WhatsApp has released a new update for Android users, which introduces a helpful new feature that allows users to message people directly from their status updates. The new beta update arrives with version 2.25.9.6 through the Google Play Beta Program.

Before this update, if you wanted to message someone who had viewed your status, you had to leave the status screen, search for the contact in your chat list, and open the chat. This process could take time.

The fresh beta update solves this by adding a shortcut in the viewer’s list, which lets you quickly open the chat with that person. With just a tap, you can directly go to the chat window and start messaging.

With this new feature, WhatsApp is making it even easier to interact with contacts and follow up on status updates. Currently, the send message from status feature is under testing, and only beta users can enjoy it.

However, it will be rolled out to more users in the upcoming weeks. Once it becomes available, users will be able to message contacts directly from their status update screen, which makes conversations faster and more convenient.

WhatsApp preparing to share motion photos in chats

WhatsApp has released a new beta update for Android, which brings the ability to share motion photos. This feature has been spotted in the latest beta version 2.2.25.12 and will be available in a future update.

Motion photos are different types of images that capture a few seconds of movement and sound before and after the picture is taken. They’re different from regular photos because they combine a short video clip with the photo, which makes the moment feel more lively and real.

Several devices, including Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and iPhones, feature motion photos. It has different names on different smartphones, like Motion Photo, Top Shot, or Live Photos.

In the new WhatsApp update, users will be able to share these motion photos in individual chats, group chats, and channels. This gives users more flexibility and options for sharing photos.

When you select a photo to send, there will be a new button that lets you choose whether to send the still photo or the motion photo. The feature will work in both individual and group chats and even channels.

The motion photo feature is still in development, but it will be available in a future WhatsApp update. Stay tuned for more information as this feature becomes available soon.

After Snapdragon models, Samsung has now started releasing the One UI 6.1-based March 2025 security update for Exynos variants of the Galaxy S21 FE. This update is rolling out in some Asian countries, and the company will soon expand to more regions.

March 2025 security patch makes the device more stable and secure. The company is dispatching the latest software update with system security improvements to keep your files and data safe on your phone. Also, it optimizes system stability to offer you uninterrupted and seamless functionality on your device.

Users of the Exynos Galaxy S21 FE models are getting the March 2025 security update via One UI build version G990EXXSCFYC1. The installation package size of this update is around 350 MB.

March 2025 security patch fixes over 58 vulnerabilities, including 11 critical and 40 high-level issues from Google. Samsung has provided 7 SVE patches covering the Auracast, sensitive communication settings, the Galaxy Watch Gallery, Wi-Fi services, and more.

To check the update, you just need to navigate to the device’s Settings, then a Software update, and Download and install. If you have received the update, install it now for enhanced features. It makes your device ready for the next update.

Aside from this, Samsung has already spotted One UI 7 internal testing build for the Galaxy S21 FE smartphone, which indicates that the company is preparing this major update for this phone.

Earlier, the Galaxy S21 FE smartphone also appeared on Geekbench with Android 15 and One UI 7. The phone scored 1164 points in single-core and 3362 points in multi-core performance.

WhatsApp has rolled out a new feature in its latest Android beta update with version 2.25.7.9 through the Google Play Beta Program. This update allows users to add social media profile links to their WhatsApp account to make it easier to share your online profiles with others.

The update brings the ability to add links to your social media profiles, starting with Instagram. Once you add your Instagram link, it will show up at the top of the chat info page.

This new feature makes it easy for your contacts to visit your Instagram profile with just one tap. Right now, Instagram is the only supported platform, but WhatsApp plans to add more platforms in future updates.

In addition to adding social media links, WhatsApp has also included privacy settings. These settings let you decide who can see your social media links. You can choose to share them with everyone, only your contacts, certain contacts, or keep them completely private.

This feature is being rolled out to some beta testers through the Google Play Beta Program. More WhatsApp users will have access to this feature as it becomes more widely available.

Aside from this, WhatsApp is also testing another feature that will let users save photos and videos from their own status updates. This status-saving feature will be available in future updates.

WhatsApp may soon let you turn off camera before answering video calls

WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will help protect your privacy during video calls. This new feature is being tested in the latest WhatsApp beta version 2.25.7.3 for Android (via AssembleDebug).

At the moment, when you get a video call, your camera automatically turns on, and you can’t accept the call without it being on. This can be awkward if you’re not ready or don’t want to be seen. But soon, WhatsApp will let you turn off your camera before answering the call.

When you receive a video call, you will see an option that says “Turn off your video.” If you tap on it, the call will be accepted without turning on your camera, so you can just talk without being seen.

Image via Android Authority

This update will be helpful for those times when you’re not looking your best or when you’re busy doing something else and don’t want to be on camera. Instead of feeling panic to turn off your camera after answering, you can now choose to keep it off before you even pick up the call.

This change gives you more control over your privacy and how you handle video calls. WhatsApp users will likely appreciate this change when it becomes available.

This feature is currently under development and will soon make the app more user-friendly and private. Keep an eye out for this update, as it should be available soon.

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