Tech enthusiasts over at WABetaInfo claim WhatsApp is getting ready to launch a new feature, that will send notification to users reminding them to reply to read messages
Messaging giant WhatsApp may ruffle feathers will a new update for people who never text back.
The Meta-owned brand is already in the bad books with swathes of Brits after replacing the popular ‘typing’ function that appears when somebody is replying to your message. Now, three bouncing dots display on the screen to show your friends or family are crafting a response to your hilarious meme or life update.
Users were quick to share their thoughts on the new feature on X (formerly Twitter) with one person raging: “WhatsApp now has the three dots typing thing like iMessage and I Hateeeee it!” Another fumed: “This dot dot dot bouncing up and down is getting to be annoying.”
According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is now slated to release a reminder notification feature for chats, meaning you’ll get pinged if you’ve left your friends’ messages unread for too long. This is in addition to the current ‘reminder’ setting that provides ‘occasional reminders’ about ‘status updates you haven’t seen’.
“Some beta testers can explore a new notification feature to get reminders for unseen chat messages,” the publication said. “Previously, reminders were limited to status updates from specific contacts chosen automatically by the application. However, thanks to the latest update, WhatsApp might send reminders for some unread messages from specific contacts as well, offering users a more comprehensive notification system.”
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An image from WABetaInfo of the reported update shows that, just like the status reminder notification, the message reminder notification can be switched off. So, if you don’t want to break your habit of ghosting your friends, family, and colleagues – you don’t have to worry about extra pings.
“It is worth mentioning that reminders remain relatively rare, as WhatsApp aims to avoid overwhelming users with excessive notifications,” the site added. “This measured approach ensures that notifications are relevant and non-intrusive.”
No specific details on a launch date around the update have been confirmed. A spokesperson for Meta told The Mirror it had nothing to share on the rumoured feature. On Its blog, WhatsApp revealed it was bringing four new updates to improve users’ calling experience.
This includes being able to select specific participants from a group chat, new effects on video calls (like adding puppy ears), improved calling on desktop, and ‘better quality video calls’. “We’ll continue making improvements to calling on WhatsApp so you can make the best quality, private calls from all around the world. Happy holidays!” WhatsApp added.
What do you think of the reported WhatsApp feature? Let us know in the comments section below
