WhatsApp does a Snapchat with new ‘Status’ feature

Previously, WhatsApps Status updates were limited to basic text prompts similar to MSN Messenger from back in the day, with pre-set options such as “At Work” and “Available” well, available. So every morning you have to wake up and religiously post a new Status. I’m using WhatsApp and get ready to welcome the new revamped status look. You can head over to the Play Store to download the latest update. WhatsApp, however, is chiefly a messaging app, and the feature potentially heralds an entirely new way of using it to its user base, the total number of which runs past the billion mark.

Below your own Status, you’ll see little round heads of your contacts with a blue circle around them. A list of friends who’ve shared a Status will fill in.

WhatsApp Product Manager Randall Sarafa had earlier this week told Gadgets 360 that the new WhatsApp Status combines three existing features – broadcast lists, media sharing, and, of course, Status. On Android, the Status Privacy option is in the settings. You can choose to only share with certain contacts, share with all contacts except, or just share with all of your contacts. More than anything, this feature will make your age-old all-text status seem like a distant memory. Now, the contacts section is replaced with status, and the user can just swipe left or right to navigate. And the more recent one is a little less original than you’d think, but just as funky.

How to update your Status? You can rotate and adjust the size of both text and emoticons.

You can adjust the privacy settings for the Status you post. If you do not want to use the Whatsapp camera, you can see images/vodeps from your gallery in the strip at the bottom of the screen. To take a video, long press the red button in the middle.

GIFs can be uploaded too!

You will now be able to put photos, videos, and more in your status. You can send as video or edit it as a GIF.

Who is Viewing My Status? The User can also see who has gone through their stories. Compared with Snapchat’s purely ephemeral, in-the-moment nature, WhatsApp is a more complete solution.

Once there, you can post a new status or view other people’s statuses by tapping on their names.