whatsapp hijacking scam saps

People who respond to the fraudulent SMS are then locked out of their WhatsApp account, surrendering personal and intimate details – Image via Adobe Stock

Development of WhatsApp ‘Read Later’ feature officially underway

The ‘Read Later’ feature was first mentioned in November 2020. Development began in January 2021.

whatsapp hijacking scam saps

People who respond to the fraudulent SMS are then locked out of their WhatsApp account, surrendering personal and intimate details – Image via Adobe Stock

As reported by WA Beta Info earlier this week, WhatsApp recently submitted a new update through its beta program which includes a Read Later feature. This is allegedly to replace the Archived Chats feature.

All chats on this list will remain muted, meaning you get to cut down on those frequent interruptions. Here’s what you need to know.

WhatsApp ‘Read Later’ feature

WA Beta Info explains that users can move unimportant chats and groups to the Read Later section as a way to clean up WhatsApp’s main app page. The beta update is currently available to Android users.

The new WhatsApp for Android beta v2.21.2.2 features will roll out the public in future updates. WhatsApp has not yet confirmed when the feature will be available on a larger scale.

The Read Later features was first mentioned back in November 2020 but we’re happy to report that it’s now officially under development. WhatsApp is still working on multi-device support, and no official updates have been shared as yet.

How the ‘read later’ feature would work

WA Beta Info explains that “you will find a new persistent cell at the top of your chat list called ‘Read Later’”; once the feature is enabled for the general public. By “unarchiving” a chat, you will reverse this process.

The chat will show up in your list of other chats, and you’ll receive notifications for that user again. If you open a “Read Later” message, you’ll see a banner notifying you that “Archive is now Read Later”.

From the “Read Later” settings (as can be seen in the image below), you’d be able to move new messages to the archive section. Or move it back to the main chats list as you please.

In essence, Chats will stay in this section and “you won’t get any notifications”, until you manually disable the feature.

Happy birthday, WhatsApp!

in other news, WhatsApp turned five years old on 15 January 2021. The developers team might have some joy in their lives, following the drama generated around the recent Terms of Service debacle.

Users will not be able to opt-out of the new privacy policy, as its terms and conditions must be accepted to continue using the app. Users must agree to the new terms by 8 February or lose access to their chats and contacts.

There will be even greater integration between WhatsApp and Facebook’s other products like Messenger and Instagram. This means they will share data like your phone number, transaction data, IP address, and information on how you interact with others (including businesses).

Also read: Telegram blocks channels promoting hate as mass exodus from WhatsApp continue

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