WhatsApp for Android is in the process of developing a new privacy-related feature that will allow users to have more control over the syncing of their contacts. This new feature, as reported by a feature tracker, will add functionality to the already existing multi-account feature on the app. With this update, users will be able to select how they want their address book contacts to be synced, giving them more customization options.
Address Book Syncing
The contact syncing feature will enable users to manage the synchronization of their address book when using WhatsApp on multiple devices. This feature was initially spotted in the beta version of WhatsApp for Android, hinting at its imminent release. Once rolled out, users will have the ability to choose which contacts they want to sync to their phone for different accounts, further enhancing privacy and control.
According to the feature tracker, the contact syncing feature comes with a new user interface displaying the option to “Keep your contacts separate for each account.” This UI redesign suggests a more intuitive and user-friendly experience for managing contacts across multiple WhatsApp accounts. Additionally, users will also have the capability to manage WhatsApp contacts from linked devices, streamlining the overall user experience.
While the new contact syncing feature is still in development and not yet available to beta testers, it is expected to be included in a future update of WhatsApp for Android. However, it is essential to keep in mind that not all features being worked on by WhatsApp make it to the public version of the app. In addition to contact syncing, WhatsApp for Android is reportedly testing a feature that allows users to mark all unread messages as ‘read’, providing a more efficient way to manage chats.
Furthermore, WhatsApp aims to ensure feature parity across its iOS and Android apps, with similar functionalities being developed for both platforms. Users can expect to see the ‘mark read’ feature, currently in the works for the iOS version, mirrored on the Android app shortly. This commitment to consistency demonstrates WhatsApp’s dedication to providing a seamless experience for users regardless of their device preference.
The new contact syncing feature on WhatsApp for Android represents a step towards enhanced privacy management and user control. With the ability to selectively sync contacts between devices and different accounts, users will have greater customization options. As WhatsApp continues to innovate and improve its platform, users can look forward to more convenient and efficient ways to manage their contacts and conversations.