According to sources, WhatsApp is in the process of testing a new feature for Android tablet users that will allow them to switch between multiple chats at the same time, without losing track of active chats. The feature will have a similar appearance to WhatsApp’s Web feature, and some beta users are still testing it. However, WhatsApp is expected to release a stable version of the feature soon, given its ongoing development cycle for both Android and iOS devices.
WABetaInfo, a website that tracks the use of WhatsApp, has reported that the social media app will soon introduce a side-by-side mode that allows users to view and access multiple chats on a single screen. This feature will feature the individual active chats on the same screen in a split screen-like format, similar to the WhatsApp for Web interface. This is advantageous for users who frequently need to access multiple chats at the same time and gives them more control over the app layout.
According to a screenshot in the aforementioned report, users will be provided with a toggle option to enable and disable the feature at their discretion. The option can be accessed by going to WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Side-by-side views.
Currently, this feature is only available to certain beta users who are on the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.9.20 version. The report indicates that the feature will gradually become more stable and be available to all Android tablet users with future updates.
WhatsApp has announced that users can connect their WhatsApp accounts to up to four devices using their primary registered smartphone and a QR code, similar to the WhatsApp Web login process. The company is also working on an OTP-based authentication alternative for this newly-launched multi-device login feature.