WhatsApp is changing its notifications panel: Details here
WhatsApp has been on a new feature-launching spree over the last few months. The latest in the slew of features rolled out on WhatsApp include the much-awaited 'Forwarded' label for forwarded messages, aimed at fighting misinformation. Now, if reports are to be believed, the Facebook-owned messaging platform is launching a couple of new features related to the notifications panel. Here are the finer details.
All about the new 'Forwarded' label on WhatsApp
In response to the government's direction to stop the propagation of fake news, following a spate of misinformation-based lynchings, WhatsApp has finally launched its 'Forwarded' label to distinguish forwarded messages from original content. The feature, accessible via the latest WhatsApp update on iOS and Android, will apply to all forwarded text, image, audio, and video messages. Once added, the label can't be removed.
WhatsApp is reportedly also working on detecting suspicious links, spam
Reportedly, WhatsApp is also working on a feature that detects spam and suspicious links shared on the platform. Although the feature needs several tweaks before it's launched, it will mark suspicious links and spam with a red label, and warn users of consequences.
A 'Mark as Read' option for the notifications panel
Among the two new features being tested is a 'Mark as Read' option for chats that will be made available to users on the notification panel itself, along with the already available 'Reply' option, thereby eliminating the need to open WhatsApp. The feature was first spotted on WhatsApp beta version 2.18.214. Notably, it's still under testing.
WhatsApp also working on 'Mute' option for notification panel
The other feature reportedly being tested is a new 'Mute' option, also geared towards the notification panel. If both the features are incorporated into the notification panel, WhatsApp notifications on the panel might just get a new look. The new features are expected to be made available to beta testers soon, and a public roll out is expected to follow suit.
