There is an update on the way for WhatsApp that will give users greater control over file compression. This according to WABetaInfo, which reports that the forthcoming 2.21.14.6 version of the instant messaging platform will feature the ability to set three different quality options when sharing images and videos.

According to details discovered in the Google Play Beta Program, users will be able to set file sharing at Auto, Best Quality or Data Saver.

With WhatsApp becoming an increasingly important tool for work, whether we like it or not, the ability to set the quality of media when sharing could prove valuable for those that need to be savvy with their data use. Yes, sending texts via WhatsApp is relatively inexpensive provided you have a WiFi connection, but when out and about, media could prove a bit of a data hog.

With the ability to stop automatic downloading of media already built into the settings, this latest addition should also come in handy.

For now, it remains to be seen what quality the Auto and Data Saver options will yield, however.

Also unclear is when WhatsApp will roll out this update to users. If the notes on the beta are anything to go by, it will be Android and not iOS that will receive it first, with it previously working the other way around whenever WhatsApp launches a particularly noteworthy new feature.

Either way, Facebook is adding more elements to WhatsApp with the WFH era in mind. Hopefully then the ability for multi-device support is also being baked into this forthcoming update.