WhatsApp is set to introduce a significant update this week, reintroducing a familiar feature with a new twist. This feature, known as About, harkens back to an earlier version from the chat app’s inception.
According to WhatsApp, the reimagined About feature aims to provide users with a quick and straightforward way to share updates about their lives. Meta-owned company stated, “Today we’re reintroducing and enhancing About, making it more visible, timely, and user-friendly.”
So, what exactly does the revamped About feature offer, and when can users expect it to land on their phones? The feature is tailored for moments when users wish to share life updates. By using a brief phrase and an emoji, users can convey why they may be unavailable to chat or what they are interested in discussing.
The About status will be prominently displayed at the top of the chat window for easy visibility by others. WhatsApp explained, “About will now be more prominently featured at the top of 1-1 chats and on your profile.”
Users can engage with someone’s About directly by tapping on it within a chat. Additionally, About statuses will expire after one day, but users have the option to customize its duration. By navigating to Settings and selecting ‘Set About,’ users can choose a specific time frame.
For those concerned about privacy, WhatsApp offers control over who can view their About status. In the privacy settings, users can restrict visibility to only their contacts or extend it more broadly.
The updated About feature is being gradually rolled out to all mobile users starting this week.