WhatsApp, the popular cross-platform messenger app owned by Facebook,
has revamped its Android app for smartphones with a Material Design
makeover. The latest WhatsApp build version 2.12.38, currently available
from the company’s site, sees several interface changes. The update
isn’t yet available on Google Play, so you’ll need to install the latest
version off WhatsApp from the official site to see the changes.
According to AndroidWorld, users downloading the updated WhatsApp
mobile application (via unofficial APKs) get to experience all major
improvements that the Material Design UI brings with it. The app
features new icons, animations, and colour-flipped emoji tray, all while
embracing its voice calling feature.
What’s new?
WhatsApp version 2.12.38 now features a deep green title bar that
blends into the three tabs for calls, chats and contacts. You’ll notice
new buttons in the chat window to record voice messages, as well as in
the attachment option pop-up.
Minimum requirements:
- Android OS 2.1 or above
- Unlimited internet data plan recommended
- Tablet devices are not supported
(The update isn’t yet available on Google Play, so you’ll need to
install the latest version off WhatsApp from the official site only)
On opening a chat, users would see a new round green-coloured
voice-recording icon placed besides the text bar. The chat conversation
now features a bubble-like chat design alongside several minor animation
changes.
The attachment icons are larger and more colourful. New animations
have been added, such as when clicking an image directly from the app
and while sharing it.
Group chat info and profiles now look a lot nicer, with a clean
layout and a large cover image that shrinks to a titlebar with the
dominant color from said image.
Also, Android users, post downloading the app, should be able to resort to Voice Calling Feature without the need for somebody else to call them.
The update will roll out over-the-air soon. However, for those who
don’t want to wait for the OTA, WhatsApp has provided the apk file on
its website to manually download and install the Material Design-based version.