The beta version of WhatsApp for Android now includes a feature to mention friends in statuses

WhatsApp has started testing the status mentions feature for Android users and it should be coming to the stable version of the app soon.

Here's What We Know

In the beta version of the app 2.24.20.3, users can mention contacts by tapping the '@' button next to the caption field when sharing a photo or video in a status. The mentioned contact will receive a notification and can share the status with their audience via a 'share' button that appears next to the reply field when viewing the status.

Unlike Instagram, the identity of the original author will remain hidden when the status is reposted and the mentioned contact will not be visible to other viewers of the status. The mentioned contact will be able to see your status even if they are excluded from seeing other status updates through their privacy settings.

It's not yet known when the feature will be available to all users, but those interested can join the beta programme to try it out early.

Source: WABetaInfo