WhatsApp rolls out shortcuts for faster status updates

New tools in WhatsApp beta make sharing voice messages as status updates more accessible.

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WhatsApp has rolled out a significant update to its beta version for Android, aimed at improving accessibility to status creation tools. The latest update, WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.3.22, introduces a range of new features to make it easier for users to create and share status updates beyond just photos and videos.

The most notable change is the addition of two new shortcuts within the gallery sheet when tapping the floating action button in the ‘Updates’ tab. These shortcuts allow users to quickly create text-based status updates or share voice messages as status updates.

With this update, WhatsApp aims to provide more diverse options for status sharing, enabling users to express themselves in various ways.

Additionally, WhatsApp has introduced a dedicated shortcut for recording voice messages directly within the status creation screen. Previously, the option to record voice status updates was merged with the text-based status creation feature, which made it less visible to users.

Photo: WABetaInfo

By separating these two options, WhatsApp is making voice status updates more accessible and encouraging users to try this feature.

This change is expected to benefit users who were unaware that voice messages could already be shared as status updates, helping them discover new ways to communicate with their contacts.

The update makes it easier for WhatsApp users to experiment with different types of content in their status updates, enhancing their overall experience with the app.

While the new feature is currently available to a limited group of beta testers, WhatsApp plans to roll it out to more users in the coming weeks. This update follows WhatsApp’s ongoing effort to make the platform more user-friendly and versatile, reflecting the company's focus on improving its features and usability.