WhatsApp to soon add inline image style for notifications, currently on beta

New Delhi: Instant messaging app WhatsApp may soon bring inline images for the notification panel for device running on Android 9 Pie.

First spotted by Android Police, the feature is currently being tested in beta version Android beta v2.18.291. The new inline image style in notification will show the picture's preview in expandable and collapse format to users. In other words users can preview them in the notification tab itself in the said format. The text messages, above or below (in preview) it, though will remain the same.  Android Police said that the feature will not work for GIFs or videos.

Recently it was reportedly that WhatsApp is working on a series of updates that will make its Android platform more user friendly.

As per  WABetaInfo, a fan site that tests new WhatsApp features early the messaging app is testing dark mode and swipe to reply features for Android users.

The Swipe to reply feature, when comes to Android, will allow user to simply swipe right the message and the message will load in the reply context. This feature is currently available only in iOS. According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp has recently submitted a new update through the "Google Play Beta Program", bringing the version up to 2.18.282.

Another feature that the messaging app is currently working upon is the Dark Mode. This feature will be rolled out for both Android and iOS. Dark Mode will reduce the strain on the eyes for those who use the app in the dark or at night time.

WABetaInfo had last month said that WhatsApp is working on "picture-in-picture mode" for Android platform. The feature, once rolled out, will allow users to continue the video call on a minimised screen while browsing through the rest of their conversation. However, the feature is not available for development reasons and it needs to get many other improvements before it is officially enabled for all WhatsApp users.

"For this reason, it's ok if you have updated your WhatsApp version and it's not working for you," the report added.