WhatsApp Beta for Android Hints at New Call Button, Catalogue & Doodles Feature

Sep. 10, 2020

WhatsApp is working to add a boatload of new features to its popular messaging app. We already know that animproved archived chatsection,expiring messages,storage usage toolsare coming soon. The latest WhatsApp beta (version number 2.20.200.3) for Android has revealed a couple of new features that are currently in the works.

Firstspottedby reputable tipster WABetaInfo, the messaging giant is planning to offer you more control over wallpapers used in chat windows. The new feature will either see you apply a solid color wallpaper (same asthose seenwith the rollout of the dark mode at the start of this year) or‘Add WhatsApp Doodles’to the wallpaper. You can see the difference between the two styles right here:

WhatsApp is also set to make it easier for general masses toaccess a cataloguebuilt by business users. The chat window for businesses will soon carry a new‘shopping bag’ iconat the top, next to the calling icon. Tapping this icon will let you see the products available with a particular business. Currently, you need to head into the profile of the business to know whether they have created a product catalogue.

Since the catalogue shortcut will take the place of one of the calling options – voice and video, WhatsApp is experimenting with asingle call button. It looks exactly like the button you have ingroup chatsat the moment. But, instead of asking you to select the members you want to call, it will show you the audio and video call option in a pop-up window. This will ease reachability while offering businesses a quicker way to showcase their products to potential users.

All of these features are currently under development. You will not be able to try them out in the latest Android or iOS beta builds. There is also no word on when WhatsApp will make these features official.