WhatsApp’s update list hasn’t been as eventful as it usually would be these last couple of months. The last we heard, it was in the process of releasing what it calls a ‘Secret Code‘ feature, though according to the official blog, it did eventually get around to making voice notes ‘View Once’ toggleable. Still, aside from a minor update here and there, it’s been virtually silent.
WABetaInfo, on the other hand, has kept up a steady torrent of news surrounding the messenger’s ongoing developments in the coveted beta program. Two of those updates caught our eye — each either targeting ways to improve the Channel or Status features in the app. We’d explain them here, but that’d defeat the purpose of the article. Without further ado, we guess?
Seeing in HD
We’ve all got that one friend who thinks their status memes are somewhat legendary. They’re not. That usually has something to do with the quality of content on offer (believe us, ifunny is not the meme source you think it is), but occasionally, it has to do with the quality itself. We’d rather not see whichever low-effort meme you stole from 9gag in SD quality. But thanks.
Once WhatsApp gets around to releasing HD statuses, though, we might be more inclined to sit through the day’s updates. According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is doing exactly that. WABetaInfo spotted the feature in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.26.3 update.
WhatsApp only recently implemented HD quality in its regular chats, so the delayed rollout for statues isn’t much of a surprise. According to the images above, the process is almost identical to that of the chat feature. Get a Status going, find the image or video you want to share, and hit the little ‘HD’ button at the top of the editor. And… that’s it.
Unfortunately, neither WhatsApp nor WABetaInfo have confirmed any specific release dates or even launch windows for this one.
Read More: WhatsApp is killing the voice call star
Channel Surfing
It’s been a couple of months since WhatsApp’s Channels got their start. Believe it or not, Channels were a rather lacklustre attempt to copy Telgram’s version of the feature, launching without some of the features you’ve come to expect from the messenger’s usual features. One of which is the automatic grouping of images and videos — something that’s often taken for granted until you’re a part of an image-happy Channel yourself.
That’ll be changing sooner rather than later according to WABetaInfo. Rather than allow a slew of images to fill a Channel’s feed endlessly, the messenger is working on automatic albums when an admin posts four or more images in a row, though it’s only available to beta testers in the Android 2.23.26.13 beta update for now.
Again, specific dates for a public rollout haven’t been discussed. WABetaInfo reckons the feature is slowly making its way to more and more beta testers out there, meaning that a public release can’t be far off. Our guess? It’ll be live before January is over.