WhatsApp for Android: integration of message rooms in the latest beta version: report

WhatsApp reportedly deployed Facebook Messenger Rooms integration on the beta version of its Android app. The feature was spotted in the beta version of WhatsApp version 2.20.163 for Android, now available for some beta users. It is also assumed that more beta users will soon receive the update. Currently, the functionality is available to select users in the United States only, according to a report. The development comes a day after Facebook rolled out its Messenger Rooms feature worldwide, which allows users to chat in groups with up to 50 people. Facebook had also announced that the company would integrate Messenger Rooms on Instagram and the Facebook portal, but the timeline is unclear.

According to a report

by WABetaInfo, the WhatsApp messenger belonging to Facebook added the Facebook Messenger Rooms shortcut on WhatsApp version 2.20.163 beta for Android. The Messenger Rooms shortcut was also spotted on WhatsApp version 2.20.139 beta for Android, but it was not available for beta users and, more importantly, the integration was not functional. But with the current deployment, it seems that the option is now functional, depending on the availability of Messenger Room in your region.

To consult the Facebook Messenger Rooms shortcut on the beta version of WhatsApp version 2.20.163, users must open the discussion sharing sheet to find the integration of the "Room" button. The Parts shortcut replaces the old Camera button which is still available in the chat bar, according to the report. Once the user has selected the Room option, a window will appear, explaining the functionality.

Shortcut to the messenger rooms on the beta version of WhatsApp
Photo credit: WABetaInfo

The new window on Whatsapp version 2.20.163 beta highlights the text saying that the rooms are protected by the encryption and privacy controls of Messenger. However, it is added that "they are not encrypted from start to finish".

The report further claims that beta users of this version could also find the Rooms shortcut in the Call tab. The Call tab on WhatsApp beta for Android is present in the upper right corner of the application. Once the beta user has selected the room icon in the call tab, a new window will appear which asks if the users want to continue to the message rooms.

Meanwhile, Facebook has started rolling out Messenger Rooms functionality globally for its users. The feature allows up to 50 people to join a single video chat without the need for a Facebook account.

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