WhatsApp Desktop Seems to Be Getting a New Way to React to Messages

WhatsApp Desktop beta version 2.2208.1 has reportedly included references about the update.

By Jagmeet Singh | Updated: 3 March 2022 18:10 IST

Highlights

WhatsApp Desktop is seen to get a ‘React to message’ option
The messaging app may add multiple message reactions
WhatsApp Desktop was previously spotted adding a quick reactions button

WhatsApp Desktop Seems to Be Getting a New Way to React to Messages

WhatsApp has apparently been working on reactions for the last few months

Photo Credit: Reuters

WhatsApp is found to be working on a new way to let macOS and Windows users react to messages on its desktop version. It could be an expansion to WhatsApp reactions that are reportedly in the works for the last few months. Using reactions, WhatsApp users would be able to react to a message using emojis — similar to how reactions are available on other messaging apps, including Facebook Messenger and Apple's iMessage. The feature could be available to both mobile as well as desktop users.

As spotted by WhatsApp beta tracker WABetaInfo, WhatsApp Desktop beta version 2.2208.1 appears to have some references about the new way users can react to messages. The option is, however, not yet available to public beta testers.

The option is titled React to message — clearly defining its purpose — and is available in the message menu. Users would get this new way to react to a message by right clicking on that text in the app, as seen in a screenshot shared by WABetaInfo.

WhatsApp for Android Could Soon Get New ‘Search Message’ Shortcut

WhatsApp appears to get a new option to react to messages
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

Last week, WhatsApp was spotted updating its desktop version by adding a “reaction” emoji next to messages. That would enable users to quickly react to a message.

WhatsApp Message Emoji Reaction Animation Spotted on Android: Details

The new way, though, appears to essentially add one more step if a user wants to react to messages on the app.

WhatsApp has been working on message reactions since at least August 2021, if we look at the details shared by WABetaInfo. The feature may bring emojis to share reactions such as “Like,” “Love,” “Laugh,” and “Surprise.”

Users may also be able to get a reaction info tab from where they could look at all reactions received on a particular message. Additionally, WhatsApp group users may get the ability to react to messages and look at which messages have received reactions from which members in the group.

WhatsApp Restores Camera Media Bar for iOS in Latest Beta Version: Report

Exact details on when message reactions will be available to users are yet to be revealed. The feature is also apparently at a development stage at this moment. It may, thus, receive some changes before reaching end users.

Gaana CEO and Spotify's India chief join us on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast, to discuss India's unique music streaming landscape. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

Affiliate links may be automatically generated - see our ethics statement for details.

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.