WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.21.18: what's new?
WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.24.21.18.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a redesigned typing indicator feature for individual and group chats, and it's available to some beta testers!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | New chat typing indicator |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.21.18 is marked as a compatible update, but some users might experiment with the same feature by installing the previous 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 weeks. |
| Thanks: | shimon128, rubiokarim, FastenM, Lukkkas, raphinha, shimon, and luksdp, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.20.10.72: what's new? WhatsApp is rolling out an improved feature to present media messages directly in the chat screen! |
NEW CHAT TYPING INDICATOR
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.12.7 update, we announced that WhatsApp was rolling out a feature to bring profile icons to group chats. This feature allows users to see profile icons next to participants' names in group conversations, making it easier to identify group members. This is particularly helpful when several members share similar or identical names, or when someone doesn't have a profile photo, as WhatsApp will display a default icon with unique characteristics, such as a specific color that matches the contact name, ensuring quick and clear identification. It appears that WhatsApp is now dedicated to creating a more dynamic conversation experience by introducing features that provide real-time feedback during chats. Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.21.18 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a redesigned typing indicator feature for individual and group chats!
As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can explore a new feature that displays a redesigned typing indicator directly within the chat interface. Previously, when a participant was typing in a conversation, the typing indicator appeared at the top of the screen in the app bar, under the group name, indicating who was typing. With this update, the typing indicator now shows up right in the conversation screen as a chat bubble, making it faster and easier for users to identify who is typing without taking their focus away from the ongoing conversation. It is worth noting that this update also applies to the voice recording indicator, which now similarly appears within the chat interface, providing a consistent experience for both typing and recording activities.
The group member icon appears alongside the new three-dot typing animation, providing real-time feedback on who is typing without needing to look at the top of the screen. As a result, WhatsApp is eliminating this information from the top app bar as it fully transitions the typing indicator into the chat interface. The redesigned typing indicator also appears in individual chats, where it maintains a consistent experience by integrating with the chat screen.
It is important to note that when multiple participants are typing at the same time in group chats, their profile icons will now appear within the chat, giving users a clear indication of everyone who is active. Previously, WhatsApp only displayed the name of one person typing, without any indication if others were typing simultaneously. This change makes it more intuitive and convenient for users, especially in busy group chats, where multiple participants may be typing messages or recording voice notes at the same time.
A redesigned typing indicator feature for individual and group chats 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 weeks.
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