WhatsApp’s developer is working on a new design for the popular instant messenger. Initial images show how a feature that is already unwanted by many users is moving even further under the spotlight. What is it?
WhatsApp is a popular way to chat with friends, family, or colleagues around the world. You can also use groups or channels to keep up to date with what’s happening in the world or your interests. The common goal of all these functions is to communicate with your fellow human beings. However, WhatsApp’s developer is now testing a new design of the instant messenger that relocates some of these features to make room for a function that many users do not want.
WhatsApp Redesign: Settings and Communities to Make Way
As WABetaInfo reported, WhatsApp’s developer is working on reorganizing the tab bar at the bottom of the screen. Instead of the familiar tabs for chats, news, communities, calls, and settings, there will only be four icons moving forward.
Communities and the separate icon for settings will have to go. They will make way for a feature that many users hate: Meta AI. According to initial screenshots, the AI assistant will have its own tab. According to the report, communities are part of the chat overview. Rather, you will find your settings in the three-dot menu at the top right.
The bluish circle in the main chat window that used to float is also history. This could even be a positive change for some users, as it makes the chat view a little clearer again.
Chatbot Comes to The Fore
As can be seen in the image, the Meta AI overview is similar to the familiar chatbots from OpenAI or Google. You can ask questions via text or create images and animations. There is also an overview of your previous conversations with the chatbot.
To further improve interaction with Meta AI, you can also start a voice chat using the icon next to the text input. This means you can talk directly to the WhatsApp chatbot.
WhatsApp is currently testing the new design in some regions. According to WABetaInfo, it is currently only visible to a small group of testers. At the moment, the test only affects the Android version of the messenger.
