14 DAY TRIAL // WhatsApp is already working on all kinds of goodies for its iPhone and Android messaging apps, and according to a recent report, a new feature that’s expected later this year is support for message reactions.
It goes without saying this idea isn’t new, and in fact, it’s already available in many WhatsApp alternatives, such as Telegram.
So what it does is to allow users to send a reaction to a received message, all by simply long-pressing the message itself. As it turns out, WhatsApp is already planning to test this feature on iPhone and Android as part of the beta program, but no ETA is available as to when the production launch could happen.
WABetaInfo says the message reactions will come with end-to-end encryptions, but for now, very little information is available.
It looks like the company is currently experimenting with six different reactions, namely thumbs up, red heart, tears of joy, shocked face, crying face, and folded hands.
Reactions in other apps
Telegram, which is currently one of the most popular alternatives to WhatsApp, is already supporting reactions, and an update released this week actually included additional improvements for this feature.
“Reactions now have more compact animations. To send a larger effect, press and hold on a reaction in the menu. Like interactive emoji, reactions are now synchronized, so your recipients will see the animations in real time. Reactions are used not only to express emotion, but also to answer questions and show approval – which is why they now have read status. Like for replies or @-mentions, a new ♡ button appears when your messages have unseen reactions,” Telegram announced.
WhatsApp hasn’t yet announced support for reactions, so you should just take this report with a small pinch of salt, though it’s likely just a matter of time until a confirmation is offered.