WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.25.30: what's new?

WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.24.25.30.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out an online counter feature for group chats, and it's available to some beta testers!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.21.18 update, we announced that WhatsApp was rolling out a redesigned typing indicator feature for individual and group chats. This feature displays the typing and voice recording indicators directly within the chat interface, rather than at the top of the screen. For group chats, the redesigned indicator includes profile icons alongside the three-dot typing animation, allowing users to easily identify who is typing or recording in real time. If multiple participants are typing simultaneously, their profile icons appear within the chat, offering a clear and intuitive overview of activity. It seems that WhatsApp is continuously experimenting with new enhancements for the chat interface, with the aim to make it even more useful. Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.25.30 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out an online counter feature for group chats!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can explore a new feature that displays the number of participants currently online in the top app bar of group chats, providing quick insights into their availability. Previously, the top app bar in group chats displayed a summary of the group participants' names and their current activity. In this update, WhatsApp has replaced the activity-based summary in the top app bar with the number of participants currently online. This feature provides users with a quick view of how many group members have the app open and are connected to the service. It's worth noting that this count does not reflect how many participants are actively engaging in the group chat but only those who have the app open.

It's important to mention that the number of participants currently online excludes any members who have turned off their online status visibility from their privacy settings. These users will not be included in the count, ensuring that their privacy settings are always respected. This approach maintains the balance between offering useful group insights and protecting individual privacy preferences, as it excludes users who have chosen to hide their online status from being considered. The number of participants currently online brings a new layer of convenience, especially in active groups. Knowing how many people are online when sending a message can help users decide the best time to communicate important updates or initiate discussions. For example, when a significant number of members are online, there's a greater chance of receiving immediate feedback or sparking a real-time conversation.

An online counter feature for 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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