React with a double tap: Coming soon to WhatsApp
What's the story
WhatsApp is developing a new feature for its Android beta version, that will enable users to react to messages quickly by double-tapping. This feature, discovered in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.16.7 update, aims to enhance user interaction and speed up the reaction process. However, there are currently no plans to include an option to disable this feature.
Experience
User interaction enhanced
The double-tap reaction facility is designed to allow users to react with a default heart emoji, by simply double-tapping on a message. This removes the need to open the reaction tray unless users want to react with a different emoji. However, this could possibly cause inconvenience for some users who may accidentally react to old messages, while scrolling through their chat history.
Recent updates
WhatsApp recently brought a media reaction shortcut
This new feature follows the recent rollout of a media reaction shortcut in WhatsApp's previous Android 2.24.11.16 update. This shortcut permitted users to quickly react to photos, videos, and GIFs, directly from the media viewer screen without having to navigate back to the chat view. Further details about the double-tap reaction feature will be provided as soon as they become available.