WhatsApp is introducing a new feature aimed at helping users stay on top of important messages. In the latest beta update for Android, the popular messaging app has enhanced its reminders functionality, which previously focused on missed status updates, to now include reminders for messages as well. This new capability, currently available to beta testers, is designed to prioritize updates and messages from key contacts, leveraging an internal algorithm to ensure relevance.

How WhatsApp Message Reminders Work

The feature, introduced in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.25.29, adds a new description under Settings > Notifications > Reminders, explaining its extended functionality. According to WABetaInfo, a prominent feature tracker, the app will now send occasional reminders for both unseen messages and status updates. However, Gadgets 360 reported that the feature is not universally available yet, indicating a gradual rollout to beta users.

When activated, the reminders feature will notify users about potentially overlooked messages. WhatsApp has yet to disclose specific details about how it determines which messages or status updates to prioritize, leaving some aspects of the feature’s operation unclear.

Algorithm-Based Selection

The new reminders feature appears to rely on a device-side algorithm to select updates and messages from prioritized contacts. This algorithm factors in user interactions, meaning the reminders focus on conversations with contacts a user engages with frequently. For users installing WhatsApp on a new device, the app will rebuild this prioritized list based on fresh interactions.

This selective approach is likely aimed at minimizing notification fatigue by avoiding reminders for messages and status updates from all contacts. Instead, it highlights conversations that are more relevant to the user, based on their activity within the app.

Gradual Rollout and Future Availability

WhatsApp’s reminders feature is expected to expand to more beta testers over the coming days. While it remains unclear when the feature will be broadly available, it is anticipated to roll out to all WhatsApp users eventually, pending successful beta testing.

This enhancement underscores WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to refine its user experience, helping users better manage their communications without feeling overwhelmed.

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