WhatsApp 2.12.250 in Play Store adds custom notification, new emojis and mark as unread or read (Download)

Following a number of beta releases, WhatsApp has finally brought out a new version for those eagerly awaiting the official Google Play Store update. The latest release v2.12.250 incorporates all that we have seen in the beta updates.

With this version you should be able to get the skin tone emojis that were only present in the WhatsApp for iOS, or use WhatsApp Web to send them in the chat. Those who had the beta 2.12.159 or 2.12.161 might have had the opportunity to experience them.

Also present in the Play Store version is the middle finger gesture - 'reversed hand with middle finger extended (U+1F595)'. But the middle finger emoji was hidden in the beta release and you needed to paste it in a conversation to send it.

Additionally, there are a few new custom notifications settings. These include the option to mute chat for eight hours, one week or a year, using specific tones, vibration length, light, popup notification and ringtones and vibration. Besides, there is the option to mark conversation as unread and low data usage for voice calls.

Below is the changelog for the Play Store update with some new features that were not in the beta builds such as language support and options message or save contact after receiving their cards. You can download the latest update from the Play Store.

Download link: WhatsApp for Android 2.12.250

This version does not have the Google Drive Backup functionality, claims AndroidPolice, although WhatsApp has said the feature is rolling out slowly over the next few versions. This means, you will have to wait for a while to get the official version.