Back in May last year, we talked about how WhatsApp is working on a feature that will let users pick usernames so they can have more control over how they want to be contacted. However, things simmered down after that, and we never got more information on whether or not this feature was going to see the light of day. Now, a new leak has brought up some more information on how the platform is not giving up on the feature, and it could finally see the light of day one day.
WhatsApp's username feature is going to be available in the near future. We just don't know when
So, what does the latest reveal tell us? Well, WhatsApp developers are now coming close to the rollout going wide as the username validation is now available in WhatsApp Business beta for iOS via TestFlight. If things go smoothly, we might see the feature finally coming to more and more devices as the platform finalizes its testing process, and I cannot wait to finally see this feature making its way to every operating system because, honestly, the ability to share your user name is so much easier than giving your number.
The change was spotted by no one other than folks over at WaBetaInfo, and looking at the screenshot, you can see how the platform is going to validate custom usernames. There is also going to be a disclaimer that only alphanumeric characters will be allowed. A username will require to have a unique meaning, and you will have to possibly try a few variations before you can finally get the username you are looking for. You can check the screenshot below.
It is worth noting that the feature is still under development, and therefore, we have no idea when this feature will start rolling out to everyone else. The one thing that we can do for sure is wait for this feature to start rolling out on a larger scale, and hopefully, we will let you know as soon as this feature is available to a wider audience.
Do you think WhatsApp needs to have usernames, or is it just another way of making the app more complicated? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
News Source: WaBetaInfo
About the author: I have been tinkering with Android devices ever since the early days of the HTC Desire. Over time, I have grown a fondness for the ecosystem and now I cannot live without it. Although some might believe that I have sold my soul to Android, but I believe it is not the case. You can find me writing tutorials and posting guides on a number of different smartphones. When I am not writing here, I am wasting myself away in books, journals, or on Steam.
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