Tag: whatsapp beta

WhatsApp for Android May Be Developing a New In-App Dialler for Calling Convenience

WhatsApp is said to be working on several new features for the Android platform. According to a feature tracker, one of the features introduced in the latest WhatsApp for Android beta app update is a new in-app dialler. This feature is speculated to make WhatsApp calling convenient by allowing users to make calls directly from the app, without having to switch to the system dialler and save the contact on the Android smartphone.

WhatsApp’s in-app dialer

According to feature tracker WABetaInfo, the new in-app dialler may appear as a floating action button (FAB) in the Calls tab. With it, users can take advantage of WhatsApp calling, even to numbers which aren’t saved on the smartphone. This feature is said to have been spotted in the WhatsApp for Android beta app version Android 2.24.13.17.

In-App Dialler on WhatsApp
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

Apart from calling, users may be able to save the contact from the dialler to the smartphone’s address book, either as a new contact or an addition to an existing one. Furthermore, a messaging option is also said to be present for those who initially wanted to call someone but changed their mind and now wish to send them a WhatsApp message.

It is speculated to also offer the functionality to check whether a given number is registered on WhatsApp. The feature tracker suggested that the new in-app dialler is available to select users who are enrolled in the Google Play Beta program as beta testers of the WhatsApp for Android app.

Gadgets 360 staff members were unable to test the availability of this feature.

New stickers

WhatsApp also reportedly introduced new and more dynamic stickers, according to a report. These stickers are said to offer more fluid motion, courtesy of the newly supported Lottie framework. It reportedly enables the development of more dynamic animations built on motion graphic design software such as Adobe After Effects, for native rending on mobile devices.

The first sticker pack to officially support this new framework is “I’m Just a Girl”, developed by BUCK, which is 228KB in size. This feature is being rolled out to WhatsApp for Android and iOS users.

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WhatsApp Reportedly Begins Beta Testing New Layout for Status Updates With Preview Feature

WhatsApp for Android is testing a new layout for the status updates page, according to details shared by a feature tracker. The instant messaging platform is expected to roll out the modern interface to users on iOS and Android smartphones in the future. Additionally, users may also reportedly be able to preview statuses without opening them. This development comes amidst another revelation about WhatsApp also testing a fix for the emoji keyboard crash which has reportedly plagued some Android users.

WhatsApp Tests a New Status Update UI

According to feature tracker WABetaInfo, the instant messaging platform’s new layout for status updates is rolling out with WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.12.20. While some beta testers reportedly had access to this change on an earlier version, it has been rolled out to more users with the latest update.

New status UI on WhatsApp for Android beta version
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

A screenshot shared by WABetaInfo shows that a new and larger thumbnail for status updates has been introduced, replacing the existing smaller circular window. It is speculated that users may be able to get a glimpse of the status update from this thumbnail without having to open them. However, it still remains pinned at the top of the screen below the search bar, which means its placement has not changed, according to the feature tracker.

The latest WhatsApp for Android beta update also brings a new layout for WhatsApp channel recommendation panel. At present, the status update page also features the Find channels option at the end where recommended channels are present to users. With the update, it has been tweaked and now reportedly has a horizontal orientation.

The report suggests these changes are available to beta testers who install the latest WhatsApp for Android beta update from the Google Play Store. It may be rolled out to more people in the coming days. At the time of writing, it was yet to roll out to a Gadget 360 staff member who is part of the beta channel. 

WhatsApp Working on Fix for Emoji Keyboard Crash

It is also reported that the platform is also working on a fix for the emoji keyboard crash that some users have encountered recently. It was spotted in WhatsApp for Android version 2.24.12.23 which is available on the Google Play Store.

This update is accessible to everyone who is enrolled in the WhatsApp beta program, the report adds.

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Humane AI Pin Users Told to Stop Using Charging Case Over Fire Risk



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WhatsApp Default Theme Feature Spotted in Development on Latest Beta Version

WhatsApp is working on a feature that will allow users to set a default theme, changing the colour of chat bubbles on the app on their smartphone. The new personalisation option could offer a selection of colour presets, and was spotted in development by a feature tracker on a recent beta version of the app for iPhone. The Meta-owned messaging app recently updated the colour scheme of its app for iOS users, adopting a green accent for various elements such as buttons and notification counters.

WhatsApp Default chat theme feature spotted

On the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.11.10.70 that is rolling out to users via Apple’s TestFlight testing program, feature tracker WABetaInfo spotted a new Default chat theme feature that is currently in development. This means that the feature cannot be enabled at the moment, but should be available for beta testers to try out at a later date.

