WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.19.7: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.19.7.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to display a raised hand emoji during voice and video calls, and it's available to some beta testers!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.10.16 update, we announced that an improved user experience for voice and video calls was available. This update introduces a new mute button in the notification panel allows users to mute their microphone before answering an incoming voice call and the ability to disable their video feed before accepting an incoming video call. Additionally, emoji reactions allow participants to share real-time feedback through expressive icons without speaking. It appears that WhatsApp is now experimenting with additional tools for calls, aiming to further enhance the overall user experience. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.19.7 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to display a raised hand emoji during voice and video calls!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can explore a new feature that allows them to raise their hand virtually while participating in a voice or video call. This new option introduces a subtle way for users to signal their intention to speak without having to interrupt the ongoing conversation. When a participant activates the raise hand feature, a hand emoji is prominently displayed on the screens of all other call participants, ensuring that the gesture is visible to everyone in real time. This visual cue serves as a polite and organized method for drawing attention, making it easier for others to recognize when someone wants to contribute, ask a question, or respond to the discussion.

This new option is particularly useful in scenarios involving multiple participants, where managing the flow of conversation can be challenging and someone may wish to speak or share input without cutting off others or disrupting the ongoing dialogue. It is also effective in more structured or formal calls, such as virtual meetings or classroom sessions, where typically only one person speaks at a time and maintaining order is essential. In these situations, participants are often muted by default or may choose to stay muted, avoiding any unintended background noise or interruptions. Rather than unmuting themselves and risking interrupting the conversation, users can simply activate the raise hand feature to make their presence and intent known.

The feature to show the raised hand emoji is also a valuable tool for users who join calls in listen-only mode, such as during large meetings or group discussions, but may occasionally need to intervene, ask a question, or provide input without causing disruption. This helps ensure a more balanced communication, particularly during busy or formal calls where multiple speakers may need to coordinate their interactions and order and clarity are important.

A feature to display a raised hand emoji during voice and video calls 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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