WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature in its Android beta version 2.24.24.23, which is now available through the Google Play Beta Program. According to WaBetaInfo, this update brings a new camera shortcut designed to streamline the process of taking photos or videos directly from the gallery. Currently being tested with select users, this update is expected to make accessing the camera more convenient.
The camera shortcut feature aims to simplify the process of switching between gallery content and the camera. Previously, users had to navigate through multiple steps to access the camera while viewing their media. With this new update, the camera shortcut appears directly in the gallery sheet, allowing users to quickly open the camera without leaving the gallery interface. This is useful helpful for those who prefer to capture media on the spot while browsing through their existing albums.
This new functionality is part of WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to refine its app’s interface, and it follows previous improvements like the revamped gallery interface introduced in earlier beta updates. The gallery interface now allows users to select multiple photos and videos at once for easier sharing, as well as adding captions to entire albums, providing better context for groups of media items.
While some users may appreciate the direct camera access from the gallery sheet, others may find it slightly less convenient than the previous camera shortcut in the chat bar, which was a one-tap solution to open the camera. WhatsApp has been experimenting with various layouts and shortcuts to find the best possible user experience, and the latest change reflects this ongoing effort.
This feature is still being rolled out to beta testers, meaning it may not be available to all users right away. However, it is expected to reach a wider audience in the coming weeks. For those who are not yet part of the beta program, this feature will likely be available in a future stable release once testing is complete.
