WhatsApp, one of the Meta-owned platforms has reportedly released a new feature to view status updates within the chat list to some Android beta testers.
According to the report, the new feature is said to have been rolled out with the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.22.18.17.
The feature was reportedly under development earlier. The new feature is said to allow users to click on a contact’s display picture within the chat list to view the status update.
The report also highlighted that the new feature can be disabled by muting all status updates.
According to a report by WhatsApp features tracker WABetainfo, the instant messaging platform has released the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.22.18.17 to some beta testers.
In the new beta version, WhatsApp has reportedly added the ability for users to view status updates from their contacts within the chat list.
In the new feature, WhatsApp will allow users to click on a contact’s display picture to directly view their status updates in their chat list.
The report also mentioned that this feature can be disabled by muting all status updates in the WhatsApp for Android app.
As per the report, the feature could be rolled out to more beta testers in the coming weeks.
The above-mentioned beta version is also expected to be released for iOS in the future, the report added. WhatsApp is yet to officially announce the release timeline of this feature.
Newsflash Nigeria had earlier reported that the instant messaging platform had launched a new version of its Windows app to promote a better user experience for those using Desktop.
The new version dedicated to the app for Windows works independently of your smartphone, and it’s a big step forward compared to the previous version.
While the core functionality remains unchanged, WhatsApp Desktop no longer requires a permanent connection to your phone in order to work. After setup, you can send, receive, and check for new messages even if your phone is offline.
Newsflash Nigeria also reported that WhatsApp had launched three new features. One of the features allows users to exit groups secretly but only admins would be notified when a member leaves a group.
According to the company, the two other features will allow users to choose who can see them when they are online and block screenshots of view-once messages.
It disclosed that the two features would be officially unveiled in due course.
The company said the new features are part of its ongoing efforts to give users more control and privacy over their messages.
The platform has been in the news on several occasions over conditions attached to some of its privacy policies.
Last year, WhatsApp attracted widespread backlash after it announced that its two billion users must either accept its updated terms and conditions or stop using its application.
In the wake of the criticism, the company launched its first global advertising campaign to address concerns raised by its users.
