Imagine this: You’ve just come back from an amazing trip, and you want to share a glimpse of it with someone special. But instead of posting a general status update for all your contacts to see, what if you could send it directly to that one person, privately, through your WhatsApp status? Well, WhatsApp is about to make that possible. Soon, you’ll be able to mention specific contacts in your status updates, allowing for more personalized and private interactions.
WhatsApp is introducing a feature that will allow users to mention contacts in their status updates, similar to how users can tag others on Instagram Stories. This feature, which is currently in development, was spotted in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.20.3 by WABetaInfo, a well-known tracker of WhatsApp’s upcoming features.
What’s New in the Update?
This feature, dubbed "mentions", enables users to tag specific contacts in their status updates using the "@" symbol. Once tagged, the mentioned contact will be notified and can view the status. They will also have the option to reshare it. However, unlike Instagram, where tagged people can be seen by all viewers of the post, WhatsApp’s mention feature is designed to be private. Only the uploader and the mentioned individual will be able to view the status, keeping the interaction confidential.
Here’s how the new mention feature works:How Will It Work?
1. During Status Update: Users will see a dedicated ‘@’ button in the text field, located before the send button. By clicking this icon, they can mention someone from their saved contacts.
2. Notification to Mentioned Users: The person mentioned will receive a notification informing them that they have been tagged in the status. They can then view it and also have the option to share it as their own status.
3. Privacy and Personalization: Unlike typical WhatsApp status updates where you can control who sees your posts with privacy settings, this mention feature ensures only the tagged contact can view the status. No one else, even if they are part of the uploader’s contacts, can see the mentioned status.
4. Name Display: Once the status is updated, the name of the mentioned user will appear underneath the uploader’s name, but again, this information remains private between the two users.
This new feature draws direct inspiration from Instagram’s Stories, where users can tag others and allow them to reshare the content. However, WhatsApp takes privacy a step further by limiting visibility to just the person who’s been tagged. The feature is still under development, and beta users cannot test it just yet, even if they are part of the Google Beta Program.Comparisons to Instagram and Other Platforms
In addition to this exciting new feature, WhatsApp is reportedly working on a Meta AI voice mode. This AI-powered voice communication feature will provide multiple voice options, including accents from the US and UK. According to reports, there may also be voice options from public figures, adding a personalized element to interactions.Additional WhatsApp Updates
While there’s no official word on when the mention feature will be rolled out globally, users can expect it in upcoming updates for the stable version of WhatsApp. As it is still in development, beta testers who have updated to Android version 2.24.20.3 are among the first to spot its traces, though they cannot use it just yet.When Will It Roll Out?
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp is continuously evolving its platform to offer users more ways to communicate and share content in private and personalized ways. The upcoming mention feature promises to make status updates more interactive while maintaining the high level of privacy WhatsApp users are accustomed to. As the company works on bringing more features like Meta AI voice mode, it’s clear that WhatsApp aims to stay ahead of the curve in the instant messaging world.
So, get ready for more interactive and personalized status updates soon, making WhatsApp an even more versatile tool for communication!
