WhatsApp‘s feature set is expanding again, with polls arriving in Channels on Android as part of a recent beta update. This beta release (version 2.24.2.11) allows some testers to create polls within Channels, similar to existing functionality in individual and group chats.

The new “polls” option, accessible through the paperclip icon in Channel chats, lets users create questions with up to 12 options.

WhatsApp polls

Notably, the polls icon displays in green instead of the usual yellow, but the core functionality remains consistent: votes are anonymous, and even the poll creator won’t see individual responses.

While access to this feature isn’t guaranteed for all beta testers, its presence suggests a wider rollout could be approaching soon. Users on the Android beta program who want to gauge opinions within their Channels should keep an eye out for the green polls icon.

Right now, we don’t know exactly when this feature will be available to everyone. It’s still early days for this feature, so it will go through more testing and improvements in future beta versions. Although it’s exciting to think about using Polls in Channels, it could be a while before it’s available to all users.

Separately, another beta update (version 2.24.2.12) addresses a recent bug fix for Android users. A previous update had inadvertently broken the display of Status update thumbnails next to contact names. This new update restores that functionality, bringing back a familiar convenience.

These developments, along with the recent beta testing of advanced text formatting and themes on Android, indicate a flurry of activity from WhatsApp at the start of 2024.

With more features and improvements in the pipeline, the popular messaging app appears focused on keeping users engaged and anticipating future updates.

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