WhatsApp Default chat theme feature: How it works

According to a screenshot shared by the feature tracker, WhatsApp is working on a new chat theme picker in the app, which will located in the settings menu. Users can choose from five options — the default green theme, as well as blue, grey, red, and purple.

WhatsApp’s new default chat theme picker on iOS
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

 

The leaked image also contains a snippet of text that informs the user that picking one of the chaat themes will set the colour and wallpaper — with the corresponding themed WhatsApp doodle background — for chats on their phone.

Unlike Instagram, setting the chat theme will only apply to the same phone. This means that the Default chat theme setting will not modify the theme in a chat for both users — unlike Instagram, which allows users to theme conversations on a per-chat basis.

This new chat theme picker is expected to roll out to beta testers on iOS in the future, before it arrives on the stable channel. As most features are shared across WhatsApp for iOS and Android, we can also expect this feature to arrive on the Android version of the app in the future.  

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WhatsApp Begins Testing Camera Zoom Control Feature, Sticker Creation Shortcuts

WhatsApp is rolling out two new features to beta testers on iOS that add new capabilities to the popular messaging platform. The first feature makes it much easier to zoom when using the in-app camera on WhatsApp, while the second feature allows users to quickly create new stickers from their Camera Roll, or use Meta AI to generate stickers, via new shortcuts. Both of these features are expected to make their way to all users on iOS and Android smartphones.

Feature tracker WABetaInfo spotted a new zoom control feature on WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.9.10.75. Users who have signed up to receive beta versions of WhatsApp for iOS via TestFlight can now update to the latest version to access a new camera zoom control button that will let them switch between different zoom options when clicking images or recording videos on WhatsApp.

WhatsApp’s new zoom controls (left) and sticker shortcuts
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

 

WhatsApp currently allows users to pinch in and out on the viewfinder while using the in-app camera or, swipe up while holding down the capture button. Both of these options aren’t as straightforward or intuitive as using a dedicated zoom button, which is expected to roll out to all users in the future.

Earlier this week, the Meta-owned messaging service rolled out another feature to beta testers with the WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.9.10.74 update, according to details shared by WABetaInfo. Users who have installed this version will see Create and Use AI shortcuts when the sticker selection panel is open on WhatsApp.

The first shortcut will allow users to use an image from their Camera Roll to generate a new WhatsApp sticker using the application’s built-in sticker editor. Gadgets 360 was able to confirm that this option is also available to some users on the stable version of WhatsApp. The Use AI shortcut, on the other hand, allows users to generate stickers with Meta AI, the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) service.

Other features recently spotted in testing on beta versions of WhatsApp include a new ‘Recently Online’ list that — as the name suggests — lists contacts who were previously active on the app. Meanwhile, the service recently updated its colour palette on iOS, displaying green buttons and text throughout the app. It could eventually add support for alternative colour accents on the app, which were first spotted in development in January.

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WhatsApp Working on In-App Dialler Feature to Call Unsaved Contacts: Report

WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature that will allow users to access an in-app dialler to make voice calls. The feature is still under development, and the instant messaging platform has not made it available to those who have signed up for the Google Play beta programme. While the functionality of the dialler is unclear, it is believed that the feature could allow users to call numbers that are not saved in their contact list. A recent report claimed that the company is also working on a nearby file-sharing feature.

Spotted by feature tracker WABetaInfo on WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.9.28, the feature is currently not available for beta testers, but the tracker suggests that it might appear in one of the next updates. The in-app dialler could expand the functionality of the app from a standard voice and video calling platform to one that even allows calling contacts not saved on and could mimic an actual calling service.

WhatsApp in-app dialler
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

 

The report also shared a screenshot of the feature, which is yet to be enabled on the latest beta version. It appears like a generic dialler with a green calling icon and numbers and alphabets located as they usually do.

The feature tracker suggests that the reason for the dialler’s implementation is still unknown. However, it is believed that the feature was included to easily call numbers that a user might remember and prefer to dial rather than scrolling through the contact list or searching for it.

Another use case could be to allow users to call numbers that are not saved in contacts. Last year, the company rolled out a feature to make it easy to chat with users who are not saved in the contact. The in-app dialler might be an extension of that feature. It is a common occurrence when a user needs to call someone over the app for temporary reasons such as setting up a meeting, checking up on an expected delivery, or making an appointment.

For these cases, saving the contact is an unnecessary step that users currently have to complete. The new feature may alleviate the need to do so.

