Khaleej Times

WhatsApp’s one-liner status is back

- — alvin@khaleejtim­es.com Alvin R. Cabral

dubai — WhatsApp has apparently listened to those who weren’t exactly happy with their last update.

The messaging service of over a billion users has rolled out an update, bringing back, among others, the simpler and the much-loved text/emoji status.

The Facebook unit received flak when it launched its Snapchat-esque Status last month, which disappears after 24 hours, requiring users to frequently make a new one.

That didn’t sit well with many users, with many airing their frustratio­ns on social media.

It was initially announced that Android devices would get the update first, but those on iOS immediatel­y got the update after just a short period.

And here’s better news: the update retains the status you and your contacts last used prior to last month’s update.

Aside from the status update, WhatsApp also introduced a new low-light mode; a moon icon on the upper-right-hand side of the camera screen would allow better shots in dimly-lit conditions.

With the update, videos can now also be played without waiting for them to download; videos, however, will still be saved on the phone while being played.

The update also comes with a minor iOS-specific feature: using 3D Touch on the crop icon when editing a photo instantly fills up the screen.

 ?? Bloomberg ?? Thanks to WhatsApp’s latest update, you won’t be needing to update your status every 24 hours. —
Bloomberg Thanks to WhatsApp’s latest update, you won’t be needing to update your status every 24 hours. —

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