What you need to know
- WhatsApp is expanding chat filters with new categories and the option to add custom ones.
- Users can view these filters alongside previous options like All, Unread, Favorites, and Groups.
- The ability to create new lists has been introduced for users of the messaging platform, with a wider rollout expected in the coming weeks.
Meta’s WhatsApp is enhancing its chat filters by allowing users to create personalized ones, as stated in a recent blog post from the company.
Earlier this year, WhatsApp introduced chat filters to simplify message organization. The latest update is seen as an evolution of these lists.
With the new customization feature, users can categorize their chats with options like local neighborhood, work, and buddies, or create entirely new personal ones. Previously, filters were limited to All, Unread, Favorites, and Groups.
Creating new filters is simple. Users can swipe down on the “Chats” screen to see default filters at the top, where they can now access the new “+” button.
Similar to the favorites filter, WhatsApp mentions that users can add both group and individual chats to a list, and any created list will appear in the filter bar.
The option to create new lists will be available for users starting Thursday (Oct 31), with a wider rollout expected in the upcoming weeks.
This new feature follows WhatsApp’s recent announcement of the ability to privately add contacts through WhatsApp Web, Windows platforms, or Android tablets.
Previously, adding a new contact was only possible through the user’s primary Android phone or iOS device by entering a phone number or scanning a QR code. The messaging platform’s focus on these new capabilities is to eventually allow users to manage and save contacts using usernames.
Another noteworthy update is the introduction of a chat memory feature for Meta AI on the platform. For those who frequently interact with the AI assistant, the chatbot will soon have a memory feature that stores user preferences for a more personalized response during conversations.