WhatsApp users have been jumping ship after the popular messaging service revealed new privacy guidelines that seemed to more tightly align the app to its parent company, Facebook. It’s been a headache for WhatsApp, but a boon for rival services like Signal.
That explosion of users has apparently prompted Signal to spruce up its normally barebones interface. As Android Police reports, Signal is testing features like animated stickers and chat wallpapers for a more welcoming feel.
Both features are available now for beta users. Chat wallpapers can be set per conversation, and there are 21 different options included with the update. You can opt to use solid or gradient colors or a photo from your camera roll to make things feel a little more personal.
Animated stickers are already a mainstay for apps like WhatsApp and the built-in messaging options on iOS and Android. On Signal, you’ll have access to a 24-pack of Day by Day stickers with art by Miguel Angel Camprubi.
There’s also a new way to add short “About” blurbs to user profiles. They’ll support emoji and a few sentences, which can be updated several times. In a way, it’ll be like a miniature Twitter feed.
It’s unclear when these beta features will begin rolling out to everyone, or if more are coming, but watch for app updates in the coming weeks.
