Whatsapp Message Reactions Seen on Desktop Beta, New Status Privacy Shortcut in the Works

 HIGHLIGHTS

• In August 2021, the first WhatsApp Message reactions were discovered.
• On competing messaging platforms, the feature is already accessible.
• Inside conversations, WhatsApp users will be able to pick the Status audience.

WhatsApp message responses have been discovered under development on the desktop beta, implying that the Meta-owned instant messaging service may offer the functionality in a future version. Message responses enable users to instantly attribute an emoji "reaction" to a message and are supported by a number of prominent messaging applications, including Facebook and Instagram, which are also owned by Meta. In the meanwhile, WhatsApp is developing a new shortcut for editing recipients when submitting a new Status update, allowing users to pick the audience for each update. There's no information on when these features will be available to everyone.

According to a snapshot released by WhatsApp features tracker WABetaInfo of the WhatsApp Desktop beta, the platform looks to be working on bringing message responses capabilities to the desktop client. According to the tracker, the functionality is not yet available for beta testers because it is still in development. Initially seen in August 2021, message responses for WhatsApp have apparently been under development on Android and iOS for months, with glimpses of the functionality also appearing online.

The message responses feature snapshot displays the message reaction button in the shape of an emoji symbol next to a message in a WhatsApp Desktop beta conversation. According to WABetaInfo, this button will display only when the cursor is moved over a message. When you click the reaction button, you'll see a row of six emoji that you may use to respond to the message. The screenshot includes the thumbs up, red heart, face with tears of joy, astonished face, weeping face, and folded hands emoji. Meanwhile, Instagram and competitor messaging app Signal allow users to respond with any emoji.

WhatsApp was observed working on an upgrade to the caption bar in December, allowing users to pick alternative recipients for a picture or video while within a WhatsApp chat, or publish it as a Status update. According to the feature tracker, the messaging service is now working on upgrading the ability to post a picture as a Status with a new privacy shortcut.

Users who click an image and then hit the Status button from within a WhatsApp conversation will be able to view and pick the audience for that Status before sharing it. According to a screenshot given by the feature tracker, they comprise three options: My contacts, My contacts except, and Only share with...

While the desktop app's message responses feature and the new privacy shortcut for Status updates have been seen on beta versions of WhatsApp Desktop and WhatsApp for Android, respectively, both additions are still in the works. This implies that users will not be able to access them until they are enabled in the app's beta versions, and then in the stable channel.