WhatsApp's new feature: Tapping on phone numbers, dates, or addresses in chats will open shortcuts..

No more hassle of copying a phone number from a chat to dial it, or copying an address to paste it into a map app. WhatsApp is introducing a feature that automatically identifies key information within messages and provides direct options to act on it. The company calls this "Message Text Actions." Currently, it is available to a select group of Android and iPhone users.

How does this feature work?
WhatsApp can now detect phone numbers, dates, times, addresses, and email addresses within messages. A dotted line appears beneath any such information. Tapping it opens a small menu with options relevant to that specific data. This feature works for both incoming and outgoing messages. If you prefer not to use it, you can simply ignore the dotted line and continue chatting as usual. The detected text is also displayed at the top of the menu, allowing you to verify that the app has correctly identified the information.

What options are available for different types of information?
Phone numbers: You can copy the number, save it as a contact, or place a call directly. If the number belongs to a business, the app may also display business-related information.
Dates or times: In addition to copying the information, you can add it to your phone's calendar or create an event directly within WhatsApp—a particularly useful feature for meetings, birthdays, or plans shared in group chats.
Addresses: You can open them in a map app or copy them.
Email addresses: You can copy them or open them directly in your phone's email application.

Will this affect privacy?
The company states that this information is processed locally on the user's own device. The app identifies specific patterns to determine whether a piece of text represents a date, a phone number, or an email address. During this process, neither the content of the messages nor the suggested actions are transmitted to WhatsApp's servers. According to the company, this does not affect end-to-end encryption; your private chats remain as secure as ever.

What if there is a misidentification?
If the app makes an error or provides an unnecessary suggestion, users can provide feedback. The menu includes an option to mark a suggestion as either "helpful" or "not helpful." If you select "not helpful," you are asked to provide a reason—for instance, if the text was misidentified or if an unneeded action was suggested. The company states that this feedback transmits only a signal, not the actual content of the message. This data will help improve the feature.

When will it be available on your phone?
This feature is currently rolling out to a select group of users on the latest versions of WhatsApp for Android and iPhone, so it may not be available on your device yet. While the company has not announced a specific date for a full-scale release, it is expected to reach more users in the coming weeks. It is recommended to keep your app updated to ensure you receive it.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from NDTV India. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.