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Are you a WhatsApp user? Then look at these new features that WhatsApp has rolled out for Android users. After a month of beta testing, v2.12.250 that was rolled out by WhatsApp brings a quite number of features to the popular messaging app. With these features you will get more control over your messaging options, decreases amount of data used in WhatsApp calls and gives you more emojis.

Mark messages as unread

Android users will be able to mark messages as unread even after reading them. This feature does not make appear as if you have not read the message yet to senders. The purpose behind the feature is that you can get back to those highlighted messages later. Marking messages as unread will not change the order of conversation as well.

Custom notifications

You now have whole set of custom options for individual contacts, which were available only for the whole app till now, i.e. in case you will able to select any song a specific as ringtone for a contact from your playlist. With you will know that the message or call is from that particular person even without looking at the smart phone. Similarly, for each contact, notification light colors, message ringtones, custom calls, pop-up notifications and enable or disable vibrations can be set.

Mute individual contacts

The update will allow android users to mute individual contacts, while you are able to mute group conversations till now. Check the mute bar in the ‘About menu’. You can also set duration for mute by sliding the mute bar to the right.

Lower data consumption in WhatsApp calls

Even after making many calls WhatsApp in you can reduce your data consumption with the new option. The new option called ‘Low Data Usage’ is seen under Chats and Calls menu in Settings at the bottom by just clicking on the box, you can save some data as you make voice calls through WhatsApp.

New emojis and more skin tones

A set of new emojis were brought by WhatsApp for Android. Few new emojis include the Spock salute, bunch of LGBT emojis, the middle finger, diverse facial emojis, etc. Also many emojis are now in different skin tones.

But no Google Drive integration

WhatsApp’s latest Android update excluded ‘Google Drive integration’, although it was there in the beta testing stage. However, the feature could be rolled out in the near future that allows backing up of information like voice messages, images, chats and videos easier.

-Sumana