WHATSAPP has given us another glimpse of a new type of text coming to the app: polls.
The upcoming feature isn’t available to the general public just yet – but it’s been under development for a while.
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Now WhatsApp is trialling the feature on the “beta test” version of the app for Android phones.
The change was uncovered by the WhatsApp sleuths at WABetaInfo, who dig into the app to reveal new features.
We’ve already seen the feature leaked a number of times through the iOS version of the app for iPhone.
But it’s now turning up on Android too.
WhatsApp polls will let you quickly quiz your pals on their opinions in group chats.
“There are some fields to fill in the question and their options,” said WABetaInfo.
“And it is possible to add up to 12 possible options.”
The feature appears to let you create polls for group chats.
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This includes adding a question and up to 12 different options for responses.
WhatsApp’s new polling tool lets you see the answers, but it all stays within the group – including the results.
It could be a way for friends to make a decision on a restaurant.
Or maybe a company WhatsApp group could poll its employees on the state of the food in the office cafeteria.
You could even poll your family about rescuing a dog from an animal shelter – and whether it’s right for you.
Or ask for a verdict on your new outfit. Brace yourself, you might not get the poll results you want.
So when will you be able to send polls? It could be a while.
Some features take weeks, months or even years to perfect.
“Unfortunately, a release date is unknown so we don’t know when WhatsApp is planning to release the feature,” WABetaInfo explained.
“But note that this is the first beta update where they are working on group polls on WhatsApp beta for Android.
“So do not expect it soon.”
If you want the new WhatsApp features first, read our guide below on how to join the WhatsApp beta.
How to join WhatsApp beta
To download WhatsApp beta for your smartphone you need to go to Google Play on your Android and search for WhatsApp.
Scroll down the page until you see “Become a Beta Tester”.
Tap the “I’m In” button and then click “Join” to confirm.
Now all you have to do is wait for the update to the beta version of the app.
Joining the WhatsApp beta on iPhone is more difficult, and has limited capacity.
Follow Apple’s guide here.
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
