According to WABetalnfo, WhatsApp has begun testing Channels on the platform. According to the report, the new feature is now available on WhatsApp beta for the Android 2.23.8.6 update.
The feature is currently in beta testing with a small group of beta users.
WhatsApp is expected to expand it to more beta users in the coming days before officially launching it.
WhatsApp is constantly being updated with new features. The instant messaging app recently began testing a new chat lock feature that allows users to lock individual chats, longer duration options for disappearing messages, and so on.
Details on WhatsApp Channels
Channels will be available to users as a separate and optional feature under the Status tab, which will be renamed Updates with the update. The design of the renamed Updates tab will also change.
According to the screenshots, the status will be displayed horizontally in future updates. Channels will provide some level of privacy because they will conceal the phone number and user information. Messages sent over channels, on the other hand, will not be encrypted end-to-end.
Channels will also support handles, allowing users to search for a specific WhatsApp channel by entering the handle information.
Meanwhile, as previously stated, the lock chat feature is being tested on several platforms. The ability to lock chats will give users more security and flexibility. This means that users can choose to lock the entire WhatsApp app, lock specific chats from prying eyes, or use both for added security.