The latest WhatsApp update, v2.12.38, has finally delivered a Material Design overhaul to the world's most popular instant messaging app. The update brings about a long-overdue visual makeover, but retains some parts of the app we've all come to rely on, including that funky default wallpaper. See below for screens and to grab the APK for yourself right now.
Admittedly, there's nothing too revolutionary in the overhaul. The thing about Material Design is that we know what we're going to get. The update brings round profile icons and the three tabs at the top has become joined with the WhatsApp banner up top (which, incidentally, has lost its logo). The icons for searching, calling and the overflow menu are slightly remodeled and the green color is even a little more lively.
Right now the Play Store doesn't have the latest version with the Material Design changes on board. For the latest version you'll have to enable Unknown Sources in your Security settings (don't forget to disable unknown Sources once you're done) and then head to the WhatsApp website to download the latest and greatest APK.
WhatsApp voice calling: out now
As long as you have WhatsApp version 2.12.19 or above, which is the first version that does not require an invitation call (which admittedly didn't work for everyone anyway), you'll be able to use the WhatsApp calling feature. You will need to enable ''Unknown Sources'' in your device's security settings first so you can install it.
We've found the call quality to be a little patchy but some are claiming it's even better and more stable than Skype. We'll assume the concrete bunkers we all live in is causing the problem and not WhatsApp's efforts. Once enabled, you'll see a three-tab layout with a calling option next to your contacts.
If you're having any trouble getting the service to work, you can try some alternative methods in our guide on how to manually enable WhatsApp voice calling. If you want to know how to silence incoming WhatsApp calls now that you've got yet another calling channel to worry about, here's a quick guide for that too.
Silence WhatsApp notifications with Lollipop's Priority Mode
WhatsApp now respects Android 5.0 Lollipop's Priority Mode. This means you can now silence WhatsApp notifications and incoming phone calls – which would previously come through even with Priority Mode enabled.
The issue came about because WhatsApp plays alert tones differently to most apps. Whereas most apps play a notification tone – which Priority Mode can silence – WhatsApp played its notification via Android's media volume, which meant that even with Priority Mode enabled every WhatsApp message would still play a jingle. Considering that basically everyone with a smartphone uses WhatsApp, this essentially made Priority Mode useless.
A previous work around was to silence media volume as well, but as you can probably tell, that would silence all other notifications tones as well. Funny how one app alone can essentially undermine an entire Android feature. In any case, WhatsApp will now be silenced even in Priority Mode, unless you have it white-listed. Enjoy the peace and quiet now that you can actually use Priority Mode.
Have you got WhatsApp voice calling enabled? What do you think of it?
