WhatsApp to return text-based status feature

The recent WhatsApp update, which saw the text-based status replaced with the new image-based status feature, suffered a major boomerang effect with users castigating the move. In an attempt to placate its users, the Facebook-owned company announced that it would be bringing back the text-based status feature.

The revived text status feature appeared in WhatsApp’s latest Android beta version 2.17.95 last week. According to a report by Gadgets.com, the revived version will be available for all android devices in the coming week.

WhatsApp users will once again be able to set a text status in the ‘about’ section of the app alongside its image-based status feature which will continue to exist.

The contacts tab will not be making a reappearance. However, users will only be able to view others’ status by opening their contact when starting a new chat thread or looking at group information.

“We heard from our users that people missed the ability to set a persistent text-only update in their profile, so we’ve integrated this feature into the ‘About’ section in profile settings. Now, the update will appear next to profile names anytime you view contacts, such as when creating a new chat or looking at Group info,” explained WhatsApp.

“At the same time, we’re continuing to build on the new Status feature that gives people fun and engaging ways to share photos, videos and GIFs with their friends and family throughout their day.”

Also read: Five reasons why people hate the latest WhatsApp update