A BRAND new type of WhatsApp text is in the works: polls.
The top-secret feature is currently being built in a hidden version of WhatsApp – but may soon go public.
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WhatsApp regularly trials changes in the beta “test” version of the app.
And details of a polling feature have now emerged in WhatsApp.
The feature was uncovered by the WhatsApp sleuths at WABetaInfo, who regularly reveal new features being tested for the app.
The new WhatsApp feature is already available on other social apps like Twitter and Telegram.
But WhatsApp bosses at Meta (formerly Facebook) are seemingly building their own version.
The feature appears to let you create polls for group chats.
This includes adding a question and up to 12 different options for responses.
The beta is a test version of WhatsApp used by people who want to trial the latest features – ahead of their general release.
WhatsApp hasn’t actually released the polling feature on the beta just yet.
But it could come very soon.
“WhatsApp is working on creating poll options for groups for a future update of the app,” said WABetaInfo.
“The ability to create polls is now available since it’s under development, but you can see this is another step forward.
“When the feature is available in a new update, there will be another changelog on this website.”
The blog shared a screenshot of WhatsApp with the option to type out a poll question.
Other people can vote for an answer, but it all stays within the group.
Only people inside the group can see the results.
It could be a way for friends to make a decision on a restaurant.
Or maybe a company WhatsApp could poll its employees on the state of the food in the office cafeteria.
You could even poll your family about rescuing a dog from an animal shelter – and whether it’s right for you.
Or ask for a verdict on your new outfit. Brace yourself, you might not get the poll results you want.
The bad news is that it’s impossible to say when – or even if – this feature will roll out to the wider public.
WhatsApp often tests new features, and many of them take months before rolling out.
And it’s also possible that WhatsApp could decide it hates the idea completely, and scraps it before it ever makes the general release.
In any case, find out how to join the WhatsApp beta below.
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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