WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.20.16: what's new?
WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.23.20.16.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a search feature for the Updates tab, and it will be available in a future update of the app!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Search - Updates tab |
| Status? | Under development |
| Availability? | WhatsApp is working on bringing a search feature for the Updates tab to a future update of the app. |
| I've installed this update but I don't have this feature. Why? | This feature is under development so it's not ready for beta testers, but you can discover a preview in this article. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.20.13: what’s new? WhatsApp is rolling out a new notification within the app settings to assist users in creating a new group chat! |
SEARCH - UPDATES TAB
WhatsApp keeps working on further enhancements for channels, the new one-to-many broadcasting tool. Latest news was shared in the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.20.11 update, where we announced a feature to manage when automatically removing channel media from the device, aimed at freeing up storage space. In addition, thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.20.16 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is now working on a search feature for the Updates tab:
As you can see in this screenshot, WhatsApp has plans to introduce a search button within the top app bar. This feature will make it possible to search for status updates, followed channels, and other verified channels without the need to open the channel directory. In our opinion, it finally enhances the overall user experience with channels, making it significantly more convenient to search for and access the content users are interested in.
The introduction of this feature is necessary as many users have complained about the new Updates tab. At the moment, it is very complicated to search for a status update shared by a specific contact, as the search functionality was removed with the new tab. Finally, it seems that WhatsApp is listening to user feedback, and the search option will also be added to the new Updates tab. However, it will also allow users to search for followed channels, which proves to be a very useful feature, especially when users follow many channels, making it easier to find a specific channel.
The search feature for the Updates tab is under development and it will be available in a future update of the app. We plan to publish a new article when we have further information to share with you.
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