WhatsApp and Microsoft Teams draw attention to the availability of so-called “communities” in relation to the latest updates published for their iOS apps. In this way, both messaging applications want to provide exchange options within thematic user groups that go beyond the classic individual and group chats.
WhatsApp with “official launch”
WhatsApp is only now mentioning communities in connection with the currently available app version 22.24.81, but integrated the extension last month. The creators of the messaging app describe their communities as a central point of contact for neighborhoods, parents of a school or companies, for example, where different groups can be combined and organised. Members of these communities have the ability to freely switch between the groups organized within them and participate in their respective conversations.
The other innovations actually available since last month, such as the ability to create surveys or video calls in groups of up to 32 participants, are now officially listed as new features with the ongoing update for WhatsApp.
Communities in Microsoft Teams
Microsoft is also jumping on the community train and endorsing its app Teams for iOS with a suitable extension. The prerequisite for using the new function is that you are logged in with a Microsoft user account. You can then create or join existing communities, host events, chat and collaborate with other community members, and share files or photos.
Microsoft has it on its support websites insights into communities in Teams post and explain there, for example, how they differ from normal chats and what guidelines and restrictions apply.
The bottom line is that both providers not only have the wishes of their users in mind with their functional extensions, but are also aware of the growing competition in the messaging services market and want to prevent their customers from leaving by providing the appropriate functions.
