WhatsApp is reportedly developing a feature that will allow users to pin channels for easier access, according to information leaked by a feature tracker. The ability to add up to two channels to the top of the list was spotted in the beta version of WhatsApp for Android and may not be available to all beta testers. There is currently no option to pin favorite channels to the top of the window on the stable version of the IM platform. However, it is claimed that this functionality could arrive with a future update of WhatsApp for Android.
Pin WhatsApp channels
According to feature tracker WABetaInfo, the Meta-owned instant messaging service is introducing the ability to pin up to two channels with WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.13.3. Once the feature is enabled, users can tap and hold up to two channels in the list, then tap the pin icon in the top bar, as seen in a screenshot posted by WABetaInfo.
Pinning multiple channels to WhatsApp
Photo credit: WABetaInfo
Feature tracking speculates that this feature could improve the navigation experience by ensuring that frequently visited channels remain easily accessible. Just like pinned conversations, these channels can be opened without having to scroll through the entire list.
It said that the ability to pin multiple WhatsApp channels is currently available to beta testers who install WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.13.3 via the Google Play Store beta program. Gadgets 360 staff members weren’t able to test the feature on the latest beta release, but it could still be rolled out to testers in phases.
The update is also expected to bring the ability to select multiple WhatsApp channels for bulk actions, such as pinning them, marking them as read or turning them off. It could be useful for those who have subscribed to multiple channels as it makes it easier for them to manage.
WhatstApp offers better privacy control over status updates
Feature tracker previously claimed that WhatsApp for Android may also be testing another feature that promises better privacy control over status updates. It can allow users to quickly select an audience before sharing a status update via a new status privacy confirmation window.
Users may come across two options while sharing status updates: All Contacts and Specific Contacts. It is also speculated to offer the ability to exclude certain people from viewing status updates.
