• Source:JND
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WhatsApp, a well-known messaging application, tests a range of features in the beta channel for users. In recent updates, the company has been experimenting with significant improvements and new features, especially on Android. These new tweaks are expected to reach the stable version after feedback from the beta phase.

Be it Meta AI in WhatsApp to nearby file sharing, here are the five latest features that WhatsApp is developing for Android.

Also Read: Meta Tests AI Image Generator To Create Images As You Type In Real-Time, Animate Them To GIF On WhatsApp | Details

Meta AI To More Regions: Meta has announced it is expanding the testing of its AI assistant to 13 more countries apart from the US. While India is not listed, the testing is reportedly ongoing in the country in the trial phase. Users can summon Meta AI from the search bar for a chat. With the imagine feature, Meta introduced real-time image generation (and video output later) as users type in the message bar.

Demo of Meta AI's Imagine Real-Time Image Generator. (Image:WhatsApp) 

Favourites Manager: Spotted in the Android beta ' 2.24.9.19' update, the company is developing a feature to manage favourites, according to WABetaInfo. The new 'Favourites' section may show up in the Settings app and allow users to add, reorder or remove contacts and groups from the list of favourites.

'Event' For Community Group Chats: Rolling out in the Android beta '2.24.9.20' version, the company is testing an option to add events in community group chats. This will help users create events for meetings via WhatsApp calls and notify users who accept the invitation. Users can enter a name, description, date and location of the event. They may also specify the need for a video or voice call. These will be listed in the info screen of a group and community home.

Nearby File Sharing: WhatsApp is also developing a nearby file sharing option in the beta '2.24.9.22' version. Based on the screengrab shared by the WhatsApp tracker, the feature may use storage, nearby scanning and location permissions. The receiver can use the feature only if they have opened nearby sharing on their device and allowed necessary permissions. While the sharing process will remain end-to-end encrypted, users can share media files using the feature. It will not use a data connection to transfer files.

Also Read: WhatsApp Chat Filters Feature Is Here: Now Find Your Important Messages And Respond Faster; All You Need To Know

Quick Reaction For Status: In the Android beta '2.24.9.23' version, the company is developing a quick reaction feature for status. This reaction (a green heart icon in the screengrab) will be visible within the 'Viewed' list to the uploader in the status screen. It will be different from emoji reactions or messages sent in conversation lists.

On a related note, the company continues to work on sticker pack discovery, a notes feature for messages, the option to highlight messages as replies for updates in Channels (for owners), private mention in status and an option to pin channels this week on smartphones. Moreover, the company was also testing a list to show 'Recently online' contacts on Android and a redesigned sidebar for the web.