A lot of us have been using WhatsApp for quite a while but are still unfamiliar with its many features.

Recently, Stuff shared with users some of the mobile app's useful but somewhat hidden features. Here they are:

•  Make calls...at last.

Finally, the call feature has arrived. But in order to access this, you have to install the latest version of WhatsApp. A new Calls tab appears beside Chats and Contacts. All you have to do is to send a voice call invite to another WhatsApp user. However, this feature only works for Android users. Sorry, IOS users...

•  Keep your messages private

Messages are supposed to be private. But you can't stop some people from checking out your phone. So what do you do? Simply go to Settings, the Notifications and disable Show Preview. Now, you don't have to worry when people glance at your phone when a notification appears.

•  Speed messaging

There's an easier way to respond to messages. Just go to Settings, Notifications, and then choose from four options. This setting can be changed for individual and group messages. However, this feature can only be used by Android users.

•  Do away with those blue ticks

You no longer have to feel guilty even if you respond five hours after you receive a message. All the user has to do is to access Privacy via Settings and disable Read Receipts. This will take care of the blue ticks. As with the earlier features we mentioned, this is only available for Android phones.

•  Know when your messages are read

If you decide to stick with blue ticks, this feature will let you know when your message was read, and the exact time it was delivered. Just go to any of your WhatsApp chats, tap and hold one of the messages you've sent in that chat, followed by the Info option. For IOS users, drag towards the left to display a window to show you the time your message was delivered and read.

Meanwhile, the Independent has also revealed other WhatsApp features.

With the new Android app update, messages can be tagged as "unread" simply by tapping and holding the conversation. These gives messages a green status, which reminds users to respond to them at a later time.

The newest update also offers a new custom notifications setting which allows users to mute a conversation for eight hours, one week or even for a year.

Moreover, users can likewise customize tones, vibration lengths and pop-up notifications.

With these new WhatsApp features, users are expected to become more addicted to the application.