WhatsApp recently rolled out a new feature called “Channels,” which allows users to create one-way communication channels for broad and anonymous interactions. These channels function differently from standard chats, allowing admins to share various types of content like text, images, videos, stickers, and polls while maintaining privacy for both admins and followers. The reception to this feature has been mixed so far.

WhatsApp Logo
Illustration by Soumyakanti Ray

WhatsApp often tests different features in its beta version, and not all of them end up in the stable release. Some features get integrated into the stable release, while others may be discarded or remain exclusive to the beta version.

How the New Feature Improves Conversational Flow

In the latest WhatsApp beta version (2.23.20.20) available through the Google Play Beta Program, they’ve introduced a new feature called the “reply bar.” As per WABetaInfo, this feature enables users to quickly respond to images, videos, and GIFs without leaving the current screen, improving the flow and context of conversations. It aims to minimize interruptions and enhance the overall user interaction experience.

WhatsApp quick reply bar

To access this feature, simply install the latest WhatsApp beta update from the Google Play Store, and it is expected to have a broader release soon.

Additionally, WhatsApp has been working on refining the user experience with a series of updates, including shortcuts to easily add participants to group calls and the introduction of the “Flows” feature to improve in-app shopping experiences. Excitingly, there’s also a native WhatsApp app in development for iPad, addressing a long-standing demand from users.

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