WhatsApp is said to be testing a new feature that could put an end to the issue of “zombie groups”. These are groups that have outlasted their usefulness after being set up temporarily for a specific event or purpose.
WhatsApp working on expiring group chat feature to combat “Zombie Groups”
According to a new report from WABetaInfo, the messaging service is working on an “Expiring Groups” feature that will allow users to set an expiration date for their group chats. This will help to reduce redundant clutter in the app and prevent such groups from becoming a distraction to members who are still in conversation.
The new feature will reportedly let users choose from various expiration options, such as one day, one week, or a custom date. They will also have the ability to remove an expiration that was previously set in case they change their mind. The option will only apply to individuals and will not affect other group participants.
The “Expiring Groups” feature is currently in active development and appears in version 23.5.0.71 submitted by WhatsApp developers through the TestFlight Beta Program. While it is not clear when the feature will be ready for release, its development is likely to be welcomed by users who have many group memberships.
In addition to the “Expiring Groups” feature, WhatsApp is also reportedly working on a new tool that will help users avoid spam calls on the platform. According to WABetaInfo, the feature will offer the ability to silence calls from unknown numbers. However, silenced calls will still be visible in the Notification Center and the calls list.
The need for this feature reportedly arose due to a problem introduced by WhatsApp’s Communities feature, which has reportedly opened up numbers to random calls and group chat invites from unknown users. WhatsApp’s continued development of new group chat features is one of the reasons why the Meta-owned messaging service remains so popular among users.
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