WhatsApp has started beta testing skin tone combinations for a few emojis on Android. The update comes long after the instant messaging app allowed iOS users to choose their favorite skin tone combination for a few emojis on the iPhone. Separately, WhatsApp has reportedly started testing a new feature to allow users to explore the sticker store and find stickers relevant to their chats directly from WhatsApp web or the desktop client. Stickers are already an integral part of the messaging app and are gaining popularity among users.
As initially spotted by WhatsApp’s WABetaInfo beta tracker, WhatsApp has started rolling out skin tone combinations for a few emojis to select beta testers on Android. The change is part of the beta version of WhatsApp for Android 2.21.24.11.
Gadgets 360 was able to independently confirm the rollout of the latest beta of WhatsApp, although it might take some time to think through all of the beta testing users.
If you’re using the qualifying beta, you can search for skin tone combinations on the couple’s emojis by tapping any of them on the app.
WhatsApp was initially spotted testing skin tone combinations on WhatsApp for Android Beta 2.21.22.8 which was released in October. Beta testers couldn’t see the change, however.
On iPhone, WhatsApp has allowed skin tone change for preloaded couple emojis for a while. You can tap any of the emojis to choose your favorite skin tone.
The exact timeline of when we might see skin tone combinations for couple emojis has yet to be announced. Nevertheless, given the historical records, WhatsApp may offer them to regular users in the near future.
WABetaInfo further reported that WhatsApp is testing a new feature on its web and desktop clients to explore its Sticker Store. It will appear after you tap the plus icon on the sticker tray, the website notes.
WhatsApp was spotted testing a new feature for desktop and web users to explore Sticker Store
Photo credit: WABetaInfo
WhatsApp’s web and desktop sticker store will work the same way that you can explore different stickers on your mobile devices, although you cannot download a sticker pack from the store and you cannot choose a specific sticker from the available packs to send it in a chat.
WABetaInfo reports that the feature is initially available for beta testers on WhatsApp Desktop version 2.2147.9, although it is expected to reach users via a public version soon.
