WhatsApp is currently trialing two new features for its Android platform, designed to enhance user safety and streamline the process of forwarding messages to groups. These features focus on improving the existing tools available on the Meta-owned messaging service, making it more convenient for users to manage unwanted contacts. The updates have been made available to select users participating in the beta testing program for WhatsApp on Android, with plans for broader rollout in the future.
In the recent beta version 2.23.16.6 update for Android, WhatsApp has introduced a new Safety tools section. This appears when users receive a message from an unfamiliar contact or business account for the first time. According to information shared by WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, this addition includes a card that provides details on the functionality of profile photos and instructions on how to verify the phone number of the sender.
As per a screenshot shared by WABetaInfo, the messaging app will now display a card featuring two options for blocking or reporting an unknown sender upon receiving their first message. While blocking and reporting have been standard features on the platform for years, the new layout aims to make these options more accessible, helping users efficiently manage unwanted messages with fewer steps.
The safety tools section will emphasize that profile photos and users are chosen by the individuals on WhatsApp and are not verified by the platform. This serves as a precautionary reminder for users to exercise caution when interacting with unknown contacts to avoid falling victim to common scams on messaging platforms. Additionally, WhatsApp will prompt users to verify the country code when responding to familiar senders’ messages.
Furthermore, WABetaInfo has reported on another feature included in the recent beta for Android version 2.23.16.3, which simplifies sharing information with multiple contacts. After upgrading to this beta, users will notice an option to create a new group displayed prominently when forwarding a message.
This new shortcut is expected to enhance the user experience on WhatsApp by allowing for more straightforward content sharing. In the current stable version of the app, users must first establish a group before selecting the message intended for forwarding.
Both of these features are still in the testing phase, and there is no confirmation regarding when they will be rolled out to all users on the stable channel. Additionally, these updates have not yet been implemented for iOS testers, suggesting that a few weeks may pass before they become available on both iOS and Android systems.
