WhatsApp expands Events with account-free RSVPs

WhatsApp is expanding its Events feature with invitations that people without accounts can open in a browser and use to RSVP, alongside a new hub for managing events and responses. The company says the updated experience is rolling out gradually and is expected to reach everyone over the coming weeks. People who receive an event link can view its details and indicate whether they plan to attend, might attend or cannot attend without downloading WhatsApp or registering for an account. Hosts can share invitations with people outside the service, extending the reach of event-planning tools that already worked in Communities and group chats. WhatsApp says an Events section in Settings will bring past and upcoming events together, including events users organized or were invited to. Hosts will be able to create customized invitations, manage RSVPs, set reminders and give guests the option to bring a plus-one. Invitations can include a cover photo. One report also says hosts can share invitations as QR codes, in addition to links. The company says a host’s phone number will not be shown to guests the host does not know. Guests without WhatsApp accounts will see the event address...