Meta-owned WhatsApp is continuing to test new features for Android and iOS users, with the latest in development being notification bubbles for Android.
The feature was reported by WABetaInfo, which found signs of bubble notifications in the Android version of the app.
Notification bubbles have been supported by Google since Android 10. Users familiar with Facebook Messenger on Android will recognize the feature. When a new message arrives from an individual or group chat, a floating bubble appears on the screen, whether the user is on the home screen or using another app.
The bubble includes the contact or group profile photo along with a small WhatsApp icon to identify the source.
Tapping the floating bubble opens a compact WhatsApp chat window. This allows users to read and reply to messages without fully opening the WhatsApp application. The feature is designed to improve multitasking and make quick messaging easier.
For example, users watching a video could reply to multiple chats without leaving the video app.
WhatsApp is still testing the feature, and there is no confirmed public release date. Before a wider rollout, the company is expected to release it first to beta testers.
