WhatsApp updated with custom notifications, new emojis and more

Following a number of new features creeping into the beta build, a shiny new version of WhatsApp has finally landed at the Play Store, bringing with it new customizable notifications, contact mute controls, new emojis and the introduction of skin tone colors, among other things.

The new version is listed as 2.12.250 and most users will probably want to go and check out the variety of new custom chat options first. This menu allows users to customize specific conversation notifications with their own colors and tones. There are also now options to adjust how new messages pop-up depending on your screen’s on/off status and the ability to mute a conversation for a specific period of time.

Another helpful feature is the ability to mark conversations as read and unread, which might come in handy if you want to respond to something at a later date. There’s also a switch to lower the quality of voice calls to save on your data plan, which is bound to come in handy near the end of the month.

If you’re an avid emoji sender, you will also find the new skin colors options attached to a number of emojis. There are a few new ones too, including a lovely middle finger and Vulcan salute gesture for the Trekkies.

You can check the Play Store to see if there’s an update ready for you to download. Alternatively, you can grab the latest version of WhatsApp from APK Mirror.