WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.11.8: what's new?
WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.24.11.8.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to quickly explore new channels, and it's available to some beta testers!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Explore new channels |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.11.8 is marked as a compatible update, but some users may be able to experiment with the same feature by installing certain previous updates. |
| I've installed this update but I don't have this feature. Why? | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it is rolling out to more users over the coming days. |
| Thanks: | Akan, Makgamer, Erik Sevilla, Adwaith Varma, and Hylex, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.11.7: what’s new? WhatsApp is working on a feature to hide community group chats! |
EXPLORE NEW CHANNELS
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.9.34 update, we announced that WhatsApp was working on an improved channels list feature. Through this improvement, WhatsApp aimed to make the updates tab clearer and more intuitive, enhancing the user experience when interacting with channels. While this interface is still in development, it appears that WhatsApp is now rolling out a feature to quickly explore new channels, as discovered with the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.11.8 update from the Google Play Store:
As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can explore a partially redesigned interface for the updates tab. Specifically, WhatsApp introduced a new shortcut to explore new channels, aiming to make it promptly visible and accessible. In addition, it's worth noting that WhatsApp has now relocated the ability to create channels to the overflow menu within the top app bar, as the previous entry point is no longer available in the main interface. We believe it's important to highlight these details since the missing shortcut to create channels may cause confusion among users accustomed to its previous location. This adjustment ensures an enhanced transition and provides clarity regarding the updated channel creation process.
In our opinion, making the ability to explore channels more visible offers the advantage of enhancing user engagement with content discovery. By prominently featuring this shortcut, WhatsApp now allows users to quickly find and follow new channels that match their interests and preferences. This visibility also encourages users to explore a wider range of content, addressing the issue of the previous entry point being less prominent. It's important to note that WhatsApp is still committed to further refining the updates tab to optimize the user interface over the coming weeks.
A feature to quickly explore new channels is available to some beta testers who install the latest updates of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store, and it is rolling out to even more people over the coming days.
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