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X to Boost Its ‘Video-First’ Plans With a New Smart TV App, CEO Linda Yaccarino Reveals



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WhatsApp Spotted Working on AI-Powered Image Editor, Ask Meta AI Feature

WhatsApp is currently working on a feature that will let users edit their images using an editing tool that is powered by artificial intelligence (AI), according to details shared by a feature tracker. Users might be able to quickly modify an image’s background, restyle it, or ‘expand’ it using AI, when the feature is rolled out to users in the future. Meanwhile, the company is also working on a feature that will let users ask questions to the company’s ‘Meta AI’ service directly from the search bar.

According to feature tracker WABetaInfo, a feature tracker with a good track record of unearthing new features on the messaging app before they are rolled out, the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.7.13 update contains code for an AI-powered image editor. The feature, which is still in development, cannot currently be tested by users who have signed up to receive beta versions of the app.

WhatsApp’s upcoming AI-powered features
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

 

In a screenshot published by WABetaInfo, an early version of the feature is visible on the interface that is shown when sending images on WhatsApp for Android. A green icon located at the top, to the left of the HD icon is visible, and tapping it displays three options Backdrop, Restyle, and Expand. As the feature is still being developed, it is currently unclear what each of these features does.

Meanwhile, the more recent WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.7.14 version contains details of another feature discovered by WABetaInfo. The feature tracker has spotted the ability to use the search bar at the top of the app to ask queries to Meta AI — the company’s generative AI assistant for Meta products designed to compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

It’s worth noting that both these features are still being developed so you won’t be able to test them out, even after updating to the latest version of the app. These features are likely to be refined and improved, then rolled out to testers on the beta channel, before they are rolled out to all users. They are also expected to make their way to users on iOS, providing feature parity across both mobile platforms.

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WhatsApp Spotted Working on Feature to Transcribe Voice Notes on Latest Android Beta Version

WhatsApp has been spotted developing a feature that transcribes voice notes on Android devices. Using the speech recognition feature on your smartphone, WhatsApp will locally process voice notes that are sent and received, displaying the transcribed text in the same chat window. The feature, currently in development, could come in handy when it is not feasible to listen to a voice message. It might also improve accessibility for hearing impaired users, enabling them to use the built-in voice notes feature.

Feature tracker WABetaInfo discovered a new feature in development on WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.7.8 — the ability to transcribe voice notes. The Meta-owned chat platform is still working on the feature, which means that even beta testers can’t try it out at the moment. However, the feature tracker has shared an image of what the feature might look like when it is released.

WhatsApp will download additional data to enable voice note transcripts
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

 

In the screenshot published by WABetaInfo, we can see a pop up card that explains how the feature will work when it is eventually rolled out to users. A message informs users that the app will need to download 150MB of new app data to their smartphone, in order to enable voice note transcripts on the smartphone.

WhatsApp will also inform users that it will use on-device speech recognition, which will allow the app to provide voice note transcripts while protecting user privacy and preserving its end-to-end encryption for messages. This also suggests that voice notes that are already downloaded can be transcribed even when no data is available.

It’s worth noting that WhatsApp has been testing the same feature since May 2023, when version 23.9.0.70 of WhatsApp beta for iOS was rolled out. The app also downloads these language packs onto users’ smartphones, enabling transcription in different languages. WhatsApp users on iOS can also search through these transcripts as the text is indexed like regular messages, according to the feature tracker. 

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WhatsApp Passkey Support for iOS Spotted in Development, to Work on Phones Running iOS 17

WhatsApp is working on adding support for passkeys to iOS, according to a feature tracker. The popular messaging service owned by Meta is bringing support for passkeys — a passwordless authentication technology that allows you to log in with your biometrics — to WhatsApp for iOS. The passkeys feature was previously added to WhatsApp for Android, but it looks like the feature will soon be available on WhatsApp for iOS. Users who are running on the latest version of iOS should be able to access the feature with a future update.

Feature tracker WABetaInfo spotted a new passkey-related menu in the latest version of WhatsApp beta for iOS 2.24.2.73, which suggests that the support for the feature will come to iOS soon. The Android version of the app already allows users to set up a passkey that can be used to quickly log back into their account on the same device.

WhatsApp’s passkey menu on iOS is currently inaccessible
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

 

A passkey is a hardware-backed authentication mechanism designed by the FIDO Alliance along with major firms like Apple, Google, and Microsoft that uses cryptography on a user’s device for passwordless sign-ins that are authenticated with Touch ID or Face ID, while cutting the risks of phishing attacks. On Android, WhatsApp passkeys are stored securely in Google’s password manager — it is expected to use Apple’s Keychain system on iOS.

