WhatsApp Messenger update adds the ability to archive chats, add captions and more

For the first time since being purchased by Facebook earlier this year for an astounding $19 billion, WhatsApp Messenger for the iPhone has just received a major update.

Version 2.11.9 adds a number of features to the popular messaging app.

The biggest improvements deal with photo and video capture. A fast camera access button allows users to capture and share photos.

Along with being able to add captions to photos and videos, iPhone 5s users can now share slow-motion videos. Thankfully, videos can now also be trimmed before being sent.

Users should also enjoy the new ability to archive chats and groups.

Here are the rest of the changes:

Share Location: add support for satellite and hybrid map views when sharing a location
Share Location: drop and drag pin lets you share a precise location
New media auto-download preferences: Settings > Chat Settings > Media Auto-Download
New Wallpapers: Settings > Chat Settings > Chat Wallpapers > Wallpaper Library
New Notification tones: Settings > Notifications
You can now attach screenshots when reporting problems.

Designed for the iPhone, WhatsApp Messenger can be downloaded now on the App Store for free. After the first year of service, which is free, users will need to pay $0.99 per year after that.

There’s still no sign of voice calling for WhatsApp even though the company announced the feature in February. A leak in March detailed screenshots of the apparent voice calling functionality that would put it on par with competitors like Skype and Viber.

For other app news and reviews today, see: Now you can feel like Evel Knievel with Badass Trial Race on iOS, Real-time strategy game Alien Tribe 2 will invade iOS on Sept. 23, and Shelf Control: Choose your own outer-space adventure in Heavy Metal Thunder.

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