Whatsapp testing a new status feature, similar to Snapchat

It seems like Facebook won't give up on Snapchat with reports now coming up that the social networking giant is testing a new Status feature on Whatsapp which is touted to be a lot similar to Snapchat. Facebook has already released similar updates for Facebook Messenger and Instagram.

However, Whatsapp's new status tab can only be tested if you have a rooted Android or jailbroken iOS device. The new status tab will let one share images or videos to various contacts for a limited period of time.

To test this new feature, there is a new 'Status' tab in the old Status menu. You can click a picture or shoot a video after which the app will display a preview to which you can add emojis, text overlays, scriblble or just crop it. As of now, according to the Tech 2, there is no option to set a timing on the image or video. The app just asks you to set the people you want to send the image/video to in the beginning. Further, you can also change recipients after you have put up the status. Also, there is no way to delete the 'Status' images or videos shared in the tab.

As the feature is hidden and is only accessible to users with root privileges, we can expect Facebook to make a lot of changes if this feature ever comes to the final build. Till then we hope it's not the same as Snapchat or Instagram as in today's time people do have both of these apps installed on their phones in addition to Whatsapp. So, Facebook has to be unique in this case.