It goes without saying that WhatsApp is the most widely used cross-platform messaging service out there. Chances are that you might have stumbled upon it when trying out different messaging services and may not have stopped using it since. The official WhatsApp Android app has received an update which brings tighter integration with Android Wear smartwatches, including the ability to reply to messages straight from the smartwatch.
For those who don’t know Android Wear is a new platform that Google has developed for wearable devices. Samsung and LG are two companies that have already released their smartwatches, others are going to follow suit soon. Developers are slowly getting to building apps for the platform and its good to see that WhatsApp hasn’t wasted any time in jumping on the bandwagon.
The new WhatsApp for Android version 2.11.318 is available for download now through the WhatsApp website. Technically its not a beta but the company seeds app first through this channel before updating it in the Play Store.
Android Wear smartwatches will now display the entire message instead of a truncated notification thus allowing you to actually use the wearable device to read WhatsApp messages. It will even display an individual sender’s name during a group conversation. Popular among your WhatsApp buddies? The app will display stacked notifications on Android Wear smartwatches so you never miss a message.
One feature users will really love is voice replies. By swiping on the message you can dictate the reply and sent it on its way straight from the smartwatch itself. Given the fact that its a limited release at this point in time do expect the implementation to be a bit buggy at times but it shouldn’t give you too many problems.
Filed in . Read more about Android Wear, Apps and Whatsapp.