If you have ever messaged and thought to yourself if they're really online to receive your message, then the developers at WhatsApp could soon have that problem solved.
The company is currently testing out an iOS beta version of its app which now features a small green dot showing users when another user is active. The same feature has already been tested on the Android version of the app for several weeks now.
How the Green Dot Works
According to WABetaInfo, the developers at WhatsApp recently released a new update to the iOS beta version of its app, which contains this new feature. Let me explain how it works:
Whenever an individual is actively using WhatsApp, a small green dot will appear at the bottom right-hand side of their profile picture on the Contact Info screen. As soon as they stop using the app or go offline, the dot will disappear instantaneously.
This small green dot replaces the old text label 'Online' that would display underneath the name of a contact in the past.
For the time being, it's rather limited
Here's the thing: the green dot is only available right now on one particular screen – the Contact Info page, which you'll get to by tapping on someone's profile picture from a chat.
It doesn't show up in your Chats list or Chats tab, where you'd probably expect it to be. After all, you check who's online in most cases by looking at your chats, not going through other people's profiles. So it's safe to say that the feature is still in its initial phase.
The Green Dot Doesn't Override Your Privacy Settings
Something to keep in mind: the green dot is not ignoring your current privacy settings. In other words, if you've decided to hide your "last seen" and online status from some people or even from everyone, then they won't be able to see your green dot. It's basically another indicator of your online status.
Official Release Date Not Known As Yet
As of now, there's no official word from WhatsApp about the exact date of its release to all users. At present, it is only available to a select group of beta testers across both platforms, and WhatsApp usually does not rush in introducing new features.
Work on Usernames is Also in Progress at WhatsApp
Meanwhile, in another development, WhatsApp has confirmed working on a feature to introduce usernames. This would enable users to communicate through chat without revealing their mobile numbers. The purpose of doing so is to allow users more privacy through usernames rather than personal information.
But this particular feature is attracting a lot of attention for a specific reason. There's talk that the government officials have requested an evaluation of this feature, due to fears that it could be used by scammers for impersonating legitimate people or firms.
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