WhatsApp is reportedly working on several new features for the Android platform. According to the feature tracker, one of the features introduced in the latest beta update of WhatsApp for Android is a new in-app dialer. The feature is speculated to make WhatsApp calls more convenient by allowing users to make calls directly from the app, without having to switch to the system dialer and save the contact on the Android smartphone.
WhatsApp in-app dialer
According to feature tracker WABetaInfo, the new in-app selector could appear as a floating action button (FAB) in Calls tab. With it, users can take advantage of WhatsApp calls, even to numbers that are not saved on the smartphone. The feature is said to have been spotted in the beta version of WhatsApp for Android Android 2.24.13.17.
In-App Dialer on WhatsApp
Photo credit: WABetaInfo
In addition to calls, users may be able to save a contact from the dialer to the smartphone’s address book, either as a new contact or an addition to an existing one. Furthermore, it states that there is also a messaging option for those who initially wanted to call someone, but changed their mind and now want to send them a WhatsApp message.
It is speculated that it also offers a function to check if a particular number is registered on WhatsApp. Feature tracking suggests that the new in-app dialer is available to select users enrolled in the Google Play Beta Program as beta testers of the WhatsApp app for Android.
Gadgets 360 staff members have not been able to test the availability of this feature.
New stickers
WhatsApp has also reportedly introduced new and more dynamic stickers, according to the report. These stickers are said to offer more fluid movement, thanks to the recently supported Lottie framework. It reportedly enables the development of more dynamic animations built on motion graphics design software such as Adobe After Effects, for native rendering on mobile devices.
The first sticker pack that officially supports this new framework is “I’m Just a Girl”, developed by BUCK, size 228 KB. This feature is rolling out to WhatsApp for Android and iOS users.
