technology

WhatsApp groups expanding to 256 members

WhatsApp, launched in January 2010, was bought by Facebook in February 2014. – AFP/Relaxnews pic, February 6, 2016.WhatsApp, launched in January 2010, was bought by Facebook in February 2014. – AFP/Relaxnews pic, February 6, 2016.Multimedia messaging app WhatsApp is upping the limit on group conversations from 100 to 256 participants, if an Android update is anything to go by.

WhatsApp version 2.12.437 is thought to be a critical factor in enabling that higher group member number, but as not all users with that latest update are privy to the 256-account limit – WhatsApp appears to be rolling out the feature across its user base.

The relevant Android software update is, for now, available direct from the official WhatsApp download page, whatsapp.com/android.

"There's no telling if this will stick in future beta releases, or when WhatsApp will move it to the official [Android] Play Store release," wrote Android Police, which picked up on the expanded group limit, "but at least now we know that the service is exploring options to allow for larger groups."

As of February 1, 2016, Facebook-owned WhatsApp reported 1 billion people were using its services on a monthly basis, with the app currently available for Android, iOS, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, Nokia Symbian and S40, and via a web client. – AFP/Relaxnews, February 6, 2016.

Please note that you must sign up with disqus.com before commenting. And, please refrain from comments of a racist, sexist, personal, vulgar or derogatory nature and note that comments can be edited, rewritten for clarity or to avoid questionable issues. As comments are moderated, they may not appear immediately or even on the same day you posted them. We also reserve the right to delete off-topic comments