WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Facebook, is rolling out a new update for its Android users that brings some changes to the interface and a new feature for managing messages.
The update, which is still in beta testing, introduces a redesign of the Updates tab, where users can post status updates in the form of text, images, or GIFs. The redesign replaces the two floating action buttons (FABs) on the bottom right of the screen with two new icons on the Status header. The new icons, a Camera and a Pencil, allow users to quickly and seamlessly share their status updates with their contacts.
The redesign aims to enhance the overall user experience, as the FABs were often overlapped by posts from followed channels, making it easy to tap them unintentionally. According to WABetaInfo, a website that tracks WhatsApp features, some users may be able to test a different redesign, where the two new icons are added to the FABs, instead of replacing them. The website also suggests that some users may get the new look with the previous version of the app, while others may have to wait for the 2.23.26.13 version to be released.
introducing Pinned Messages 📌 now everyone can stay on top of a chat by keeping the important messages up top 🙌 pic.twitter.com/nDcsgoJyga
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) December 12, 2023
The update also brings a new feature that WhatsApp users have been waiting for a long time – Pinned Messages. The feature allows users to easily find important messages by placing them on top of a conversation. Users can pin one message per chat for a duration of 24 hours, seven days, or a month. The pinned message will have a blue pin icon next to it, and can be unpinned at any time.
The new feature is expected to be useful for users who want to keep track of important information, such as reminders, deadlines, or instructions, without having to scroll through the entire chat history. The feature is similar to the one available on other messaging apps, such as Telegram and Signal.
The update is currently available for beta testers, and should be rolled out to all Android users in the coming days. WhatsApp has not announced when the update will be available for iOS users.