WhatsApp is reportedly developing several new features for the Android platform. The latest WhatsApp for Android beta app introduces an in-app dialler, which is expected to enhance calling convenience. This feature will allow users to make calls directly from the app without switching to the system dialler and saving the contact on the Android smartphone.
The new in-app dialler may appear as a floating action button (FAB) in the Calls tab. Users can take full advantage of WhatsApp calling, even to numbers that aren't saved on their smartphones. This feature has been spotted in WhatsApp for Android beta app version 2.24.13.17.
Besides calling, users may also save the contact from the dialler to their smartphone's address book, either as a new contact or as an addition to an existing one. A messaging option might also be available for those who initially wanted to call someone but decided to send a WhatsApp message instead.
It's speculated that the in-app dialler will also allow checking whether a given number is registered on WhatsApp. Selected users enrolled in the Google Play Beta program as beta testers for the WhatsApp for Android app may have access to this new feature. Gadgets 360 staff members were unable to verify the availability of this feature.
WhatsApp has also introduced new and more dynamic stickers, which offer more fluid motion thanks to the newly supported Lottie framework. This framework allows for the development of more dynamic animations built on motion graphic design software such as Adobe After Effects, making it feasible for native rendering on mobile devices.
The first sticker pack to officially support this new framework is “I'm Just a Girl,” developed by BUCK and sized at 228KB. This feature is being rolled out to Android and iOS WhatsApp users.
