WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.9.23: what's new?
WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.24.9.23.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a quick reaction feature for status updates, and it will be available in a future update!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Quick status reaction |
| Status? | Under development |
| Availability? | WhatsApp is working on bringing a feature to quickly react to status updates to a future update of the app. |
| I've installed this update but I don't have this feature. Why? | This feature is under development so it's not ready for beta testers, but it is possible to discover a preview in this article. |
| Special thanks: | Sc and Adwaith Varma, for collaborating, testing, and reporting. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.9.22: what’s new? WhatsApp is working on a file sharing feature with people nearby! |
QUICK STATUS REACTION
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.6.19 update, we announced a new feature in development to receive notifications for mentions in status updates. This enhancement will allow users to directly send a notification whenever they mention specific contacts in their status updates, so they can stay always informed and engaged with relevant content. It appears that WhatsApp is now exploring new features to further improve engagement with status updates, with the aim to enhance the user experience and keep users more connected. Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.9.23 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a quick reaction feature for status updates!
As you can see in the attached screenshot, WhatsApp is experimenting with an enhanced feature to allow users to quickly react to status updates, set to release for a future update of the app. Through this feature, users will be able to quickly add a reaction to status updates, enabling them to express their appreciation for the posted content with ease. It's important to note that these reactions will appear on the status screen, rather than within the conversation thread. This contrasts with the current behavior when users react to status updates using emojis, as those reactions typically appear within the conversation. The new approach will keep conversations clutter-free while still allowing users to engage with status updates easily.
One significant aspect of the quick reaction feature for status updates is its compatibility with end-to-end encryption. This means that the quick reaction will be fully secure and private, ensuring that neither WhatsApp nor any third parties can access or view the quick reaction exchanged between users. Thanks to end-to-end encrypted reactions, only the intended recipient of the reaction will be able to see it, maintaining the confidentiality of the interaction. In addition, having all reactions listed in the same place is definitely a good advantage for users. By centralizing reactions to status updates in one screen, users will be able to quickly review who liked their content without having to navigate through multiple conversations.
A quick reaction feature for status updates is under development and it will be available in a future update of the app. We will share another article once we gather more information about this feature.
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