TECH
WhatsApp users may soon get a new chat bar: Layout will change from emoji to camera button, find out what's new
Technology
WhatsApp is preparing to change the chatting experience in the Android app. The company is working on two new chat bar designs, one in which the send button will be placed inside the chat bar and the message writing area will appear above. Learn what changes will be made to the new chat bar and when users might receive this feature.
Expansion
WhatsApp, the world's most widely used instant messaging app, is constantly working to improve its user experience. After recently redesigning the bottom navigation bar, the company is now preparing to make its chat screen even more modern. According to recent reports, WhatsApp is working on a completely new chat bar for the Android app.
According to WABetaInfo, a well-known website that tracks WhatsApp's latest features, this new design has been spotted in the WhatsApp beta version for Android 2.26.41.11. The company is currently testing two different designs to determine which layout will be best for the final release.
What will change in the new chat bar?
There are two major changes in the new chat bar:
New text input location:
Now the text box for typing messages (Text Input) will shift to the top of the chat bar, just above the emoji button.
The 'Send' button will be inside the chat bar:
Until now, the 'Send' button was a separate round icon outside the text box. However, in the new update, this send button will become part of the chat bar itself. However, it will remain in the same round shape as before.
Two designs are being tested
WhatsApp is working on two different layouts for its beta testers:
First design:
The emoji button has been placed on the left side of the chat bar. The attachment and camera buttons have been placed on the right side, right next to the 'Send' button. This layout is largely similar to the current design, with the exception of the text input and sends button positions.
Second design:
This design appears a bit cleaner. The emoji, attachment, and camera buttons have all been shifted to the left, while a single "Send" button appears on the right.
When will this feature be available?
Currently, this new chat bar is in the early stages of development and hasn't been fully enabled even for beta testers. WhatsApp may make further changes or improvements to these designs before the public release. While the company hasn't announced an official launch date, it's expected to be rolled out in a stable update for Android soon after testing is complete.
