Get signal from 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 its first priority in the first place, which should make those who enter from WhatsApp feel at ease. And while Signal may have had a bumpy ride to support all of its new users, it’s determined to become the app users’ love to use, and the latest update adds a slew of features that should make former WhatsApp users more comfortable .

• You can add different backgrounds for individual chats by clicking on the person’s name, or for all chats by checking Settings> Appearance> Chat Paper. You can choose between different solid and gradient colors and even choose photos taken from your smartphone.
• You can now add custom ‘About Me’ text to your profile, select an emoji and type a short blurb that can also serve as a status message.
• The app now gets animated stickers, with its first package, “Day to Day”, already available. You can create your own stickers to share with friends with the desktop application.
• Low data mode for calls reduces the amount of data that calls use, which may be ideal for those with limited data plans.
• You now have the ability to call up to eight people, up from five previously.
• You can choose your download preferences to let the app know when media files should be downloaded automatically.
• You now have the ability to share a group invitation link that allows others to join their group chat.

Many of these features are already available in many of the best messaging programs, so it’s nice to see them implemented on Signal, given the recent increase in popularity. The features are extended to Signal beta v5.3.1 for which you can sign up in the Play Store. And if you’m still on WhatsApp and considering switching to Signal, see our guide to moving your group chats from WhatsApp to Signal.