WhatsApp is branching out beyond text messages and emoticons. This week, the company revealed Flows, a new feature designed to let you shop without leaving your chat window.

Businesses can offer menus and forms within WhatsApp itself

Simply put, Flows allows you to buy stuff—like train tickets or meals—right within a WhatsApp conversation. Businesses can now offer menus or forms that users can easily navigate to make a purchase.

WhatsApp-logo

WhatsApp plans to launch Flows for businesses using its Business Platform in the coming weeks. Initially, the service will kick off in India. Users there will be able to add items to a cart and use multiple payment options like UPI, debit, and credit cards. To ensure secure transactions, WhatsApp is partnering with Razorpay and PayU.

A new verification feature called “Meta Verified” is also in the works. This provides a trust badge to businesses that prove they’re legitimate. Verified companies get perks like a customizable WhatsApp web page and multi-device support. However, this feature is still being tested and is not yet available on the Business Platform.

Flows aims to simplify your life by combining chatting and shopping into one smooth experience. It’s not just a convenience; it’s a whole new way of doing business through an app primarily known for messaging.

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(Via)