WhatsApp for Android is working on a new feature that will allow users to add and filter their favorite chats for easier access. This feature is in development and is reportedly being rolled out to testers who have signed up through the Google Play Beta program. Once it's installed in beta, those users will be able to see and test the feature. Notably, WhatsApp is also testing unread messages and group filters that will show specific chats.
WhatsApp is beta testing a new favorites filter
WABetaInfo feature tracker spotted the new feature in WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.12.7. The feature allows users to segregate their favorite chats using a new filter. It is likely to be useful for those who receive a lot of messages from various people and struggle to find their regular contacts. Although the chat pinning feature also exists, the platform only allows a maximum of three pinned chats.
WhatsApp Favorites Filter
Photo credit: WABetaInfo
The post also shared a screenshot of the feature. In the image you can see four new filters at the top of the screen (under the WhatsApp logo). The all, Without readingi groups Filters have been reported to have been added before. Now, a quarter favorites you can also see the filter.
WhatsApp Favorites Chat Filter: How It Works
The feature description reads: “Make it easy to find the people and groups that matter most on WhatsApp.” Towards the bottom, there is an “Add to Favorites” option that can be clicked to manually add contacts to this list.
WABetaInfo also claims that users can also delete and reorder chats according to their preferences. Since the feature is rolling out in beta, it might not be seen by all beta testers right away, but it's likely to appear over the next few days.
WhatsApp increases the length of voice messages for beta testers
Separately, WhatsApp recently increased the maximum length of voice messages in status updates. Earlier users could only upload voice messages that were 30 seconds long, but now the instant messaging platform has increased the duration to one minute.
This feature has been implemented on both Android and iOS. Apart from this, the platform is also working on an Imagine shortcut that will allow users to generate AI-based images. This feature is powered by Meta AI.
