WhatsApp Gets 3 Launcher App Shortcuts in new Android Beta Update

Staff Writer July 31, 2017

Less than a minute

WhatsApp is reported to be testing a new launcher App Shortcuts feature on Android. The shortcuts would typically allow you to jump to a desired pre-mentioned place in-app as soon as you launch it.

Basically instead of launching the app, users now have the option to launch into specific parts of the app, like the camera, going directly to a starred message/conversation, or creating a new message.

As mentioned, this feature was found in the Android beta, and there’s no word on when it will arrive for the general audience using stable builds.

The camera option redirects users to click a picture for either your WhatsApp Status or to send to a contact. This option can also be seen as a way for the company to promote its Status feature — one of the most underappreciated and criticised features, especially since it took away the old text status when it first arrived in an update.

Credit: Android Police