WhatsApp, one of the most used instant messaging services in the world, is constantly working to improve the user experience and provide new features. In recent weeks we have seen the implementation of video messages, the search in the settings, the Companion Mode and the Newsletter function which will be called “Channels”.
A NEW KEYBOARD
The last novelty detected concerns instead a new keyboard, still under development, which will probably be released for everyone in a future stable update of the app. This new keyboard was found in the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android, 2.23.9.2, which is available on the Google Play Store.
The new keyboard design was revealed through an image spread on Twitter by the WABetaInfo account. In the screenshot you can see that the keyboard type selection bar will be moved from bottom to top and that could be removed emoji category barwhich may not appeal to those who use them frequently.
In fact, removing the category bar could make it more difficult to find the desired emoji, but it should still be emphasized that at the moment it is only a feature under experimentation that could undergo changes before the official release.
STOP ANDROID SUPPORT UNTIL 5.0
WhatsApp usually drops support for older versions of Android to ensure that the app can take full advantage of the latest security features as well as provide the best user experience. For this reason, starting with this update, the app should no longer be compatible with Android versions lower than 5.0.
After installing this update, some users may experience an issue with the app home screen, with the Whatsapp logo appearing larger than usual. However, this would appear to be a known issue that should be fixed in an upcoming release.
THE NEW EDITOR ALSO ON IOS
WhatsApp is also building a new text editor feature that will improve the user experience when editing images, videos, and GIFs. This feature, released already for beta testers on Android with version 2.23.7.17also arrived on the beta version 23.8.0.73 for iOS.
Thanks to these new functions present in the editor, users will have a greater possibility to customize text to make it more suitable for their personal needs and preferences. They can choose different fonts tapping one of the options above the keyboard, the alignment between left, center and right, the background color via a slide and new fonts including Calistoga, Courier Prime, Damion, Exo 2 and Morning Breeze.
For iOS beta testers, the new text editor is already available with the beta version of the app downloadable via TestFlight. WhatsApp is rolling out this feature gradually, so if it’s not visible yet, it’s likely to be activated in the next few days.
