WhatsApp Tests a Dedicated Contacts Tab on Android
The new tab, spotted in the latest Google Play beta, shows who is online, birthday reminders and a search bar for names, numbers or usernames.
WhatsApp has started testing a dedicated Contacts tab in its Android app, according to GSM Arena. The feature appears in the latest beta version available through the Google Play Store to users enrolled in the beta program.
With the test build, Contacts becomes a new tab in the Android app's navigation bar. The list marks which contacts are currently online with a green dot, and it can be sorted by activity or alphabetically.
The tab also surfaces birthday reminders and lets users invite new people to WhatsApp. Birthday information is pulled automatically from the phone's contacts.
A search bar at the top of the list lets users find someone by name, number or username.
Quick answers
How do I try the Contacts tab on WhatsApp?
It is available in the latest beta version on the Google Play Store for users enrolled in the beta program.
What can I do from WhatsApp's Contacts tab?
It shows which contacts are online, displays birthday reminders, supports sorting by activity or alphabetically, and lets you invite new people to WhatsApp.
How does WhatsApp know my contacts' birthdays?
Birthday information is pulled automatically from the contacts saved on your phone.