WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.20.17: what's new?
WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.24.20.17.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to manage the home screen badge count, and it's available to some beta testers!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Home screen badge count |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.20.17 is marked as a compatible update. |
| 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, Saadh Jawwadh, rubiokarim, techworldaleant, and flakoflow, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp news of the week: new chat themes under development on Android! |
HOME SCREEN BADGE COUNT
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.11.13 update, we announced that WhatsApp was working on a feature to clear the unread message count. This feature would have allowed users to automatically reset their unread message notifications every time they open the app. Consequently, users can start fresh with a zero unread message count, ensuring they focus on the most recent and relevant messages without being overwhelmed by older notifications. It appears that WhatsApp is now testing this feature with the public, as some beta testers can manage this option within their notification settings. Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.20.17 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to manage the home screen badge count!
As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can explore a feature to decide how their home screen badge clears. With this update, WhatsApp now offers more control over how the home screen badge behaves, providing users with the flexibility to choose between two options for clearing the home screen badge count. Specifically, users can choose to adjust the app badge after each view, so it will accurately reflect the number of unread messages or missed calls after each viewing session. If users read some messages but leave others unread, the badge will adjust accordingly, providing an ongoing snapshot of what still needs attention. We believe that this option is particularly convenient for users who want to keep track of their unread messages or missed calls without losing sight of them.
The second option is the default setting and it allows users to completely resets the badge count every time they open WhatsApp, regardless of whether they've read the messages or not. By choosing the option to clear the notification badge after opening the app, users can enjoy a clutter-free home screen, as all unread message counts are wiped upon app access. This can be a useful feature for users who prefer to clear their notification badges as soon as they open the app, keeping track of new messages without the distraction of accumulating old unread counts. It is also particularly beneficial for those users who receive a high volume of messages and don't want to feel overwhelmed by a growing number of unread notifications.
A feature to manage the home screen badge count 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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