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WhatsApp resurrects text status feature after user backlash

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By John Glenday, Reporter

March 16, 2017 | 2 min read

WhatsApp has hastily resurrected a text Status option after expunging it last month in favour of an image based alternative - following a backlash from the messaging app's users.

The change ended the ability for WhatsApp users to set an away message as part of a migration of the Status name to clone of Snapchat Stories.

Explaining its volte-face in a statement WhatsApp observed: “We heard from our users that people missed the ability to set a persistent text-only update in their profile, so we’ve integrated this feature into the ‘About’ section in profile settings.

“Now, the update will appear next to profile names anytime you view contacts, such as when creating a new chat or looking at Group info. At the same time, we’re continuing to build on the new Status feature that gives people fun and engaging ways to share photos, videos and gifs with their friends and family throughout their day.”

Over the past week text statuses have begun to re-appear in the Android Beta version of the app before rolling out to all Android users next week - followed by an update for iPhone users thereafter.

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