Facebook is experimenting with sharing status updates via WhatsApp

Facebook is currently experimenting with a WhatsApp button in its Android app with a select group of users. In this way, status updates can be shared via the chat service, among other things. It is the first time that a clear integration of WhatsApp in Facebook has emerged after the acquisition.

The test was recently spotted by Geek Time, which shared screenshots showing the new functionality. From the images, it can be concluded that the WhatsApp button is next to the regular buttons, including those for ‘liking’ messages, in the Android app.

For now, Facebook seems to be experimenting with a select group of users of the Android app with version 31.0.0.7.13. Depending on the use of the functionality, the service will probably be rolled out further. Perhaps the sharing feature will never reach the general public.

Anyway: Facebook’s experiment is somewhat striking. Firstly, this is the first concrete step by Facebook to integrate WhatsApp into its social network, after the company took over the chat service last year. In addition, it was only announced at developer conference F8 that Facebook wants to expand its other chat app, Messenger, with more functionality.