WhatsApp reportedly testing new status update feature, here's how it will work

WhatsApp Status update

Popular messaging platform WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new feature for its status update. According to WhatsApp beta tracker WABetaInfo, the new layout for status updates is being rolled out with WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.12.20.

Although some beta users received this update in earlier versions, it has now been extended to more beta users now. This feature includes a larger thumbnail, on the status page, replacing the smaller circular preview. This enhancement could allow users to view a portion of the status update directly from the thumbnail, without needing to open it.

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However, the status updates remain pinned at the top of the screen below the search bar, meaning its placement has not changed. This new vertical layout offers an advantage in terms of usability and ease of navigation. This layout also pushes the already-seen status updates to other window panes.

The status update page previously listed the Find Channels option at the end where recommended channels were available to users. But, with this update, it has been tweaked and now has a horizontal orientation.

The WABetaInfo report suggests that these changes will be available to more beta testers who install the latest WhatsApp for Android beta update from the Google Play Store or external APK files. It’s expected that this feature will be available for stable release in the coming weeks.

Meta is also testing a fix for the emoji keyboard crash which has been faced by some WhatsApp Android users recently.