One day after adding an exclusive feature for its Windows Phone beta, WhatsApp disabled it

On Thursday, WhatsApp pushed out an update for the Windows Phone beta version of the messaging app. The update, to version 2.17.342.0, included a feature allowing those involved in a group chat, to reply to a message in private to a member of the group. A chat window to the recipient would automatically open, and it included the message from the group that the sender was replying to. Already available on the Windows 10 web version of WhatsApp, the new feature is not yet offered on the iOS or Android version of the app.

WhatsApp giveth, and WhatsApp taketh away. On Friday, another update, this time to version 2.17.344, removed the ability to send the private messages to someone participating in a group chat. No reason was given, but apparently WhatsApp had jumped the gun by including it in Thursday update. Other features of the original update, all of which still remain on the beta, include a new design for calls, a way to quickly switch from a voice call to a video call, and the addition of "Advanced Group Settings." With the latter, a Group administrator can change the group topic and icon, block messages and disable chat.

There is no word when the disabled feature might return, and if it will be making its way to the iOS or Android version of the app. Meanwhile, check out the slideshow for the changes made to the WhatsApp Windows Phone beta app.


source: WABetaInfo via MSPoweruser