WhatsApp for Android is getting a new feature that will allow users to mention others in their status updates, according to a feature tracker. The status update mentions feature will reportedly be private, meaning only the uploader and the mentioned users will be able to see it. The functionality of the feature will reportedly be similar to Instagram Stories, where the mentioned user will be notified about the status update. Notably, the instant messaging platform is also working on a Meta AI voice mode feature, according to a report.
WhatsApp Status Update Mentions Feature
According to a after According to WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, the feature was spotted in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24. 20.3 update. The feature is currently not visible, so users who signed up for the Google Beta Program cannot test it.
WhatsApp Status Update Mentions Feature
Photo credit: WABetaInfo
Based on a screenshot shared by the feature tracker, the new option only affects the status update process. Currently, the feature does not allow users to tag others. However, it is said that with this update, users will be able to tag saved contacts. The screenshot calls the feature “mentions”.
The mention icon, represented by an ‘@’, can be seen on the text field for the send button. Another screenshot shares the details of the feature, stating that the mentioned user will receive a message from the user indicating that he/she has been mentioned. It also says that he/she will receive a notification about the same. Once mentioned, users can view the status and also reshare it.
After updating the status, the mentioned username will appear under the user’s name. However, since the feature is private, only the user and the mentioned person can see it. This way, users can privately mention someone they want to show the status to, without everyone knowing.
Separately, WhatsApp is also reported to be working on the Meta AI voice mode feature. The feature, a two-way voice communication mode powered by artificial intelligence (AI), is said to come with multiple voice options. Some of these are said to have an American accent, while others could have a British accent. Moreover, the report claims that Meta will also add the voices of a few public figures, although the names have not been revealed.
