Messaging apps WhatsApp and Google introduce new interface features

WhatsApp is testing a new feature for Android that provides visual previews of photos, videos, and stickers in the main chat list. Currently, the app only displays text labels such as ‘Photo’ or ‘Video’ when the last message is not text. The update aims to allow users to quickly identify content without opening individual conversations.

Separately, Google Messages is introducing informative chats designed to notify users about app updates and new features directly within the conversation list. However, user reception has been mixed; a survey of over 1,800 participants found that 52.3% of respondents view the feature as unnecessary or potentially invasive, citing concerns about app bloat.