While the latest version of WhatsApp beta for iOS includes code for the new passkey menu, you can’t actually create one as the functionality hasn’t been enabled. WhatsApp will first roll out the feature to users on the beta testing channel (via TestFlight) before it brings passkey support to all users on the stable version of the app.

However, not all iOS users will have access to passkeys. While passkeys are supported on Android phones running Android 9 or newer, only iPhone models that are running on iOS 17 will support third party access to passkeys. This means that if you have an iPhone XR or newer that is updated to iOS 17, you will be able to use passkeys in the future to log back into your WhatsApp account with Face ID or Touch ID.

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WhatsApp Working on Theme Colours; Rolling Out Sticker Editor Feature on Latest iOS Beta: Report

WhatsApp is working on a feature that will allow users to select a theme accent for the popular messaging app on iOS, according to details shared by a feature tracker. The company recently changed the appearance of the app on the beta version of the app on iOS, adding a green tint to some parts of the interface. It appears that the company will soon allow users to choose from five theme colour accents for the app, in a future update. Meanwhile, the service is reportedly testing a sticker editor feature on the latest beta version.

As part of a recent WhatsApp beta for iOS update, the Meta-owned platform included some code that shows users will soon be able to pick an accent colour to theme some parts of the UI, according to details unearthed by feature tracker WABetaInfo. These include the message counts on the right side of the chat list, the circles around status updates, the colours of selected tabs at the bottom, and some buttons on the interface.

On the latest stable version of WhatsApp for iOS, these UI elements are displayed with a blue colour accent. A screenshot showing five colour accents was shared by WABetaInfo, showing a choice between WhatsApp’s green accent, the existing blue option, an off-white colour, pink, and purple. Users will reportedly be informed that selecting one of the five options will only update the app’s main branding colour.

WhatsApp is working on colour accents and a sticker editor
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

 

Meanwhile, a more recent version — WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.1.10.72 — is rolling out to testers via the TestFlight program, along with support for a new feature, according to WABetaInfo. Beta testers can now use a newly added sticker editor that could eliminate the need for this party sticker apps altogether.

According to details shared by WABetaInfo, tapping existing stickers will offer beta testers the ability to edit them via an Edit Sticker button. Meanwhile, another button titled Create Your Own will allow users to create their own stickers on the app. Users will also be able to remove backgrounds from images on their phone while creating stickers.

While the new sticker editor is currently rolling out to beta testers, it might be a while before the colour accent picker is made available to testers — it is currently in development, according to the feature tracker. As WhatsApp typically maintains feature parity between both platforms, these features can also be expected to make their way to WhatsApp for Android in the future.

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WhatsApp Verified Channel Badge Feature Reportedly in Development: How it Works

WhatsApp is working on allowing businesses to display a verification badge on their channels, according to code spotted on the latest beta version of the app by a feature tracker. The company is changing the way verification marks are displayed on the messaging platform. It is eventually expected to switch over to blue verified check marks — currently used on Instagram and Facebook — from the existing green badges on WhatsApp.

WABetaInfo spotted a new “verified channel” feature on the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.1.18 update that is rolling out to testers who have signed up to receive beta versions of the app on Android. This particular feature is still in development, unlike other features that are currently being tested on the platform. It is expected to roll out to beta testers in the future, before it is rolled out to all users on the stable channel.

A screenshot shared by the feature tracker shows the purported interface for the new verified channel feature. The feature appears to be aimed at WhatsApp Business users and will allow users to show their verified badge on a new channel created for their business. Last year, the company announced that businesses would be able to able to subscribe to the parent firm’s Meta Verified feature and get a verified tick mark on their profile.

Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

 

Interestingly, WABetaInfo’s leaked screenshot shows that adding the verified badge to a channel will immediately replace its existing name and profile picture and start using your verified business details — a preview is also displayed, showing how your channel image, name, and verified badge will look. If you plan to change your channel’s photo, you’ll have to make these changes in your business profile, according to the screenshot.

In order to display a verified check mark, WABetaInfo claims that businesses will need to have a Meta Verified subscription. Individual users and non-business accounts will not be able to add a verified tick mark to channels, according to the feature tracker. While the feature tracker’s record is practically unmatched when it comes to discovering and leaking new WhatsApp features, it is best to take these claims with a pinch of salt, as the company is yet to announce any plans related to verification marks for channels.

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