WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.1.17: what's new?

WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.1.17.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a feature to assign photos to poll options in channels, and it will be available in a future update!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.2.11 update, we announced that a feature to share polls in channels was available. This update enabled channel owners to create and share polls with their followers directly within channels, offering an interactive way to engage their audience. The feature is designed with privacy in mind, ensuring that votes remain confidential, and even the channel owner cannot see individual voter participation. It appears WhatsApp is continuing to enhance the polls feature by developing new options to further boost engagement. Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.1.17 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature to assign photos to poll options in channels!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of a new feature that allows users to attach photos to polls, scheduled for release in a future update. This enhancement will allow channel owners to assign a specific photo to each poll option. By adding the ability to attach photos to poll options, voters will have a visual representation of each choice, making it easier to understand and evaluate the options before casting their vote. This is particularly useful in situations where text descriptions might not be sufficient or where a visual context can provide clarity. For example, channels focused on topics such as design, travel, or food could use this feature to showcase images that correspond to the poll choices, helping their followers make more informed and precise decisions.

Once a photo is attached to one poll option, it will be necessary to add photos to all other poll options as well, ensuring consistency throughout the poll. This guarantees that each choice is equally represented and allows voters to compare all options within the same visual context. The need for uniformity will help prevent confusion, as it ensures that all poll options are presented in the same format, making it easier for voters to compare them.

Initially, the ability to assign photos to poll options will be exclusive to channels, likely to enable WhatsApp to refine the feature within a controlled environment before expanding it to group chats and individual conversations in the future. Channels, designed for broadcasting information to larger audiences, are an ideal testing ground as they often involve more structured content and a higher degree of engagement from followers. This gradual rollout ensures that the feature is optimized and feedback from channel owners and participants is taken into account before a possible broader implementation. As a result, WhatsApp plans to potentially extend this feature to group chats and individual conversations in the future. For example, friends planning a trip in their chats and groups could use polls with photos to select destinations, or teams in a community group chat could visually compare designs for a project.

A feature to assign photos to poll options in channels is under development and it will be available in a future update. We will keep you updated with an additional article as soon as we have more details to share about this feature.

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