WhatsApp has been in an actual groove currently, constantly pumping out new characteristic after new characteristic since March. This time, the platform is rumored to be engaged on including usernames to its Android app.

This info comes from WABetaInfo, which dug into the information of the most recent Android beta the place it found the replace will probably be within the settings menu underneath an account’s Profile web page. It seems it is possible for you to to present your self a singular moniker by tapping the pencil icon after which getting into a reputation. Fairly easy stuff. WABetaInfo was additionally in a position to affirm “conversations initiated by usernames will nonetheless be protected by end-to-end encryption.” 

Past the few confirmations, little or no is unknown in regards to the characteristic. It’s nonetheless in improvement though WABetaInfo does posit it might be used as “one other layer of privateness”. As a substitute of getting a telephone quantity for all of the world to see, you may disguise it with a username. Plus, they will make it simpler to determine and find different folks. No want to recollect a telephone quantity. This might be very helpful in a WhatsApp Neighborhood which is usually a verifiable sea of numbers since they will home over 1,000 members.

However, it is hypothesis at this level. We’ll simply have to attend till Meta releases a extra steady beta model of the characteristic to get some solutions. Both method, that is positively one thing to look ahead to as soon as it formally launches. 

Privateness targeted

The newest beta is offered for obtain from the Google Play Beta Program. When you received’t have the ability to create a singular username, you may take a look at the brand new group settings menu. The interface has been redesigned to be clearer and extra intuitive. We don’t know if WhatsApp usernames will make their strategy to the iOS app. Nevertheless, Meta is fairly good at ensuring either side of the cellular spectrum get the identical replace  –  even when it does take some time.

Privateness updates have been a serious focus for WhatsApp this previous month. Again initially of Might, Meta introduced it was partnering up with Truecaller to cease spam calls from reaching customers on its communications platform. For extra private management, the corporate additionally not too long ago launched Chat Lock to maintain your conversations away from prying eyes.

If you wish to take your privateness safety to the subsequent stage, chances are you’ll wish to spend money on a brand-new telephone as a substitute of simply solely counting on software program. You’ll want to take a look at TechRadar’s checklist of one of the best safe telephones for Might 2023 for some suggestions.