WhatsApp is gearing up to introduce a new feature that will allow users to like status updates, following in the footsteps of Instagram’s popular story-like feature. This new addition is currently being tested among beta users and is expected to be rolled out more widely in the coming weeks.
According to reports from WABetaInfo, the feature has been in development for some time and is now being made available to public beta users. The like reaction can be triggered by tapping a heart emoji icon located at the bottom left of the screen while viewing a status update. Once a user likes a status, the status uploader will receive a notification, and they can see who liked their status through the usual views list.
This new feature offers a quick and convenient way to engage with content without needing to start a conversation. It is expected to become as popular as Instagram’s story likes, providing an easy method for users to show appreciation for status updates shared by their contacts.
One significant advantage of this new feature is that it will not clutter chat conversations. Status likes will appear separately from chat threads, ensuring that important messages are not buried under status interactions. Users will still have the option to respond to statuses as before, with no changes to the existing functionality.
The like reaction feature is being introduced through the latest WhatsApp beta update, version 2.24.17.21, which is available on the Google Play Store. WABetaInfo expects that the feature will gradually become available to more users over the coming weeks as it transitions from beta testing to general availability.
In addition to the like reactions, WhatsApp is reportedly working on another significant update involving voice chat functionality. According to WABetaInfo, the instant messaging platform is developing a feature that will allow users to engage in real-time voice conversations with a chatbot powered by Meta AI. This feature is currently in development and has been observed in the WhatsApp beta version 24.16.10.70 for iOS.
Users will be able to choose from a range of default Meta AI voice options to handle their queries. Voice chat mode will not be activated automatically; users will have control over when to end the conversation.
They will also receive a confirmation when Meta AI has stopped listening to their query, indicated by the privacy indicator on iOS, which shows when the microphone is in use. This new development is part of WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to enhance the user experience by integrating more advanced features. The company, owned by Meta, continues to evolve its platform to meet the growing demands of its users.
