WhatsApp begins testing scheduled message feature for photos and videos

WhatsApp has begun testing a new feature that allows users to schedule messages, including photos, videos, text and links, to be sent automatically at a chosen time. Users need to update WhatsApp to the latest version to get the feature, according to the report. According to WABetaInfo, which reports on WhatsApp developments, the feature is now being rolled out to some users on Android beta version 2.26.40.7. More users are expected to receive it in the coming weeks. To use the feature, a user types a message and then long-presses the send button. An option then appears to choose the date and time they want the message to be sent. In addition to text and links, photos and videos can also be scheduled. However, only one photo or video can be scheduled at a time. Before scheduling a photo or video, users can also add a caption and make changes through a drawing editor. Messages can be scheduled at least 10 minutes in advance and at most two weeks in advance. When the set time arrives, WhatsApp will send the message automatically even if the application is closed or the phone is offline. The feature can be used in individual chats as well as in group chats. However, scheduled messages sent to groups will be received only by members who are in the group at the time the message was scheduled. People who join the group later will not receive the message. A dedicated section in the chat info interface will allow users to view scheduled messages and to cancel and delete a message before it is sent without sending it. If a scheduled message is deleted, no notification about it will be sent to the recipient. Scheduled messages will also be protected by end-to-end encryption. The feature is currently being made available to Android beta testers through the Google Play Store.