WhatsApp has started testing a new event hub integrated directly into the application, designed to simplify the creation, viewing, and management of appointments. This feature unifies both user-created events and received invitations on a single screen, solving the problem of having these schedules scattered across chats and communities.
The novelty was identified by the specialized portal WABetaInfo in beta version 2.26.36.5 intended for the Android system. In addition to establishing an event center in the app settings, this feature offers the ability to extend invitations to individuals who do not use WhatsApp.
The dedicated 'Events' area organizes all commitments chronologically, eliminating the need to return to original conversations to check details. However, the option to create events through the conversation attachment menu remains accessible.
The event creation interface, accessible via WhatsApp settings, allows defining the essential details of the meeting. The name of the organizer is automatically filled using the WhatsApp profile information. A notable aspect of this test is the permission to send invitations to people without access to the messenger.
After setting up the event, the organizer can distribute a link through other applications. When accessing the link via the browser, the page initially displays only the name, date, and time. Additional details, such as location and call links, are revealed only after confirming attendance.
For those without WhatsApp, responding to the invitation requires them to provide their name and validate their phone number. The organizer maintains control over the guest list, viewing names, phone numbers, and confirmation status. For other participants, names and responses are visible, but phone numbers only appear if the contact is saved in the participant's address book.