WhatsApp update - Three huge new features are coming to YOUR Android smartphone

WHATSAPP for Android is braced for three new features, one of which could prove to be very controversial amongst fans.

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WhatsApp is used by over a billion people every single day to send messages and share media.

The app is regularly updated by the firm, meaning new features are constantly introduced.

And it appears three new additions are on the horizon, according to WABetaInfo.

WABetaInfo is a publication renowned for analysing development and beta builds of WhatsApp in order to gain an insight into forthcoming features.

Here is a list of the three new tools that could arrive for your Android smartphone very soon.

Blocked screenshots

This is easily the most controversial of the forthcoming trio; early versions of WhatsApp have shown the firm is working on a new "Authentication" feature for Android that will require the user's fingerprint to be scanned for the app to be opened.

However, a new beta for the software on Android, 2.19.106, has shown this tool will block screenshots from being captured if enabled.

An alert informing the user of the prevention within the app said: "Fingerprint security - When enabled, fingerprint is required to open WhatsApp and conversation screenshots are blocked.

"You can still reply to messages from notifications and answer calls if WhatsApp is locked."

WABetaInfo announced the controversial feature on Twitter and many fans expressed their disappointment in response.

One said: “If someone authenticates it with a fingerprint then why the hell can't they take screenshots?"

Another tweeted: WhatsApp please just focus on the Dark theme not on this s***** feature.“

A third remarked: “Wrong choice. I hope they wont enable it."

It is currently unknown when this feature will release in a final capacity for Android users.

New emojis for Doodle UI

WhatsApp's Doodle UI is incredibly popular and very useful; it allows users to edit photos by adding emojis and drawing on them for instance.

While the emojis offered by the mode were usable, they were certainly inconsistent with the rest of the app.

That is because the icons present in Doodle UI were different to the characters within chats themselves.

However, it appears WhatsApp is changing the emojis within Doodle UI to make them more consistent with the rest of the WhatsApp experience.

The new icons were found in WhatsApp beta 2.19.110 for Android.

Unfortunately, it is unknown when this improvement will debut.

Animated stickers

Back in October WhatsApp introduced stickers that it branded as a way to "help you share your feelings in a way that you can't always express with words".

However, it appears the firm is also working to bring animated stickers to fans, according to WABetaInfo that showcased them in action.

The animated stickers in WhatsApp appear to be incredibly similar to those already found in one of its biggest rivals, Facebook Messenger.

WABetaInfo said animated stickers can be included in regular sticker packs for the app.

While the outlet admitted the release date for the functionality is unknown, it did declare it will be available for WhatsApp Web and iOS in addition to Android devices.