WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.1.13: what's new?

WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.1.13.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to show the website icon for shared links, and it's available to some beta testers!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.22.19 update, we announced that a feature to get link info on Google was available. This feature enables users to search for information about links shared in their chats and groups directly on Google, making it easier to verify the authenticity of URLs without needing to visit the link itself. By providing a safer way to gather details about potentially suspicious links, this update aims to protect users from security risks like phishing and malware. It appears that WhatsApp is experimenting with additional enhancements for links, such as the ability to view more details within the message preview. Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.1.13 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to show the website icon for shared links!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can explore a new feature to show the favicon for shared links, next to the domain name. A favicon is a small graphical representation of a website, typically appearing in the browser tab next to the site title. It's a visual cue that helps users quickly identify the source of a link, similar to how a company logo appears on their website's home page. With the latest update, WhatsApp now shows the favicon directly within the message bubble when a link is shared with a rich preview, making it easier for users to instantly recognize the website.

While the favicon can add a bit of aesthetic appeal to the message bubbles when sharing a link, it's important to remember that it doesn't provide any functional verification of the link legitimacy. The presence of a favicon doesn't guarantee that the site is trustworthy or that it matches the expected content. Users should always exercise caution when interacting with links received in their conversations, whether from unknown numbers or from their contacts and groups. Even with the added visual confirmation of a favicon, users need to verify URLs independently and stay alert to any suspicious behavior or unexpected redirects, as these could indicate malicious intent or a phishing attempt. This new feature enhances the way users can quickly assess shared links at a glance, but it's important to mention that it doesn't replace the need for careful evaluation of online content.

A feature to show the website icon for shared links 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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