image Lookup Feature on Latest Beta for Android 

With the latest update to WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.23.13 (via feature tracker WABetaInfo), beta testers will be able to access a new feature in the media viewer that is displayed when an image is opened inside a chat. The new feature performs a reverse image search, after asking for user confirmation to upload the image.

The process of uploading an image requires user confirmation
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

In order to try out the feature, users will need to install the latest version of WhatsApp beta for Android, then open a chat and select an image. They can tap on the three-dot menu at the top of the screen, then tap Search on web > Search. However, the feature appears to be enabled by a server-side update, as Gadgets 360 staff members were unable to test the feature even after updating to the latest beta version.

Unlike recent cosmetic updates to WhatsApp for Android, the new image lookup feature is a powerful tool to quickly determine the source of an image. With a couple of taps, users can identify identical or similar images posted online, or check to see if they have received images that have been modified or altered — tactics users to spread misinformation.

The feature does rely on Google’s reverse image search function, so it’s worth noting that WhatsApp will allow users to access it at their discretion. The Meta-owned messaging platform also says that it does not have access to images before, during, or after it is sent to Google for processing. The reverse image lookup feature is available to some beta testers, and it is expected to roll out to all users at a later date.

WhatsApp for Android might be getting a new feature which will make video calls and capturing images within the app more fun. As per a feature tracker, the instant messaging platform is testing camera effects. The new feature is said to add filters, backgrounds, and other effects to users’ faces when capturing an image or during video calls. While some of the effects can reportedly be activated manually, others are said to be triggered automatically based on expressions and gestures.

WhatsApp Camera Effects Feature

According to the WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo report, the feature was spotted in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.22.10 which is currently available on the Play Store. The feature is said to be visible in the beta version but is available to only a few beta testers currently.

WhatsApp camera effects feature
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

Based on the screenshots shared by the feature tracker, the new feature can be turned on or off from the app’s Privacy settings. A new option dubbed Allow camera effects can be seen within the settings which can be toggled on or off. A description of the feature highlights, “To provide a more expressive experience, some effects will mimic your face and hands.”

The description also states that the feature is available when the camera is used to click pictures or during video calls. The feature tracker reveals that some of these effects can be applied automatically based on users’ facial expressions, hand gestures, movements, and more. Others are said to be applied manually using options visible on the display.

While the feature is said to be controlled from the privacy settings, it can also be activated or disabled directly from the camera screen and video call interface, allowing users an easy way to access the effects. The feature tracker also highlighted that the camera effects do not compromise any encryption protocols and even when turned on, the video calls remain end-to-end encrypted.

While the WhatsApp feature is currently available to some beta testers, it is currently not known when camera effects might be rolled out to a wider user base.

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