WhatsApp is reportedly developing several new features for its Android platform. According to a feature tracker, one of the latest additions in the WhatsApp for Android beta app update is an in-app dialer. This feature aims to enhance calling convenience by allowing users to make calls directly from the app, eliminating the need to switch to the system dialer and save contacts on the Android smartphone.
WhatsApp’s In-App Dialer
As per WABetaInfo, the new in-app dialer may appear as a floating action button (FAB) in the Calls tab. This feature allows users to make WhatsApp calls to numbers not saved on their smartphones. It was reportedly spotted in the WhatsApp for Android beta app version 2.24.13.17.
In addition to calling, users may be able to save contacts directly from the dialer to the smartphone’s address book, either as new contacts or additions to existing ones. The dialer is also expected to include a messaging option for users who prefer to send a WhatsApp message instead of making a call. Furthermore, it might offer the functionality to check if a given number is registered on WhatsApp. The feature tracker suggested that this new in-app dialer is available to select users enrolled in the Google Play Beta program as beta testers of the WhatsApp for Android app.
New Stickers
WhatsApp has also introduced new and more dynamic stickers. According to a report, these stickers offer more fluid motion, thanks to the newly supported Lottie framework. This framework enables the development of dynamic animations built on motion graphic design software such as Adobe After Effects, allowing for native rendering on mobile devices.
The first sticker pack to officially support this new framework is “I’m Just a Girl,” developed by BUCK, which is 228KB in size. This feature is being rolled out to WhatsApp for Android and iOS users.
These updates indicate WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to enhance user experience with improved calling features and more dynamic, engaging stickers.
