WhatsApp Starts Testing 60 Second Status Updates QR Code Scanner Shortcut for UPI Payments

WhatsApp is testing two new features that will make it easier to share longer videos as status updates and make fast peer-to-peer (P2P) payments via UPI. These new features were spotted on the recent beta version of WhatsApp for Android by feature tracker WABetaInfo. When these features are released to all users on the table channel, users will be able to share 60-second videos on their status and instantly scan any QR code to send money to other users or merchants.

Features tracker spotted the ability to upload videos of up to 60 seconds on WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.7.6. The new beta version of the app is rolling out to users who have signed up to get the beta version of the app. This effectively doubles the support for video uploads to status updates from the current 30-second limit. However, WABetaInfo has learned that users will also need to install the new beta version to access these longer status updates.

WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.7.3, released to beta testers shortly before the new update, offers a new feature that will allow users to make UPI payments with a few taps. Instead of tapping on the three-dot menu and selecting Payments > Payment QR code scan, beta testers can tap on a separate QR code scanner shortcut above the main chat list. It is present to the left of the camera and search shortcuts on the top right corner of the screen.

The messaging service recently started blocking the ability to capture screenshots of users’ profile photos on new versions of the app for Android smartphones. While Pixel smartphones will capture a full black screenshot and other Android smartphones will refuse to take screengrabs, citing the device’s security policy.

The recent beta version of WhatsApp for Android added the ability to pin multiple chats to the top of the screen. This will allow users to quickly access multiple conversations without having to search for them at the top of their chat list. The new QR code scanner, longer status updates, and expanded chat pinning are expected to be available for all users on the stable channel with an update to the app in the coming weeks or months.