WhatsApp, the go-to instant messaging app for millions, is wrapping up March with some exciting updates. Meta has officially announced that the new navigation bar design, which has been in the testing phase for about a year, is now a permanent feature in the stable channel. But that’s not all – beta testers have discovered a new feature that suggests contacts for users to chat with, adding another layer of convenience to the app.
New Navigation Bar Design: A Permanent Update
After a series of tests and revisions, WhatsApp has finally settled on a new navigation bar design. Initially spotted by beta testers, the updated layout aligns with Google’s Material Design guidelines, offering a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. The new bottom bar, now pinned to the bottom of the screen, features four tabs: Chats, Updates, Communities, and Calls. This marks a departure from the previous design, which included smaller tabs for Communities and larger ones for Chats, Status, and Calls.
WhatsApp’s rationale behind this redesign is to bring the navigation bar closer to users’ thumbs, making it easier to reach and navigate. The ability to swipe sideways between tabs is an added convenience, enhancing the overall user experience. The app’s changelog on the Play Store has been updated to reflect this change, and the new feature is already rolling out to most devices.
Chat Suggestions: A Feature in the Pipeline
While the stable channel enjoys the new navigation bar, the beta community is exploring another potential addition to WhatsApp: chat suggestions. Spotted by WABetaInfo in the latest Play Store beta (version 2.24.7.23), this feature aims to suggest new contacts for users to chat with. Interestingly, the suggested contacts section is located at the bottom of the active chats list, a placement that might go unnoticed by many due to the app’s essential role in various markets.
However, this feature could prove particularly useful for individuals setting up new WhatsApp accounts or for those who frequently add new contacts. While still in development, the final implementation of chat suggestions might vary. Ideally, this feature would be most beneficial if it appears for a short period after a new contact is saved on WhatsApp or the device’s dialer app.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s latest updates demonstrate Meta’s commitment to enhancing the user experience through functional and visual improvements. The new navigation bar design offers a more accessible and user-friendly interface, while the potential addition of chat suggestions promises to make initiating conversations even easier. As these features roll out and evolve, WhatsApp continues to solidify its position as a leading messaging app, catering to the needs and preferences of its vast user base.
