- WhatsApp is testing scheduled messaging with select Android beta users.
- Users can reportedly schedule messages up to two weeks ahead and delete pending messages.
- The feature supports media attachments and end-to-end encryption, with some restrictions on group delivery.
Meta is set to provide one of the features that people have been looking for through the messaging app itself soon enough. The WhatsApp scheduled messages feature is being tested with certain select users through their Android beta program, where they can compose messages and set the time to deliver them.
For those who often send wishes and reminders or any work messages, this can save them from keeping in mind all messages at once. Let’s completely break down the story.
WhatsApp scheduled messages feature arrives on Android beta
The proposed system is relatively simple. Users can start by opening either a one-on-one or a group chat, then holding down the send button and choosing when they would like their message to be sent. Currently, the test version enables users to schedule at least 10 minutes ahead but no more than two weeks into the future.
Media support and privacy of message
The feature does not work for simple text alone. Users may schedule messages that contain website links, images, and videos. Yet the current version of the feature allows only one image or video attachment per scheduled message.
Offline delivery of messages is another crucial element. As described above, the behavior of the reported feature ensures that a scheduled message can be delivered on time despite the fact that the sender’s device is not online at the time of delivery.
Privacy of messages is still another important aspect. The scheduled messages are reported to support end-to-end encryption, same as ordinary WhatsApp conversations. Therefore, the contents of the message remain private during the transmission process.
Users can view or cancel scheduled messages
Not all plans may go as expected, but WhatsApp seems to have thought of that too. In the chat information screen, there seems to be a specific place where users can view scheduled messages and cancel them before sending them out.
The recipient will not be able to see a special icon that says that the message being received is scheduled. The sender will not notify the recipient about the canceled message. When it comes to group chats, there seems to be one thing that is different about them.
A scheduled message will reach only those group members who were part of the group when the sender scheduled the message.
When will this feature become available?
It is yet to be revealed by the company when the feature will be officially launched. As it stands right now, this feature is only available to selected beta testers on Android. If WhatsApp makes it available on the stable version of the application, it can prove to be quite useful for those who use the app for personal as well as professional communication. Let me know your thoughts in the comment section.
Keep up with the tech that actually matters.
Add us as a preferred source on Google Search for quicker access to our coverage.
