• Source:JND
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WhatsApp is thought to be working on a brand new feature for its Android app that will allow users more freedom over group chat notifications. The messaging app is reportedly developing an option called “Mute Everyone Mentions,” which will make it possible for users to silence notifications of @everyone mentions in group chats, WABetaInfo feature tracker reported.

WABetaInfo spotted the feature in Android on WhatsApp version 2.20.27.1. However, the feature is still in development and unavailable for beta testers right now.

How the Feature Works

With group chats, the @everyone mentions lets participants drive attention to all members simultaneously, irrespective of their chat mute status. The feature is great for important announcements but has faced flak over the possible misuse, resulting in spammy notifications.

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To combat this, WhatsApp is launching a Mute @everyone toggle in the notification settings of group chats. Key details include:

- The toggle will be turned off.

- You can manually activate it to silence all @everyone notifications

- This gives a level of personalisation so you choose whether or not to receive these types of updates, even if the group is muted.

Here's how the original "mention everyone" feature works, and its opposite counterpart The functionality within the original “mention everyone” is an extension of the solution discussed.

Why It Matters

WhatsApp is offering users the ability to mute mentions of @everyone in order to alleviate notification fatigue and combat complaints about how mass alerts are disruptive. This is in line with a larger push by the company to improve group management tools and user experience.

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Rollout Timeline

Mute Everyone Mentions is not yet available even to those beta-testing Discord through Google Play Beta program. The testing update is expected to be released in the next couple of weeks, according to WABetaInfo.

Final Thoughts

As group conversations grow in size and activity, WhatsApp’s forthcoming Mute Everyone Mentions feature could be a godsend. Users will get more control over how they handle notifications without losing out on the messages that are important.