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 that shows the website icon for shared links, and it's available to some beta testers!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Website icon |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.1.13 has been designated as a compatible update, but some users might experiment with the same feature by installing certain previous updates. |
| 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: | Kingcyrious, UnluckyTester, and flakoflow, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.1.11: what's new? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that simplifies how users can create group chats and communities! |
WhatsApp launches favicons for links
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.22.19 update, we announced a feature to get link info on Google. This feature allows users to search for information about links shared in their chats and groups directly on Google. This operation will make it easier for users to verify their authenticity without opening the link. With this update, WhatsApp aims to protect users from many security risks, like phishing and malware.
WhatsApp keeps working on making the experience with links better. This includes the ability to view more details within the message preview. This is what we discovered with the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.1.13 update, which is available on the Google Play Store. Specifically, WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that shows the website icon for shared links.
As you can see from the attached screenshot, a new feature that shows the favicon for shared links is available. With this feature, WhatsApp displays the favicon next to the domain name. A favicon is a small graphical representation of a website. It appears in the browser tab next to the site title. It helps users quickly identify the source of a link, and it is 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. However, the favicon is visible only when the link is shared with a rich preview.
The favicon makes it easier for users to instantly recognize the website. But it doesn't provide any functional verification of the link legitimacy. The favicon doesn't guarantee that the site is trustworthy or that it matches the content users expect to see. Users should always be careful when they interact with links, regardless of whether they are shared by unknown numbers or trusted contacts.
The feature that shows 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. If you do not have it yet, please note that it is rolling out to even more people over the coming weeks.
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