WhatsApp for Android update adds quick reply from notification, multiple contact selection and more

It's good news for all instant messaging fanatics out there who can't seem to not read or reply a WhatsApp message. The upcoming WhatsApp software update for Android users will come with support for quick replies from the notification panel, which means users will be able to emoji spam their friends without even opening the app.

While the update is only available for beta testers registered via Google Play for now, the new feature enabling users to send replies from the notification bar itself works via a new 'Reply' option below the message notification.

This is not a new feature, with Google’s Hangout app also adding quick reply to its notification feature in January.

But that's not all. WhatsApp for Android v2.12.560 will come with other upgrades such as multiple selections for contacts and a new wallpaper selector. The new software update will also enhance contextual options for both Contacts and Chat tabs, reports Android Police.

To access the action list in contacts or group chat in the app, users currently have to tap and hold the select contact or message. With the update, they can just single tap the contact image or group icon to open the drop down action list.

For a single contact, the action list includes Archive, Delete, Mute/Unmute, Add chat shortcut, View contact, and Mark as read/unread; for the group chats, the list includes Archive, Leave group, Mute/Unmute, Add chat shortcut, Group info, and Mark as read/unread.

The WhatsApp update for Android will furthermore bring in a revamped set of icons including Gallery and Solid Colour.

The Facebook-owned popular instant messaging app will roll out the final version of the update with the necessary changes after the testing phase is over. WhatsApp had launched its official beta testing program on Google Play last month to increase the availability of the new version of the app for testers. Users who sign on to the program will automatically get the testing version installed without having to download it from the company website or APK hosting site.

As of this writing, the Android update is not available on Google Play listing or WhatsApp’s official website.