WhatsApp has rolled out a slew of new features designed to boost the platform’s engagement rate. The business has now added a new shortcut for quick replies on both Android and iOS beta versions, albeit some customers who have installed the newest update may still not see this option. This is because the option has only been made available to a limited number of beta testers, and others may have to wait for future updates to see it enabled.
“Quick answers” were among the first capabilities added to the WhatsApp Business platform. It enables the use of keyboard shortcuts to re-use frequently used messages, similar to how the G-board memory works when typing out similar messages or emails. To use rapid replies, type “/” as instructed by “WABetaInfo,” and then select the message to send from the list.
The reasons for implementing this shortcut are unknown at this time, but the true benefits will be felt once the update is made available to a larger audience. Currently, the new shortcut option has been introduced to the chat share action menu, which is visible to both Android and iOS device users.
What comes next?
Meanwhile, WhatsApp has numerous changes planned for 2022, including the ability to hide the “last seen” feature for certain contacts. In the “free communication apps” section of the Google Play Store, the social media giant’s basic messenger and business versions are now ranked second and fifth, respectively, behind Telegram, which is ranked third. However, with 5.5 billion downloads from WhatsApp apps on Android, it is clearly the market leader.