WhatsApp is testing a much-needed update for Android devices, which copies a feature that iPhone users have enjoyed for years.
iMessage reactions are nothing new, as users of this service can quickly respond to texts using icons like thumbs up.
Finally, WhatsApp users get something very similar with this update, which is currently being tested through the WhatsApp beta testing program. According to the WABetaInfo team, WhatsApp has released this beta upgrade for Android 2.22.8.3 and includes the option to reply to messages via emoji-style reactions.
And it looks like there will be six options to choose from including thumbs up, love heart and smiley face. And just like in Apple’s iMessage, these reactions can be placed on top of a message to speed up a response.
For example, if someone sends you a message that makes you happy, you can simply put a love heart or laughter over an emoticon on top of it instead of writing a long reply.
It’s a great update from WhatsApp, although there is no official word on when it will be released on Android. It seems that WABetaInfo is confident that it will come soon and iPhone users should also be able to benefit once it is launched.