WhatsApp is set to introduce a significant update this week, reimagining a familiar feature in a new way. The feature, known as About, makes a return with enhancements, reminiscent of an earlier version from the app’s inception.
According to WhatsApp, the reintroduction of About aims to provide users with a convenient and quick method to share updates about their lives.
The Meta-owned company stated, “Today we’re reintroducing and enhancing About, making it more visible, timely, and user-friendly.”
So, what does the updated About feature offer and when can users expect it on their devices?
The feature allows users to share brief updates about their lives using a short message and an emoji. This feature enables users to inform others about why they may be unavailable to chat or what they are interested in discussing.
Your About status will be prominently displayed at the top of your chat window for easy visibility by others.
“About will now have increased visibility at the top of individual chats and on your profile,” explained WhatsApp.
Users can also respond directly to someone’s About by tapping on it within a chat. Additionally, About statuses will expire after one day, but users have the option to customize the duration. By navigating to Settings and selecting ‘Set About,’ users can choose a specific timeframe for their About status.
For those concerned about privacy, WhatsApp allows users to control who can see their About status. Through privacy settings, users can restrict visibility to only their contacts or broaden the audience.
WhatsApp announced that the updated About feature will be gradually rolled out to all mobile users starting this week.