New WhatsApp Features: Media Preview, AI Image Expansion, and Channel Post Scheduling
WhatsApp is testing several new features in its Android beta, including media previews in chat lists, animated emoji reactions, flexible polls, and post scheduling for channel admins.
WhatsApp is working on several new features, including a preview of photos, videos, and stickers directly in the chat list, without the need to open the conversation. According to WABetaInfo, the site specializing in WhatsApp updates, this feature appears in Android beta update 2.26.32.11 and displays a thumbnail if the last file sent in the chat is a media file. This new view is intended to help users identify the content of the last message—whether it is a photo, video, or sticker—without entering the chat.
Simultaneously, in Android beta update 2.26.33.4, some beta testers can experience animated emoji reactions. Previously, animations were limited to emojis within messages, but now they appear when users react to messages as well. At this stage, it involves a limited number of emojis, with more expected to be added in the future. Users who prefer to disable this can do so via the app settings under Accessibility and then Animations.
Another feature under development will allow poll creators to determine whether other group members can add their own options to a poll. If the creator enables this option on the poll creation screen, group members will be able to add their own choices after the poll has been shared. If the switch remains off, the poll will function as it currently does.
WhatsApp is also experimenting with image expansion using Meta AI. According to the report, a future update will allow users to extend the boundaries of an image and generate new content beyond the original frame—useful when a shot does not fit the desired aspect ratio or when one wants to include more of the surrounding background. The expansion will be based on the content existing in the image.
Channel administrators will also be pleased to know that they are expected to receive the option to schedule updates. According to WABetaInfo, an admin will be able to long-press the send button, choose a date, and the update will enter a queue until publication. It will not be necessary for the admin to be online or for the app to be open at the time of publication. Updates can be scheduled from 10 minutes up to two weeks in advance.
