WhatsApp introduced message reactions two years ago, and recent updates extended this feature to chats, channels, and status updates. The latest WhatsApp beta version new feature enhances the media viewer screen reactions, simplifying the process of reacting to photos, videos, and GIFs. Additionally, WhatsApp is developing AI-generated profile photos and a feature to clear old data, aiming to improve the overall user experience.
Around two years ago, WhatsApp, owned by Meta, introduced message reactions to users on Android, iOS, and the web. Since then, the feature has undergone several updates, becoming available in chats, channels, communities, and status updates. Recent reports indicate that WhatsApp is working on further enhancing reactions within chats, reinforcing its position as one of the top communication apps for Android.
In WhatsApp beta 2.24.10.7 for Android, the messaging app introduced a convenient method to react to media directly from the media viewer screen. With the latest beta version, WhatsApp appears to be fine-tuning this feature even more.
In the latest WhatsApp beta version 2.24.11.18 for Android, WhatsApp has made slight adjustments to the media viewer screen reaction interface, as reported by WABetaInfo. In the previous beta version 2.24.10.7, the media viewer screen featured an expanded Reply bar at the bottom, along with an icon for reacting to messages on the right.
Now, tapping on the Reply button will bring up your keyboard for in-line replies, while tapping on the emoji icon will display six emojis, likely based on your frequently used ones. When you select an emoji reaction, it will appear on the left of the reaction icon. Take a look at the screenshots below to see how the new interface looks.
The adjustments to message reactions within the media viewer screen in beta 2.24.11.18 aren’t significant compared to how they worked in beta 2.24.10.7, but they do provide a more contemporary user interface. Since the redesigned experience is still in beta, it’s uncertain when it will be widely available. If you’re eager to give it a try ahead of time, you can install the beta via APKMirror.
What other features is WhatsApp working on?
In addition to refining message reactions, WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is also exploring ways to simplify profile pictures. In beta version 2.24.11.17, WhatsApp was discovered to be developing a feature that would enable users to create new profile pictures using AI. Although this feature is not widely available yet, it aims to provide users with an option to maintain privacy by avoiding personal photo uploads while still allowing them to use images that reflect their personality and preferences.
Furthermore, WhatsApp is reportedly working on a feature that could benefit users struggling with device clutter and insufficient storage space. This rumored feature would facilitate the easy clearance of old data to free up device storage. Users may be able to bulk delete downloads, such as voice message transcripts, with a simple tap, simplifying the process of managing device storage.
