WhatsApp update fixes 'weird' bug that users probably didn't notice

But a new problem appears to have emerged

Anthony Cuthbertson
Wednesday 27 November 2019 16:26 GMT
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A new dedicated call button in group chats is among the new WhatsApp features
A new dedicated call button in group chats is among the new WhatsApp features (Getty Images)

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WhatsApp has finally fixed a strange issue with the messaging app that appeared to go completely unnoticed for years.

The bug involved a “weird line” on WhatsApp’s Splash Screen, which greets users when they open the Facebook-owned app.

It was first spotted by website WaBetaInfo, who demonstrated the issue by altering the contrast on an image of the Splash Screen.

“It’s almost invisible but if you zoom in you can notice the line,” WaBetaInfo tweeted last week. “What’s it? So many beta updates for the Splash Screen, and WhatsApp has never noticed it?”

WhatsApp issued a fix through the latest Android 2.19.297 update this week, however users have already noted a potential new problem.​

A WhatsApp user shared an image of the updated Splash Screen, which appeared to show the WhatsApp logo significantly off-centre.

Another user shared an image of an even more peculiar Splash Screen, full of misshapen WhatsApp logos and a message in Spanish.

A spokesperson for WhatsApp was not immediately available for comment.

Another update for a beta version of the messaging app could soon see the introduction of disappearing messages, according to a separate report from WaBetaInfo.

The new feature will be available within group chats on WhatsApp and can only be enabled if the group’s administrator approves it.

Within the ‘Group Settings’, admins will be able to choose whether the messages will last for one hour, one day, one week, one month, or one year before they are permanently deleted.

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