WhatsApp is working on two small functions and one large new function, which should further improve the use of the chat app. View the features here.
Status updates on your profile
WhatsApp Status lets you share text, photo, video and GIF updates that disappear after 24 hours. You’ll find all your contacts’ status updates in the middle tab between Chats and Calls. WhatsApp also wants to display that status in a different place in the chat app, which is the info page that you see when you tap the name of a contact.
WhatsApp is working on status updates on the contact info page, like Twitter Fleets, for a future update 💡 pic.twitter.com/IF6wrllWzQ
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) August 11, 2021
You will then be asked whether you want to view the profile picture or the Status. You can compare it to an Instagram profile where you see a colored circle around the profile picture if that person has posted a Story. That will soon also be possible in WhatsApp, at least if your contacts post status updates…
Improved layout for the emoji part in editing photos
WhatsApp has rolled out an update for several beta users of its Android app with a new design for the emoji part that you see when you want to add an emoji to a photo, video or gif. In the screenshot below you can see that the design now has the same emoji layout that you see in chats and groups. WhatsApp has also added a navigation bar at the bottom that makes it easier to find the right emoji.
Transfer WhatsApp from iOS to Android
The ability to transfer WhatsApp chats from iOS to Android is finally coming. The new Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 get the scoop. Other Samsung phones will follow in the coming weeks. It is not yet known when other Android phones will follow.
