Update to Android’s WhatsApp Beta app makes it easier to use
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WhatsApp is making a change to its UI as it is in the process of disseminating an update to the Beta version of its Android app. As per WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is moving its navigation tabs (the ones on the top of the Android app that include Communities, Chats, Status, and Calls) to the bottom of the screen. This should make WhatsApp easier to use one-handed on large-screened devices. Moving elements to the bottom of the screen is what Samsung does with its One UI interface.
The new look is found in version 2.23.8.4 of the Android WhatsApp Beta app. To find out which version of WhatsApp you are using, open the app and tap the three-dot overflow menu icon on the right top of the screen. Go to Settings > Help > App info. Wouldn’t you know it, the version of WhatsApp Beta on my Pixel 6 Pro is running version 2.23.8.3. Oh so close! Eventually, the feature will also be found on the public version of the app although it might take a few weeks before this happens.
With the navigation tabs on the bottom, the Android version of WhatsApp will match the iOS version of the messaging app. The WhatsApp iOS app already has navigation tabs at the bottom of the screen. Moving the tabs to the bottom of the screen is something that Android WhatsApp users have been asking for and now WhatsApp is giving them what they want.
With WhatsApp, users can enjoy messaging that is protected with end-to-end encryption, make phone calls, and engage in video chats. The Meta-owned platform has over 5 billion installs on Android alone and counts 2.24 billion global active users. 100 billion messages are exchanged over WhatsApp every single day.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which specific elements of the WhatsApp UI are being changed?
Which specific elements of the WhatsApp UI are being changed?
A.
WhatsApp is moving its navigation tabs, which include Communities, Chats, Status, and Calls, from the top to the bottom of the screen. This design change aims to improve one-handed usability, especially on larger devices.
Q.When can public users expect to see this new feature implemented?
When can public users expect to see this new feature implemented?
A.
The feature is currently being rolled out to the Beta version of the Android app. While it will eventually arrive in the public version, this might take a few weeks to happen after its beta release.
Q.Which specific version of the Android WhatsApp Beta app includes this UI update?
Which specific version of the Android WhatsApp Beta app includes this UI update?
A.
The new UI look with bottom navigation tabs is found in version 2.23.8.4 of the Android WhatsApp Beta app. Users can check their app version in the app's settings menu.
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