WhatsApp has started testing a new events section in the settings menu of the Android version. This new area centralizes all appointments the user has created and the invitations they have received onto a single screen, eliminating the need to search for these items in the message history.
Previously, the events functionality, first available in groups and then in individual conversations, was restricted to the chat where it was created. This forced the user to open each conversation separately to check dates or locations of multiple appointments.
Details of the New Events Panel
The new panel, identified by a badge in the app menu, consolidates this view into a single point and allows for event scheduling directly from there. The discovery of this novelty was made by WABetaInfo, a portal specialized in monitoring the app's beta for new features.
When setting up an appointment through this new tab, the user can specify the name, a detailed description, the date, start and end times, the location, and a cover photo, in addition to being able to attach an application call link.
The system automatically includes the name of the event creator, allows setting a reminder one hour in advance, and offers the option to authorize the entry of attendees. It is important to note that creating events within existing chats remains functional.
The feature also supports external link invitations, allowing people without a WhatsApp account to be invited. Upon accessing the sent address, the invitee views the event name, date, and time. To confirm attendance, the invitee must provide their name and validate their phone number, which is necessary to release location data and the call link.
Regarding privacy, the organizer has access to the names, confirmations, and phone numbers of the invitees. Participants who have confirmed their presence can see the event information and the guest list, but phone numbers are only displayed to those who already have the contacts saved in their address books. Conversations remain encrypted.
This feature is implemented in the beta version of WhatsApp for Android (2.26.36.5) and is being gradually made available for testing. Currently, there is no defined forecast for the full release of the feature to all users.
