WhatsApp, the most popular instant messaging application has now been updated on the Android platform to include some brand new, never seen before features. Among the many changes that have recently been made, one that stands out is the ability set custom notifications. Up until now, you had the ability to choose the sound made for group and individual chats, but this new update allows you to set separate custom notifications for different contacts.
New custom notifications on WhatsApp
When you open a group or contact’s details page, you will be able to see a new Notifications box, from where you can mute the chat for 8 hours, 1 week, or 1 year, and you can also pick a notification tone, light, popup notification, as well as the ringtone and vibration settings. These options will help you to fine tune each and every chat.
‘Mark as Unread’ option in WhatsApp
Another important feature is the “Mark as Unread” option. You can tap on any chat and then mark it as unread, which will switch it to its green status, but won’t affect the read status on messages within each conversation. This feature could also be used as a reminder that you need to reply to that conversation.
Lastly, there’s a new setting for those on a limited data connection. A new “Low data usage” option is now available on the settings of the app, which will reduce the amount of data used during a WhatsApp call. You can turn ON this option when you are on a low speed connection, or if you are running low on data. Note that this option won’t affect chats, but only WhatsApp calls.
This latest version of WhatsApp is now available for Android via APK Mirror, but it will soon also be rolled out at the Play Store. So go ahead and update the app so you can enjoy these new features.