WhatsApp reveals another new feature that makes it almost impossible to hide from unwanted chats
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WHATSAPP has begun testing a new feature for group chats where users will be able to see how many of the group are online. It is the silent observer's worst nightmare, and makes it nearly impossible to hide from unwanted conversations. Although, it does indicate when might be a good time to start up a conversation.
![[The feature is currently available in a beta version of the messenger - so it has not rolled out to everyone worldwide just yet]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WhatsApp-Online-counter-feature-485x1024-1.jpg?strip=all&w=455)
The online counter, first spotted by WABetaInfo, appears at the top of group chats to show how many participants have WhatsApp open on their devices. It replaces the icon that showed users who was typing or recording a message. The feature is currently available in a beta version of the messenger - so it has not rolled out to everyone worldwide just yet.
It is expected to be introduced more widely in the coming weeks. Fortunately, there will be a way to evade it. The head count excludes users who have disabled their online status visibility - which can be done in the app's settings. This way, your contacts can't see if you're online or not.
WhatsApp has made a number of small changes to the app in recent weeks, but two have managed to spark fury among users. The messenger replaced the "typing..." message at the top of chats with a new ellipsis chat bubble - like the one used on Apple's iMessage.
Days later, a similar change was made to voice notes, replacing the message at the top of the screen indicating someone was recording. The app has replaced the message with a microphone icon at the bottom of the chat. Earlier this year, WhatsApp simply capitalised "Online" and "Typing..." which was met with internet uproar.
