WhatsApp has recently released a new beta version of the app for Android which; as often happens with the test versions, becomes a useful tool to preview what’s coming. Version 2.22.6.6 specifically provides another clue about the integration of reactions to messages; a function that has been under development for some time but is not yet ready.
As the colleagues of WABetaInfo note, in the latest version of the app, the animation that accompanies sending the reaction to the message has been identified. Nothing new, but a further confirmation of the ongoing works. The animation appears in the lower right corner of the message, emphasizing the insertion of the reaction.
It should be noted that the function dedicated to reactions cannot yet be activated; not even using the latest beta version for Android; there is also a lack of detailed timing for integration in the stable version (Android and iOS); which on several occasions seemed imminent. The fact that is now certain is that WhatsApp is losing a lot of ground compared to other social platforms that already support reactions to messages.
Gizchina News of the week
There has been a lot of talk about WhatsApp being able to respond to messages with emojis for a long time. But, developers could not decide how they would look. It seems that the issue has finally been resolved. And the screenshots of the beta build show the finished look of the function. At the moment, the number of emoticons is 6, but we may get more with the launch of the stable version.
Meta delays antitrust hearing that could force it to sell Instagram and WhatsApp
US regulators and Meta have disagreed on when the high-profile antitrust case against the latter should begin. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is suggesting December 2023 and Meta says it needs more time to prepare.
The FTC has reportedly filed a petition with the U.S. District Court in Washington to set a trial date for December 11, 2023, to give the parties time to prepare. Meta representatives called the proposed timeline unrealistic and unfair to the company, and said the social media giant needs time until February 13, 2024.
Last month, the court denied Meta’s request to have the lawsuit dismissed and said the FTC had every reason to seek a hearing. In its lawsuit, the US Federal Trade Commission accuses Meta of suppressing or acquiring companies in order to avoid competition. FTC intends to force Meta to sell Instagram and WhatsApp.
