WhatsApp is testing a new beta feature that allows users to set reminders for missed calls, aiming to help them follow up with contacts who tried to reach them.
This new functionality, currently in limited rollout to Android beta testers on version 2.25.22.5,builds upon a previous beta feature that enabled message reminders.Users can create call reminders directly from a chat or the Calls tab. The available reminder intervals include after 2 hours,8 hours,the next day,or a custom schedule.
While WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has a reputation for privacy-friendliness, user trust has been a point of discussion due to Meta’s broader data handling practices. According to WABetaInfo, these new call reminders are processed entirely on the user’s device, ensuring their privacy. The reminder notifications will display the caller’s name, profile picture, and a direct link to the conversation.
The introduction of such reminder features raises questions about potential impacts on user productivity. The ability to set explicit reminders for missed calls could shift users from managing follow-ups mentally to relying on app notifications, perhaps leading to increased engagement with the app and subsequent distractions from other tasks.
The design of the feature,as seen in available screenshots,suggests that creating reminders is optional. This could make the feature genuinely useful for users who wish to ensure they return calls to family, friends, or colleagues.By transforming a passive event like a missed call into an active, scheduled follow-up, WhatsApp aims to re-engage users. However, users are advised to be mindful of when they opt to set these notifications to avoid unneeded interruptions to their workflow.
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Source and image credit: WABetaInfo
