WhatsApp introduces ‘Fresh’ button for select users to enhance user experience

New Delhi: Messaging giant WhatsApp is unveiling a new feature known as the ‘Fresh’ button, initially accessible to a limited group of users. According to a report from WABetaInfo, certain users can access this feature by installing the app’s previous beta version.

The introduction of this ‘Fresh’ button aligns with WhatsApp’s continuous efforts, as part of the Meta conglomerate, to enhance the user experience. It’s important to note that not all users, even those with the beta version of WhatsApp, will have immediate access to this new feature.

The ‘Fresh’ button release follows closely on the heels of WhatsApp’s recent introduction of Channels, a one-way communication tool designed for sharing updates with followers. WhatsApp announced that users in more than 150 countries, including India, will have access to Channels. These channels on WhatsApp are distinct from regular chats, with the added feature that followers do not have visibility of each other.

Meta has revealed that users will receive recommendations for WhatsApp Channels based on their region and popularity. Much like in regular WhatsApp chats, users can use emojis to react to messages within a channel.

The global rollout of WhatsApp Channels is slated to occur over the coming weeks and months. Furthermore, any individual with a WhatsApp account will have the capability to create their own channel within the app. This broader introduction comes several months after WhatsApp Channels was initially launched in Colombia and Singapore in June. Around the same time, Instagram also made the Broadcast Channels feature available to a global audience.

In a report released on September 1, WhatsApp shared details of its efforts to maintain platform integrity in India. The company stated that between June 1 and June 30, it banned a total of 7.22 million Indian accounts. Notably, more than 3.1 million of these accounts were proactively banned before receiving any user reports.

WhatsApp emphasized its focus on preventing harmful behavior on the platform, explaining that it uses various tools and resources to detect and mitigate such activity. The platform’s commitment to prevention is underscored by its belief that stopping harmful behaviour before it occurs is more effective than reacting to it after harm has taken place.