The counter will appear at the top of the group chat on WhatsApp to indicate how many members are online. It could be a useful tool to understand when to write an important message and get an immediate response from group participants.
WhatsApp is testing a new group chat feature. Is called online counter and allows you to see the members who they are active at a certain time. It only appeared on the devices of some selected testers, as explained by WABetaInfo, a portal specializing in news of the messaging app: “After installing the latest WhatsApp update beta for Android 2.24.25.30, some users have tried the new online counter feature for group chats, which shows the number of participants currently online in the top bar of the app.”
Other platforms, for example Telegram, had already introduced the possibility of viewing in group chats the number of online participants. Now Meta has also decided to integrate it on its messaging app. However, users can also decide to hide their activity statusboth for one-to-one chats and within groups. In fact, WhatsApp allows you to deactivate your online status for privacy reasons. Who chose this option it will not be calculated by the online meter.
What is the new online meter for?
The counter will appear at the top of the group chat to indicate how many members are online. It could be a useful tool to understand for example what is the best time to write. In groups, especially if large, messages are often buried by the conversations carried on by the members.
On WhatsApp you will no longer see if someone is “writing” a message: what appears in its place
In many cases you choose to fix the message at the top of the chat if it is an important communication or a question that all members must answer, the new online counter will however allow choose consciously the best time to send a message on a group.
The latest news launched on WhatsApp
Among the most anticipated new functions on WhatsApp is the transcription of voice messages. In the coming weeks, both iOS and Android users will be able to transform audio clips into texts: in this way they will know the contents of the vocals even when I’m not in a position to listen to them. Just click to activate it automatic transcription.
The messaging app also introduced WhatsApp’s new drafts feature, which could put an end to suspended messages. By reporting incomplete texts directly in the chat list, users will no longer have to open conversations to check if messages have been sent. In fact, a new “Draft” label appears in the chat list, marking incomplete texts yet to be sent.
Finally, the messaging app has decided to replace the words “is writing…” and “recording audio…” with new icons within the chat. In fact, three ellipses have appeared if someone writes a message, and a microphone icon for someone recording audio. “This change makes it more intuitive and convenient for usersespecially in crowded group chats, where multiple participants might be writing messages or recording voice notes at the same time.”, WABetaInfo explained.
