One of WhatsApp's upcoming features is a step closer to public release.
WhatsApp recently rolled out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program that brings the bottom navigation bar for Android phones to a wider group of beta testers for a stable, future public release.
WhatsApp previously rolled out the update that brought a bottom navigation bar for developers to further improve for future testing in early April.
WhatsApp Bottom Navigation Bar Beta Test Details
WhatsApp's release of version 2.23.11.6 through the Google Play Beta Program provided some details about the upcoming bottom navigation bar's beta tests. According to Android Police, the company widened the scope of the release and testing of its bottom navigation bar for Android phones.
Having such a feature on Android phones is a boon for Android users; Google's design language for Android apps recommends the inclusion of a bottom navigation bar that would not only aid them in navigating the app but also provide better usage when being used with only one hand.
Meanwhile, WABetaInfo reports that there is a good-news-bad-news situation going on with the feature. While the good news is that the bottom navigation bar is getting positive feedback, some people are dissatisfied with the feature's current iteration.
According to these negative feedbacks, the bottom navigation bar prevents the ability to swipe between tabs - an action previously allowed before WhatsApp added the new feature.
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There is also another problem, though with the update in general rather than the bottom navigation bar itself. Those who downloaded the update were greeted with an issue that crashes WhatsApp when opened, preventing anyone from using it.
While downgrading to the previous version could solve the problem, it is highly discouraged to do so for various reasons, like additional issues with the database.
Regardless, the update's release and the feedback from users means that WhatsApp's bottom navigation bar is only a few steps from turning into a publicly available feature that WhatsApp would roll out globally in the foreseeable future.
What Is WhatsApp's Bottom Navigation Bar?
WhatsApp's bottom navigation bar for Android phones is WhatsApp's answer to the numerous requests of Android users for a more modern and intuitive way of navigating the app.
The feature provides the same function and features as its iOS counterpart: it gives Android users a quick and easily accessible way to switch between their chats, communities, status, and calls by tapping icons on the bottom half of the screen rather than swiping windows.
The feature also makes WhatsApp's two apps more consistent across different platforms; users switching between iOS and Android platforms found the app's user interface confusing after doing so.
Exactly when the feature will become publicly available is anyone's guess. However, the update and feedback WhatsApp received could mean it is only a matter of time before everyone gets it on their Android phones.
Related Article: WhatsApp Could Be Getting a Bottom Navigation Bar for Android
