WhatsApp for Android is preparing to integrate chat bubbles, a floating notification system that allows you to view and reply to messages without closing the app you are using. This feature, known as Chat heads and popularized by Facebook Messenger, already appears in the beta version. When a message is received, a thumbnail with the contact's photo floats over the screen, allowing instant interaction.
How bubbles work in the WhatsApp beta 💬
According to WABetaInfo, the feature is based on the Android bubbles API, introduced in Android 11. When activated, the chat opens in a resizable window that overlays other applications. The system prioritizes recent contacts and allows managing multiple conversations at once. Although the feature is already available in the beta, its rollout is limited and requires the user to enable overlay permissions in the system settings.
Goodbye to half-baked multitasking, hello to visual chaos 😵
Finally, you can pretend to work while replying to your meme group. The bubbles promise to turn your screen into a digital Christmas tree, with faces floating everywhere. If you already found it complicated to ignore your boss with the app open, now you'll have a technical excuse: it's just that your brother-in-law's bubble covered up your email. Pure efficiency.