WhatsApp is another example of an app constantly testing new features to simplify things for users. It’s now rolling out a new update with an in-app T9 call dialer with an updated access button on WhatsApp’s latest beta for Android, including Galaxy phones.
WhatsApp will soon bring an in-app T9 call dialer for Android phones
According to WABetaInfo, the WhatsApp beta for Android v2.24.26.11 is rolling out an in-app T9 call dialer, making it easier to call someone without saving their number. With this latest update, there’s a new “Call a number” button, which can be found in WhatsApp’s updated calls tab.
In a previous beta, WhatsApp first introduced an in-app call dialer for Android. However, it was a floating dialer that took up a lot of space. To address this, WhatsApp is refining the design with the new “Call a number” option.
Once this update rolls out to more users, you won’t need to save a contact in your address book to make a call — you can directly dial the number. For a while now, there’s been a simple workaround to text numbers without saving them to your contact list: you can text someone by going to wa.me/[their number with country code].
Beta testers can now try out the new feature
Some beta testers can now try a new way to call specific phone numbers, as shown in the attached screenshot. Previously, users could access the dialer through a floating action button in the calls tab. While it made calling easy, it took up space and cluttered the interface, especially for users with many recent calls.
The stable version may take some time to roll out more widely, so your best bet is to wait. Since this is WhatsApp’s second round of testing these features, it’s safe to say they’ll likely make it to the final version soon.
