This week, WhatsApp continued to polish its user experience, adding a message-sending animation on Android, launching group calling in the web client, updating the About and Group Info interface, and introducing a voice messaging widget and a green online status indicator.
Table of Contents
Message Sending Animation on Android
WhatsApp is bringing the smooth message sending animation, similar to the one long available on iOS, to Android.
How it will work
When sending a message, especially when the last message in a chat is close to the input field, the message bubble will smoothly “float” from the bottom of the screen and naturally fall into place in the conversation. The animation also applies to incoming messages. You can control this in the app settings: Accessibility → Message Animation toggle.
Why it’s needed
This makes the app experience more fluid and responsive. Smooth animations enhance the modern feel and quality of the interface, while remaining unobtrusive and non-distracting.
Status
This feature is currently available to some Android beta testers. It will gradually be available to more users.
Group Calls in the Web Client
WhatsApp is expanding its support for voice and video calls in the web client, adding the ability to make group calls directly from the browser.
How it will work
In group chats, a call button appears in the top bar. Tapping it allows you to choose between voice and video calls. You can also select which group members to invite to the call (up to 32 people). Call links and a waiting room for managing participants are supported. Screen sharing is available during video calls. All calls are protected by end-to-end encryption.
Why it’s needed
This is especially important for Linux users (where there is no desktop app) and those who prefer to use the web version instead of installing a separate app. Now you can participate in group calls without having to pick up your phone.
Status
This feature is available to WhatsApp Web beta testers. It will gradually be available to more users.
About section redesign
WhatsApp is updating the About section’s status settings interface, consolidating all related options on a single screen.
How it will work
The About section now includes a preview showing how your status will appear in the chat with your contact. Below it is a text input field and a menu for selecting the automatic status disappearance time (preset durations from 1 hour to 1 week are available, as well as a custom timer for up to a month). This section also contains a button for quickly accessing privacy settings, where you can choose who can see your status (Everyone, My Contacts, My Contacts Except…, No One).
Why it’s needed
Previously, managing the “About Me” section was disjointed: text in one place, a timer in another, and privacy in a third. Now everything is gathered on a single page, reducing the number of steps and simplifying setup.
Status
This feature is available to some Android beta testers. It will gradually be available to more users.
Voice Message Widget on the Home Screen
WhatsApp is working on a new widget for the home screen that allows you to record and send voice messages with one click.
How it will work
The widget has a default size of 3×1, but can be resized by the user. Tapping it starts recording a voice message. After completing the recording, you can select one or more recipients and send them. You can also share the recording as a status.
Why it’s needed
Voice messages are one of the most requested features in WhatsApp. The widget speeds up the process, allowing you to start recording directly from the home screen without opening the app and searching for the desired chat.
Status
This feature is in development for Android. A release is expected in a future update.
Group Info Screen Redesign
WhatsApp continues to reorganize the group info screen, adding two new sections: “Preferences” and “Privacy.”
How it will work
At the top of the group info screen are now the “Preferences” and “Privacy” sections. “Preferences” includes options for the chat topic, media visibility in the device gallery, and group storage management. “Privacy” includes chat locking (requires authentication) and end-to-end encryption information. To access each section, simply tap its title.
Why it’s needed
This simplifies navigation through the numerous group settings. Previously, all the options were jumbled together, and finding the one you needed took time. Now, related parameters are grouped, and the new features fit seamlessly into the existing structure.
Status
This feature is currently available to some Android beta testers. It will gradually be available to more users.
Green Online Status Indicator
WhatsApp is beginning to roll out a green dot on a contact’s avatar, indicating that the user is currently online, starting with the contact information screen.
How it will work
When opening the contact information screen, if the contact is currently online and their privacy settings allow their status to be visible, a green dot will appear on their avatar. Previously, the “online” status was displayed as text under their name. Now, it is visualized in a more visible and intuitive way.
Why it’s needed
This makes online status information more visible and aligns the design with the upcoming Contacts section, where green dots will appear in the list of available contacts.
Status
This feature is currently available to some Android beta testers. It will gradually be available to more users.
Conclusion
This week, WhatsApp focused on improving usability and visual appeal: message sending animations liven up the interface, group calling on the web fills a crucial gap for Linux users and browser-based clients, a redesign of the About and Group sections simplifies access to settings, and new widgets and online status indicators make everyday communication faster and more intuitive.
At GREEN-API, we’re keeping an eye on the news and will keep you informed about all the significant updates. We’re also constantly working on introducing new features to our service to make your experience even more convenient. Follow our blog to stay informed about new and useful features in WhatsApp!