WhatsApp is constantly working to keep up with the meta-verse. According to a recent report, the go-to messenger is testing an Instagram-like feature that allows users to mention their contacts in their status updates. The feature allows users to tag a specific contact in their status and send them an instant notification with the mention. When a contact is mentioned, they will receive a notification, making it easier for users to connect with their intended audience. As per the report published on WABetaInfo, the feature has been rolled out in beta phase for testers.

How to use this feature?

To use this feature, WhatsApp has created a dedicated button. Users will be able to find this button within the caption bar when trying to share photos and videos via status updates. This option is available to users before they publish a status. So, users can choose contacts to mention before hitting the publish button. Following in the footsteps of Instagram, once you mention a contact, they will receive a notification. The mentioned contact will be notified that they have been mentioned in a status. Additionally, they will also receive a text message in their chat with the user, informing them that they have been mentioned in a status update.

It is worth noting that these mentions are exclusive to the relevant parties. This means that other viewers of the status update cannot see who has been mentioned. Notifications and messages will only be sent to the person specifically mentioned. This ensures discreet communication, as mentions are hidden from public view and are only visible to the intended recipient. As a result, users can target specific people in their status updates, without sharing this information with their wider audience.

Irrespective of the sender’s privacy settings, the mentioned contacts will automatically receive status updates. This ensures that important updates related to the mentioned contacts are never missed, as they are always included as recipients of status updates.

Mimicking Instagram, the mentioned contacts can also re-share the status update with their audience via a new reshare button within the status screen. If they find the update relevant or important, they can easily share it with their contacts, helping to extend the reach of the content. But unlike Insta, when the mentioned contact chooses to re-share the status update, the identity of the original creator remains private. This means that viewers of the reshared status cannot reach the original creator directly.

Meta AI is improving too

WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of different voice options for Meta AI. While the release is not confirmed yet, we think it will come with a voice-only mode feature. The voices are said to vary in pitch and tone. According to the report, Meta AI will offer multiple voice options to suit individual preferences, including three different UK voices and two US voices, which vary in pitch and tone. This allows users to choose a voice that resonates with their regional accent, personal tastes, or preferred tone, allowing for more customized and personalized conversations with the chatbot.