WhatsApp adds GIF Search for Android, Live Photos as GIF for iOS; Here how to get started

WhatsApp is on a roll with all the new feature additions in recent weeks. After the launch of **Video Calls** and **Snapchat-like "Status" updates** , the company has launched GIF Search support as a hidden feature in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android. The update introduces a separate tab for GIFs to the right of the Emoji tab along with a ‘Search’ button to search the GIFs related to your search term. You can select the GIF you want to send out of the search result and tap on it, which will bring you to a full-screen preview of the GIF along with the ability to add a caption. The GIF search is powered by Tenor and you will get a faint watermark on GIF previews in chat for the ones sent by search. [caption id=“attachment_345781” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  GIF Search without leaving WhatsApp[/caption] WhatsApp also introduced the ability to convert Live Photos in iOS as GIFs. To do this, you need to select the plus icon in any individual or group chat and choose ‘Photo & Video Library.’ This will bring you to the ‘Camera Roll’, where to send Live Photos as GIFs and you need to scroll to the particular Live Photo and swipe upwards to bring the option to ‘Send as GIF’. This automatically converts the Live Photo into a GIF and sends to the contact. A simple tap on the live photo without swiping up will send the Live Photo as a simple photograph. [caption id=“attachment_345780” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  Share Live Photos as GIFs[/caption] WhatsApp tests waters while introducing a new feature with extensive in-house testing and then gradually rolls it out as a hidden feature in the Public Beta. We previously reported the arrival of these **features back in September** . The update comes with slight changes to WhatsApp status feature where you now see an eye icon on the bottom area of the ‘My Status" screen. On tapping the icon you are presented with a “Viewed by” pop-up from the bottom, which details the people who have seen your status. [caption id=“attachment_345782” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  Selecting any GIF brings you to the fullscreen view along with option to add captions[/caption] You need to have a rooted Android smartphone or jailbroken iPhone. If you don’t have a rooted smartphone, then please take note that rooting is a risky process that can potentially endanger the data on your smartphone. Tech2 will not be responsible for any damage or harm caused to your device by rooting. However, if you do find yourself struck in some process, Google is your friend, make use of it and the Android development portal XDA. Make sure that you have a backup for all your data. To access the hidden feature, ensure that you have root management app installed like SuperSU. [caption id=“attachment_345779” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  Updates to WhatsApp “Status” and WA Tweaks[/caption] In addition, enroll to WhatsApp Beta program from Google Play Store and install WA Teaks app from Android Filehost. Install the latest Beta update from Google Play Store and backup your chat history once more before proceeding. After the chat backup, launch WA Tweaks and enable the options to activate the features. After enabling the features, switch to the multitasking view and remove WhatsApp from the list. Launch the app again and you will see all the hidden features enabled.