WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new widget for the Android home screen that will make it easier to access Status updates. According to a report by WABetaInfo, the feature was spotted in the beta version 2.26.18.5 of WhatsApp for Android and is still under development.
See also: WhatsApp reveals file spoofing and URL scheme vulnerabilities
The new widget could allow users to view recent Status directly from the home screen, without having to open the app. Until now, users had to log into WhatsApp and go to the “Updates” tab to view Statuses, while some updates also appeared via profiles in the conversations section.
The new feature is expected to simplify the process by displaying the most recent activities directly on the home screen. The widget could prove particularly useful for those who frequently interact with WhatsApp Statuses.
According to the report, the widget may display recent updates from up to three contacts at once. WhatsApp is also reportedly planning a shortcut that will allow users to quickly upload their own Status. By tapping the shortcut, users will likely directly open the Status creation interface without having to navigate through multiple menus in the app.
See also: WhatsApp will stop supporting older iPhones and Androids
The selection of contacts to appear in the widget is said to be based on WhatsApp's existing ranking system. The algorithm appears to prioritize people the user communicates with most frequently, such as pinned conversations and active contacts. Statuses that are about to disappear may also be prioritized so that users don't miss out on recent posts.
The ranking process is expected to take place locally on the user's device, which could enhance privacy while offering more personalized recommendations.
The Android widget appears to be inspired by the Status widget that already exists on iOS. On iPhones, WhatsApp offers small and expanded widget layouts that display updates from one or more contacts. The Android version is expected to follow a similar logic, offering faster access to Status directly from the home screen.
See also: WhatsApp is planning its own cloud backup system
Users can already add WhatsApp widgets to their smartphones for quicker access to conversations and app features, while widgets can also be moved, resized or removed according to their preferences.
