WhatsApp is set to enhance its user experience with a new feature for status updates, currently being tested with beta users through its 2.24.20.3 update via the Google Play Beta Program. According to WABetaInfo, this feature allows users to mention contacts in their status updates through a button in the caption bar.
When a contact is mentioned, they receive a notification and message in their chat, privately informing them of the mention. Unlike public mentions, only the mentioned individual will know they were included in the status, keeping the information secure. Even if a user has privacy settings that restrict the mentioned contact from seeing other updates, they will still receive the one in which they are mentioned.
Additionally, WhatsApp provides a reshare button, allowing mentioned contacts to share the status with their audience. However, the identity of the original creator will remain anonymous in the reshared status, keeping the privacy intact.
This feature is being rolled out gradually and will soon be available to more users in the coming weeks.
