Whatsapp is coming out with a new beta version for Android that has some new updates and features. The latest update which came out today features a new group call ringtone and also has new sticker animation features. Furthermore, the update, which is Version v2.20.198.11 is a significant sign that the messaging app is working on improving its intuitiveness and interface with regards to calling. Here’s a look at the significant additions and updates that the beta version brings with it.
New Update of Whatsapp
If anything, this new version is proof that the voice, video and text messaging application is looking to improve user experience. The beta version also tests out a new Call UI which will feature all buttons at the screen’s bottom. Moreover, WhatsApp’s beta version has some significant tweaks for animated stickers. While animations of shorter duration will now loop for a maximum of eight times, longer animations will have shorter loop cycles or iterations. Since the animation feature is a recent roll-out by Whatsapp, the new update will try to make the experience smoother for users. The recently launched animated stickers have been quite a hit with users, and the update will only help them grow in popularity. Hence, sticker users will laud the update for making their experience better. The same change will feature in WhatsApp v2.20.198.11 beta, and experts expect these versions to become stable in the coming weeks.
Better UI for Calls
Furthermore, v2.20.198.11 beta also features new ringtones for group calls and will help differentiate between private, and group calls on WhatsApp. All these new changes will go a long way in assisting WhatsApp to improve its user interface for calls. The shifting of buttons to the bottom of the screen will make it easier for users to control the application while on a call. Screenshots released by beta testers show the screen having five buttons at the bottom. The five buttons displayed include information, audio, video, messaging and camera switch buttons. However, since this feature is still in development, it is not a part of the newest beta released by WhatsApp.
Disappearing Texts
WABetaInfo, a website that follows feature updates for WhatsApp, also reported that the new update features the ability to disappear texts after a preset time. This new feature has been much talked about by fans, as it resembles a texting option that Instagram offers. As per their reports, the new feature will allow users to send text messages that disappear after a while. However, they also state that users have not received any information regarding this feature, making a few believe that it will not be a part of the new update.
Further Changes
Also, the new update sees WhatsApp making the camera shortcut available to users. The messaging application has brought the camera icon in place of the Rooms shortcut, helping make it easier to access. As a result, the new update will feature Camera, Audio, Contacts, Gallery, Audio, Room, Location and Document shortcuts. Such an update follows WhatsApp’s advanced search characteristic. The new search feature makes it easier for people to search for items within the app by filtering various kinds of media. It also allows users to search for documents and links. However, users must note that all these features are a part of the beta version of the application. The company will continue to work on them and refine them before they make them a part of the actual app. While experts expect the stable version to drop within a few weeks, some of these features might not make it in time for the launch. In such cases, we will have to wait for the next update to use them.
WhatsApp keeps releasing beta versions to test new features and improve user experience. Over the years, they have rolled out several important updates that added a sleuth of new features to the application. The messaging application, therefore, takes an active effort to provide users with a seamless and well-integrated user experience. Also, since the company has not officially released a statement regarding the features to expect, it is safe to assume that a few are still under development. While official reports have not hit the news yet, experts do believe that most of these features will find a place for themselves in the new update. The advanced search option, new ringtone and animation features along with a better UI for calls will ensure that users stay satisfied with their experience using the application.
Being a cinephile with a love for all things outdoorsy, Athulya never misses a chance to chase inspiring stories or poke fun at things, even when the subject is herself. Currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, she is someone innately interested in technical and scientific research. Music reviews and op-eds define her as they allow her to explore different perspectives. Though sometimes she thinks she makes more sense playing the guitar than she does while writing.