WhatsApp simplifies sharing photos and videos with a new shortcut

WABetaInfowhich analyzes the most recent versions of WhatsApp, has just revealed that Meta is preparing to make changes to its messaging application. The latter is testing a shortcut that would allowdirectly access the photo gallery from the chat bar.

According to WABetaInfothis new button would replace the camera icon currently present in the chat bar. A modification that could radically transform the user experience of the application.

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Today, sharing images or videos from the gallery requires several steps: you must either go through the camera icon, or use the attachment button which opens a complete menu of options (Gallery , Camera, Location, Contact, Document, Audio, Survey, and the new AI function “Imagine”).

The new shortcut proposed by WhatsApp would considerably simplify this process by giving instant access to the gallery. Users will still be able to record quick video messages by holding the button, preserving a popular feature.

Simpler for some, longer for others

However, this change may not be unanimous. While some will appreciate the simplicity of the new shortcut, others may miss the direct access to the camera. To take a photo or video, you will now have to go through the attachments menu, which adds an additional step. It’s rare to see apps make certain features more difficult to access, and users are generally not very keen on such changes.

Currently, this feature is only available to a limited number of beta users on Android. Meta, which owns WhatsApp, will likely evaluate user feedback before deciding on a wider rollout. It now remains to be seen whether or not this will be rolled out to everyone in the future.