After introducing limited in-app browser support for certain business links last year, WhatsApp is now working to expand the functionality to all links shared in chats. Here are the details.
WhatsApp works with an optional in-app browser
Last May, WABetaInfo reported that WhatsApp had begun testing a feature that would allow “users to view certain HTTPS-protected business sites within the app,” with the ability to open such links in their default browser via the three-dot menu.
Now, the site reports that WhatsApp is working to extend this support to all in-chat connections.
Although the feature is not yet available for beta testers, WABetaInfo discovered references to it in the latest TestFlight build and shared screenshots showing how it will work.
According to the site, a new “In-app browser” option in Settings > Chats will allow users to choose whether links open directly within WhatsApp or in their default browser.
The same settings screen will also allow users to clear cookies, cache, and other browsing data stored by WhatsApp’s in-app browser.
Here you are WABetaInfo:
Users will be able to enable the in-app browser from the app settings. Here, WhatsApp will add a new option called “In-app Browser”. When users enable this feature, they will be able to open any sent and received links on the chat screen. When users enable this option for the first time, WhatsApp will display a bottom tab explaining how the feature works. Informs users that they can now open any link within WhatsApp instead of their default browser. Users will be able to restore their default browser at any time.
The report notes that “WhatsApp cannot see which links are shared in the conversation and which ones are opened by users.”
As is usually the case with references discovered in WhatsApp’s TestFlight builds, there is currently no word on when the app plans to make the feature available to beta testers or the general public.
Must read WABetaInfothe full report, follow this link.
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