WhatsApp is rolling out a handy new shortcut, designed to make it faster and easier for users to access their photo and video gallery directly from the chat bar. This update, which replaces the previous shortcut that opened the camera, enables users to skip the usual steps of opening the attachment sheet first. By tapping this new gallery icon, users can instantly browse and share their stored media, streamlining the messaging experience.
This update is part of the latest beta release for Android, version 2.24.23.11, available through the Google Play Store. WABetaInfo, a platform that monitors WhatsApp developments, revealed that the shortcut allows users to simply tap and access their gallery, while a press-and-hold function enables video message recording directly from the same button. This design preserves the video message feature’s accessibility, even with the added gallery shortcut.
Currently, this feature is limited to a select group of beta testers, allowing WhatsApp to assess user reactions before a potential broader rollout. The testing phase will help WhatsApp gather feedback, as some users may appreciate the convenience of direct gallery access, while others may prefer the previous camera shortcut. The feedback will determine whether the feature becomes a permanent addition. Over the next few weeks, more beta users are expected to gain access as WhatsApp evaluates its popularity and usefulness for general release.
