WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.24.17: what's new?
WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.24.24.17.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to animate some confetti emoji reactions for the New Year, and it's available to some beta testers!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Confetti emoji reaction animation |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.24.17 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 weeks. |
| Thanks: | Swakshan, Sc, and Hamada, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp news of the week: photo and video albums get captions and enhanced sharing media features! |
CONFETTI EMOJI REACTION ANIMATION
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.22.16 update, we announced that WhatsApp was rolling out a feature to react to messages using recent emojis. This feature enhances the reaction tray by allowing users to select their most recently used emojis directly, eliminating the need to navigate through the full emoji picker. This update expands the previously limited six-emojis tray, offering greater flexibility and efficiency, especially for those who frequently use emojis outside the default set. It appears that WhatsApp continues to introduce various enhancements for reactions, particularly focusing on improving how users interact with emojis. Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.24.17 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to animate some confetti emoji reactions for the New Year!
As you can see from the attached video, some beta testers can explore a new animation when reacting to messages using some festive-themed emojis. Specifically, the Party Popper, Partying Face, and Confetti Ball emojis trigger vibrant animations designed to enhance the celebratory mood. This update is particularly timely as we approach the New Year, a period often associated with celebrations and festive messages. These emojis, symbolizing joy and festivity, are expected to see widespread use during this season. WhatsApp appears to be preparing for this surge in usage by adding a delightful cosmetic touch to its reactions.
When users react to a chat message choosing one of the eligible emojis, it triggers an engaging graphic effect: colorful confetti bursts out of the emoji, creating a lively animation. This small but impactful feature is designed to make interactions more fun and expressive, as users can now visually emphasize moments of celebration or joy in their conversations. The animation adds a dynamic element to reactions since it transforms a simple emoji into an interactive experience, making them feel more engaging and expressive.
The development of this animation is powered by the Lottie framework, an innovative tool for creating and rendering high-quality animations. Lottie allows developers to produce lightweight, scalable, and smooth animations that integrate seamlessly into apps. Its ability to compress animations into small file sizes ensures that these effects do not compromise app performance or increase resource consumption. Additionally, the fluidity and crispness of Lottie animations make them visually appealing while maintaining optimal efficiency.
It's worth noting that this feature is available only to selected beta testers, but it is expected to be rolled out to all users soon, just in time for the upcoming New Year celebrations. Those with access can try it out by simply reacting to a message using the Party Popper, Partying Face, and Confetti Ball emojis and observing the festive confetti animation in action. It's another step by WhatsApp to enhance the visual and interactive elements of the app, aligning perfectly with the spirit of the New Year celebrations.
A feature to animate some confetti emoji reactions for the New Year 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.
Stay up-to-date on WhatsApp news by following WABetaInfo on X. You can also discover other new features for WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, Web/Desktop, and Windows.
Do you like this news? Please, let us know on X: we love hearing your feedback! If you're curious to see where you can find WABetaInfo, there is a dedicated page where you can discover our services.
In addition, we have set up a Discord Server where you can chat with other people, get help and advice, and stay up to date with the latest announcements from WABetaInfo.