Facebook Buys WhatsApp for $19 Billion
IBTimes UK

A new change on WhatsApp now allows Android users of WhatsApp to disable their "last seen status".

The news comes as welcome change for users who've been dreading the "Last Seen" feature and its invasion of privacy. The feature has been available for iOS users for a while.

Users will have to download the apk file from the WhatsApp website. The minimum requirements, according to the website, happen to be Android version 2.1 or higher apart from an unlimited data plan. The current update is only for Android mobile users and not for tablets.

The developers have also added another update, which lets users of Android hide their profile pictures and status from people. This could include select friends, strangers or everyone.

Users can find this privacy tab under the new settings tab under account settings after the new version has been downloaded.

How to install the APK

This method features step-by-step instructions to Install WhatsApp Manually Using the APK file available on the WhatsApp website.

Step 1: Download the WhatsApp APK to the computer and then copy the APK file to internal memory or external SD card on your Android phone.

Step 2: Navigate to device Settings and enable 'Installation of Apps (APKs)' option from Unknown Sources.

If a user's device is running Android 2.3 or anything older, they must navigate to Settings > Applications > check Unknown Sources box.

For users running Android 4.0 (and above), go to Settings > Security > and enable the Unknown Sources option.

Step 3: Enter the folder that contains the WhatsApp apk file on your device using your file manager. For those of you who do not have a File Manger, a good option is ES File Explorer File Manager which can be downloaded here.

Step 4: Now, tap the WhatsApp APK file to begin installing. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.