WhatsApp has introduced the familiar, bouncing “three dots” indicator that will appear when someone on the other end of the chat is typing. The new “Typing Indicators” have been rolled out globally for both Android and iOS users.
“When someone begins typing in a group or 1:1 chat, you will see a visual ‘…’ dot cue at the bottom of the chat screen, along with their profile picture, making it easier to see who is actively engaged in the conversation,” the messaging giant announced in a statement on Thursday, December 5.
The three dots indicator will appear when the other person is typing a text message.
Aimed at enhancing real-time engagement among WhatsApp users, the three dots indicator will show up in both group and individual chats on the platform. It seems to be enabled by default for all users, though it remains unclear if this feature can be disabled.
WhatsApp frequently updates its app by introducing new features. This recent update isn’t particularly surprising, given that sister Meta-owned apps like Instagram and Messenger have offered similar three-dot typing indicators for years. If anything, it’s surprising that it has taken Meta/WhatsApp this long to implement this feature.
In addition to the typing indicator, WhatsApp recently announced support for voice message transcripts, enabling users to read a text description of voice notes. This can be especially handy for longer voice messages. Currently, this feature is available in a few selected languages.
WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps in Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large. It is commonly used for live chatting and video calling, with additional features such as status updates, group chats, and channels. Many users leverage WhatsApp for business promotions through its WhatsApp Status, group chats, and WhatsApp Business accounts. The app’s simple, user-friendly design makes it easy to navigate.
Meta’s WhatsApp recently won Google’s Best Multi-Device App Award for 2024, reaffirming its status as an essential app that has been around for over a decade. Despite being free and ad-free, WhatsApp continues to innovate by adding features that enhance communication and usability.
Recently, reports suggested that WhatsApp is testing a feature allowing users to scan QR codes to view and join channels on the platform. Additionally, the company announced a Drafts Indicator last month, designed to help users easily locate and complete unfinished messages. With its wealth of tools, WhatsApp ensures a smooth and efficient typing experience for its users.
