• Source:JND
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WhatsApp, an instant messaging app that continues to grab attention in the media for testing new features, is again in the news for a change. In the latest update, the company is testing advanced search filters for channels on WhatsApp. According to WABetaInfo, the option is available to users after installing the latest build on Android and iOS.

As per the report, the feature is 'rolling out' and will be available to more users soon. The company is working to add extra features to improve the search experience of channels. With the new feature, the Meta-owned app aims to let users discover new channels without having their information using the advanced search filters.

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In the screengrab shared in the report, the filter button has been swapped in place of an "advanced search" experience. The results can now be filtered to only view channels from a user's country. Secondly, WhatsApp accounts can skim across the 'Most Active', 'New', and 'Popular' channels. The last two options were available in channels earlier. But they are now more accessible.

For context, channels work as a transmission tool to let users receive updates from the channel administrator. This option is available in a few countries at the moment. With the move, the company aims to make the option feature-rich before releasing the feature widely. Plus, users can now discover channels that interest them.

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As per the report, the feature is only available in nine countries (India is not on the list). WhatsApp has not yet released a date for a wider release of channels. But Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company would introduce the feature to more countries this year. In the available countries, users can update their app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to try out the new search filters.

On a related note, the company is also rolling out an enhanced control to manage instant video messages in chats via the beta channel. You can read more on this update here.