WhatsApp has released an official app for Wear OS, allowing beta testers of its Android app the ability to send text and voice messages from their smartwatches. The feature was added in version 2.23.10.10 of the beta Android app, which also reportedly contains hints that the service might soon let Android users edit previously sent messages.
Although Wear OS users have been able to respond to WhatsApp messages via their smartwatch notifications, they have not been able to send messages whenever they please. However, the new Wear OS app allows users to browse recent chats, scroll through message histories, and reply using text or voice. While there are a couple of tiles available, including one to access contacts and one for voice messages, there is currently no option to start a new chat from the Wear OS app if you have never sent a WhatsApp contact a message before.
To set up the Wear OS app, you need to enter an eight-digit code from the watch into WhatsApp on your phone. It is important to note that WhatsApp’s multi-device support means that messages accessed via a smartwatch are still protected with end-to-end encryption.
Although Wear OS may not be the primary means of sending WhatsApp messages for most users, it is a great option to have for those moments where you need to fire off a quick message from your wrist. If you want to join the Android beta, you can do so via the link provided.
Apart from the new app, the latest version of the Android app also hints that WhatsApp might soon allow users to edit sent messages, allowing them to clear up any typos or other mistakes that may have slipped through. Similar hints have already appeared in the iOS app, and the feature is already available to a limited number of beta testers of the web app. If the web app is anything to go by, messages will be editable for around 15 minutes after you send them.
The Wear OS app is a welcome addition for WhatsApp users who are on the go or want to send quick messages without having to take out their phones. It also adds to the convenience of being able to access WhatsApp messages on multiple devices with the same level of end-to-end encryption.
It remains to be seen how many users will take advantage of the new feature, given that Wear OS has not been as popular as other smartwatch platforms. However, the move could signal a trend towards more apps becoming available for smartwatches, especially as they become more sophisticated and capable of handling a wider range of tasks.
As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more innovative features and improvements to messaging apps like WhatsApp, making it easier for users to stay connected with their friends and family across multiple devices.
