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Tuesday, March 21, 2017

WhatsApp brings back 'Text Status' for Android users; coming soon on iOS - The Indian Express


By: Tech Desk | New Delhi | Updated: March 21, 2017 9:27 am
WhatsApp, WhatsApp status update, WhatsApp old status back, WhatsApp Android Status, WhatsApp Android update, WhatsApp GIF, WhatsApp iOS, WhatsApp app, WhatsApp GIF, apps, smartphones, technology, technology news WhatsApp rolled out its new Status update last month and it failed to impress a lot of users. The feature got mixed reactions from its users globally.

Good news for WhatsApp users: The text-only Status feature has made a comeback on Android. Users can update the WhatsApp app to the stable Android v2.17.107 from Google Play Store to get the feature. To use the old Status feature, click on the three dots on top right in the WhatsApp app. Next, click Settings and click on the profile picture. The ability to add text to Status is present under the About and phone number tab.

Users will see the last update that they posted before WhatsApp took down the feature. It can be changed to a new customised Status or the familiar, 'Hey there I'm using WhatsApp', or 'Available', 'Busy', 'At work', 'Can't talk', etc from the list. The feature is already live for Android users, and it is unclear when it will be rolled out for iOS, though WhatsApp has promised iOS will be getting this soon.

However, the update doesn't mean WhatsApp is doing away with its disappearing Status feature. The Snapchat-styled WhatsApp Status that lets users upload videos and photos that disappear in 24 hours, is right where it was in the app.

Another minor change in the new WhatsApp version is the 'Add attachment' icon has shifted to the text box where users type message, from tab above. Plus, users can now rotate profile pictures to left, right, top and bottom.

Further, according to a report in Android Police, WhatsApp is testing the ability to directly add GIFs via Google's Gboard keypad. The feature is available for Android users in WhatsApp beta 2.17.110, which can be downloaded from APK Mirror. You can also get the latest beta updates directly by joining the Play Store beta. Once you become a beta tester, you'll get updates even before they are rolled out for everyone.

WhatsApp rolled out its new Status update last month, and it failed to impress a lot of users. The new Status feature got mixed reactions from its users globally, with many disappointed with the fact they wouldn't be able to update text Status anymore.

WhatsApp users were quick to point out the exact feature is already available on Snapchat as well as Facebook-owned Instagram in form of Stories.

WhatsApp, which has 1.2 billion monthly users worldwide, frequently updates its app to introduce users to new features. The app recently added features like video calling, GIF support and easy call forwarding with its latest updates. WhatsApp users on iOS can queue messages when an Internet connection is absent. There's also new storage usage screen along with the ability to share 30 photos or video in a go.

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