Whatsapp trials double-tap message reactions for quick response
WhatsApp is set to introduce a new way to react to messages, a feature familiar to other messaging services like Messenger and Instagram. This involves double-tapping a message in the chat to send a default reaction. The developers behind WhatsApp are already trialling this feature.
Insights come from WABetaInfo, which has been analysing WhatsApp 2.24.16.7 Beta for Android. Quick reactions triggered by double-tapping a selected message in the chat are common on other messaging and social media platforms. For instance, you can send "hearts" this way in Messenger, and on Instagram, you can also react to typical posts.
Previously, WhatsApp tested similar reaction methods for sent multimedia. Reacting to text messages is a new development in this context. WABetaInfo notes that the feature is currently in an early stage of development and is not yet available to all WhatsApp beta testers. At this point, it's not clear when it will be included in the stable release, but once it is, reacting with a double tap will not be adjustable in the settings.
At the same time, WhatsApp is testing new filters and AR overlays for use during video calls. This feature is also currently limited to selected beta testers. Eventually, users can smooth the image or activate night mode, improving the quality of video calls in challenging lighting conditions.
Both new features are not yet ready for widespread use in WhatsApp beta versions. Users will need to be patient and await their inclusion in the stable version of the messenger in the coming weeks and months.
