WhatsApp has finally added the launcher app shortcuts on the Android version of its app. However, the feature is still in its testing stage. These launcher app shortcuts allow you to launch a desired in-app feature by clicking on the shortcuts icons. The functions of the WhatsApp beta launcher app shortcuts seem redundant, though.
The WhatsApp launcher app shortcut gives the user, an option to launch the camera and a new chat. These, however, are not much help as users are less likely to use new chat and tend to speak to people who are already on the chat screen, according to The Android Soul.
Another option the launcher app gives is three 'starred' conversations that again seem useless as these aren't any pinned chats or recent chats. However, these options can be dragged to your home-screen as sovereign shortcuts making it a little useful and convenient for the users.
The WhatsApp launcher app shortcuts feature is available on gadgets running Android 7.0 Nougat while users with Android 6.0 Marshmallow can also use the feature if using compatible launchers like Nova or Action, as reported by Indian Express.
However, it should be noted that WhatsApp already has the native widgets and shortcuts option for the home screen that allows users to set the camera as a separate shortcut icon. The user can also place a favorite person on the home-screen whose display picture will show up as an icon logo instead of the generic star.
WhatsApp fine-tunes the launcher app shortcuts and comprises pinned and frequent chats instead of new chats also show profile images instead of a generic star as shortcuts, is the overall thing which is going to be seen in the latest beta. If the reader wishes to download the latest WhatsApp beta for the Android version, then can sign up for the Android Beta Program on Google Play.