WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.2.3: what's new?

WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.2.3.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a new default icon feature for contacts and group chats, and it's available to some beta testers!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.24.12 update, we announced that new themed icons for contacts and groups were under development. This feature aims to enhance the visual appeal of the app by introducing vibrant and color-coded icons for contacts and group chats, making it easier for users to distinguish between them at a glance, especially when profile photos are unavailable. It appears that WhatsApp is now testing this feature with the public, as some beta testers reported new icons appearing in their chats, showcasing distinct colors and designs tailored for contacts and group conversations. Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.2.3 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a new default icon feature for contacts and group chats!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can explore a new feature that introduces colorful and dynamic icons for contacts and groups. These icons are automatically generated by WhatsApp when a chat does not have a profile photo. For personal chats, the icon is made up of the first letter of the contact's name displayed against a vibrant background color. This creates a unique and visually striking appearance for each chat, helping users identify them at a glance. In cases where a chat does not have a name, WhatsApp generates a default icon displaying a person-shaped figure. This ensures that even certain unnamed chats remain easily recognizable within the app, as users can still associate them with their purpose or context.

The new feature also extends to group chats and communities, which have their own distinctive default icons. Group chats are depicted with an icon featuring two people, while communities are represented by an icon with three. This update replaces the older and outdated default images that WhatsApp has used for years, offering a modern and refreshed look that aligns with current design trends. For some users, this update can be considered necessary, as it enhances the clarity and visual appeal of the app, especially for those who rely on quick visual cues to navigate their chats. The previous default images were quite basic, and these new icons provide a more organized and visually appealing experience.

It's worth noting that these icons resemble those found in the contact list of many Android phones, where each contact is assigned a color-coded circle with the first letter of their name. This design similarity helps to create a sense of familiarity for users, as the concept is already widely recognized in the context of mobile contacts. These new icons help users visually distinguish their chats that might otherwise look identical. For example, if multiple chats share similar or identical names, the distinct colors and initials on the icons make it easier to tell them apart.

A new default icon feature for contacts and group chats 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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