WhatsApp’s New Shortcut: A Game-Changer for Android Users
WhatsApp, the world’s most popular messaging app, has just introduced a long-awaited feature for Android users: a shortcut to mark all chats as read with a single tap. This simple yet significant update is set to streamline messaging experiences and make managing unread messages a breeze.
A Much-Needed Convenience
Previously, marking all WhatsApp chats as read required users to manually open each conversation and select the “Mark as read” option. This could be time-consuming, especially for those with numerous unread messages. The new shortcut eliminates the need for these extra steps, offering a quick and efficient way to clear notifications and focus on important conversations.
How Does the Shortcut Work?
The “Mark All as Read” shortcut is conveniently located in the overflow menu at the top right corner of the screen, just below the “Starred messages” option. By tapping this shortcut, users can instantly mark all their unread chats as read, clearing their notification badge and providing a clutter-free messaging experience.
Beta Testing and Availability
The new feature is currently available in the beta version of WhatsApp for Android, specifically in version 2.24.18.11. While not all Android users have access to the beta program, those who are part of it can try out this new functionality and provide valuable feedback to the WhatsApp development team.
A Feature Inspired by iOS
The “Mark All as Read” shortcut is similar to a feature that has been available on iOS for some time. By bringing this functionality to Android, WhatsApp is ensuring a consistent experience across different platforms, making it easier for users to switch between devices without encountering significant differences.
Beyond WhatsApp: Gemini AI’s New Shortcut
In addition to the WhatsApp update, Google has also introduced a new shortcut for its Gemini AI chatbot. Users can now access Gemini AI directly through the Google Chrome search bar by simply typing “@” and selecting “@gemini – Chat with Gemini.” This makes it easier than ever to interact with Google’s powerful AI assistant without leaving the browser.
FAQs
When will the “Mark All as Read” shortcut be available to all Android users?
The rollout of the feature is gradual, so it may take some time before it’s available to everyone.
How does the shortcut work?
To use the shortcut, simply tap the overflow menu at the top right corner of the screen and select “Mark All as Read.”
Is the feature available on iOS?
Yes, a similar feature has been available on iOS for some time.
What other new features has WhatsApp recently introduced?
WhatsApp has been continuously adding new features to improve user experience, such as the ability to create polls in groups and the option to share media files in high-quality formats.
