WHATSAPP is finally ready to start letting users test a brand new feature borrowed from Facebook.
Message reactions are about to be added to some versions of the popular chat app.
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If you’ve used Facebook, you’ll be familiar with the feature.
It’s been rumoured as an upcoming WhatsApp update for a while, but it’s nearly here.
According to WhatsApp sleuths at WABetaInfo, the feature will be tested on the beta app first.
“WhatsApp is readying message reactions (secured by end-to-end encryption) in a new upcoming update of WhatsApp beta for Android and iOS,” the blog writes.
It’s expected to work just like Facebook, letting you react to individual messages.
The tweet from WABetaInfo suggests the reactions include “thumbs up”, “love heart”, “crying with laughter”, “shocked”, “tearful” and “pray” or “high five”.
The advantage is that you’ll probably end up texting less.
Rather than having to type out a reply, you can simply react to something someone has said.
This might mean you get more response from die-hard anti-texters who often leave you on read.
WhatsApp is testing the feature in the beta version of the app – where changes are trialled before going live to the rest of the world.
It works across iPhone and Android, so no one is left out.
Sadly, it’s impossible to say how long it will take for a more general rollout.
But given that it’s a fairly simple feature already tested on other apps, it could be a matter of weeks.
In any case, you can sign up for the WhatsApp beta below.
Or if you can’t be bothered, you can just wait for the full general update – which may come later this year.
How to get WhatsApp beta
To download WhatsApp beta for your smartphone you need to go to Google Play on your Android and search for WhatsApp.
Scroll down the page until you see “Become a Beta Tester”.
Tap the “I’m In” button and then click “Join” to confirm.
Now all you have to do is wait for the update to the beta version of the app.
Joining the WhatsApp beta on iPhone is more difficult, and has limited capacity.
Follow Apple’s guide here.
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