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WhatsApp to roll out a reply with a message feature within call notifications
With over two billion users worldwide, WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging applications in the world. The application is popular among consumers and organisations because of its ease of use, user-friendly UI, and end-to-end encryption. WhatsApp has announced that it would be rolling out a new feature under call alerts called “Reply with a Message” that will allow users to answer incoming calls with a pre-written message.
WhatsApp continues to develop new features for beta testers. We observed that WhatsApp is rolling out a new reply button under call notifications after installing the newest WhatsApp beta for the Android 2.23.9.16 upgrade. This feature lets users easily deny an incoming call while also sending a message to the caller.
What is the “Reply with a Message” feature?
The “Reply with a Message” feature allows WhatsApp users to react to incoming calls without having to answer them directly. Users will be able to put up pre-written messages that they may send as a response to incoming calls with this functionality. This means that users may instantly send a message to let the person who called know that they are busy and will return the call later without interrupting their present activity.
How Does the “Reply with a Message” Feature Work?
The “Reply with a Message” function allows users to save pre-written messages to use as answers to incoming calls. Users can personalise these messages, such as “Sorry, I am busy right now” or “I will call you back in a few minutes.” When a user receives an incoming call, a notice appears on their screen, allowing them to choose one of their pre-written texts as a response.
How to You Use the “Reply with a Message” Option?
Users have to update their WhatsApp app to the current version that contains the “Reply with a Message” function in order to take advantage of it. Users may put up their pre-written replies once the functionality is live by navigating to the app’s settings and selecting “Quick Replies.” Users may then develop and customise their messages to meet their own requirements. When an incoming call shows up, users can access their pre-written messages and respond by tapping on the notification.
The Advantages of Using the “Reply with a Message”
WhatsApp users benefit from the “Reply with a Message” function in various ways, including:
1. Enhanced Productivity
Users may utilise this functionality to swiftly reply to incoming calls without interrupting their present activities. This means that users may concentrate on their job or other activities without worrying about missing critical phone calls.
2. Replies that can be customised
Users can modify their pre-written messages to their own needs, allowing them to reply to incoming calls in a more personalised manner. This can help users communicate with their connections more efficiently.
3. Saving time
The function saves time by allowing users to rapidly send a message rather than answering the phone and explaining that they are occupied. This may help users in being more effective when managing their time and completing more tasks in a day.
Potential Downsides of the “Reply with a Message”
While the “Reply with a Message” feature has several advantages, there are some downsides to consider, including:
1. Customization is limited
While users can customise their pre-written messages, they can only do so to a limited extent. As a result, users may find it difficult to generate messages that are as thorough or particular as they would want.
2. Misunderstanding
Pre-written messages may not always communicate the desired message, resulting in misunderstandings between users and their contacts. This might lead to confusion or misconceptions, especially if the pre-written statement is not sufficiently precise.
3. Lack of Personal Touch
Pre-written messages may lack the personal touch that comes with a direct answer to a call. This might make users look less involved or interested in the chat.
As seen in this screenshot, If the functionality is enabled for your account, the reply button may show when you get a call. When a user receives a call notice on WhatsApp, a “reply” button will now appear alongside the “decline” and “answer” options. If the user selects the “reply” button, the incoming call is rejected and a message box opens, allowing the user to send a quick message to the caller. The user can then explain why they were unable to answer the phone or schedule a better time to speak.
This function, in our opinion, allows users to speak with callers quickly and simply without having to answer the phone. This is especially handy when the user is unable to answer the phone because they are in a conference, but they still want to acknowledge the call and inform the caller that they will react as soon as possible.
The reply button under call notifications is already available to select beta testers who install the most recent WhatsApp beta for Android update from the Play Store, and it will be available to even more users in the coming days.
Conclusion
Finally, the “Reply with a Message” feature is an important addition to WhatsApp’s features because it allows users to quickly and easily react to incoming calls with pre-written messages. While there may be certain disadvantages, such as the risk of accidentally sending an incorrect message, WhatsApp has taken action to solve these issues through user feedback and ongoing improvements. Users will find the feature valuable due to its capacity to save time and boost productivity, as well as its adjustable settings. Furthermore, WhatsApp’s commitment to user privacy and security through end-to-end encryption gives those concerned about the security of their conversations peace of mind. Overall, the “Reply with a Message” function is a wonderful addition that will no doubt be well received by WhatsApp users.
FAQs
When will all WhatsApp users be able to use the “Reply with a Message” feature?
This feature is currently accessible to certain beta testers, and it will be offered to even more users in the coming weeks.
Will the “Reply with a Message” option be available for both voice and video calls?
Yes, both voice and video calls will be supported by the feature.
Will “Reply with a Message” be available for group calls?
At this moment, there is no word on whether the functionality will be available for group calls.
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