WhatsApp users recently noticed a subtle yet controversial alteration in the app's design involving capitalization in the "online" and "typing" indicators. This seemingly minor adjustment sparked widespread dissatisfaction among users, prompting a wave of complaints across social media platforms.
WhatsApp Users Upset Over Design Change
It might be a "tiny" tweak but it's enough to trigger many users on the platform.
Many users expressed their dismay over the revised appearance of the "online" status, highlighting their dissatisfaction with the change. The decision to capitalize the words "online" and "typing" drew criticism for its perceived unnecessary nature and its impact on the app's visual aesthetics, The Independent reports.
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Public Outcry Reaches X
X, which was formerly known as Twitter, became a platform for users to voice their discontent, with numerous tweets garnering significant attention and shares.
Users described the alteration as "icky" and questioned the rationale behind the modification, indicating the confusion it caused.
WhatsApp's Response: Reversal of Design Change
In response to the uproar, WhatsApp informed the UK-based online publication that the capitalization adjustment was part of a limited test conducted with select users. However, the company has now decided to reverse the change, acknowledging the negative reception it received.
Reversal Process: Limited Test Reversal
WhatsApp did not disclose specific details regarding the number of users involved in the test or the timeline for implementing the reversal. Users who encountered the modified design can expect a return to the original format, though WhatsApp has not specified when this change will take effect.
Testing Procedures: Regular Trials by WhatsApp
WhatsApp routinely conducts tests to explore potential updates or alterations to its platform, with many experiments never reaching the public release stage. The recent design change was observed inconsistently across different versions of the app, affecting users on Android and iOS devices to varying extents.
Comparison with Other Messaging Apps
The revised design deviated from the lowercase format adopted by other messaging platforms, including Meta services like Facebook Messenger and third-party apps like Telegram. This departure from industry norms contributed to the backlash from WhatsApp users.
In other news, Android Police reports that WhatsApp has allowed beta testers to try the new sidebar for faster access to select sections.
Since it's under beta testing at the moment, only a few people can test out this in the beta program. Its public release is yet to be announced by Meta.
Earlier this month, Tech Times reported that WhatsApp was working with the rumored lock chats feature for linked devices. Another report from the source said that Instagram-like button for emojis was also a part of the upcoming new features.
