WhatsApp has just released an update for the beta participants of the app on the android platform. The latest release bumps the WhatsApp messenger to version 2.171. You can get the newest release by enrolling in the beta testing program on Google play store. Alternatively, you can download the latest APK following the means detailed later in the post.
What’s New with WhatsApp Messenger 2.17.1
WhatsApp Messenger 2.17.1 comes with no visible changes, and also the changelog has remained the same. In case, you are interested in reading the last changelog, we have listed the same below.
Play videos right away without waiting for them to download first. Videos will still be downloaded to your phone as the video is playing. (Android 4.1+ and only works with videos sent from the latest version of the Android app)
Introducing WhatsApp video calling. With free video calls, you can have face-to-face chats with your friends and family around the world. Data charges may apply. (requires Android 4.1+)
You can now send and receive animated GIFs
Even though the changelog seems less promising, but the performance improvements and bug fixes are quite evident. We tested the messaging app on our own devices, and it did perform better than the last release. Hence, if you are a beta tester of the WhatsApp messenger application, there is no reason to avoid this update.
WhatsApp 2.17.1 APK is 31.44 MB in size, and comes with build number 451571. This release is applicable to all smartphones running Android 4.0 and above. However, the right away video playing feature is only applies to Android 4.1+ devices. You can download the latest WhatsApp update uptodown.com, or visiting other trusted mirror websites.
Once again, the latest update of WhatsApp Messenger is meant for beta testers of the app. The stable release will come later after the positive feedback from users.