According to prolific tipster WABetaInfo, a social media account that follows the latest beta releases and news around WhatsApp, claims the new chat app is now live in Brazil and Germany.
Users in those territories can now download WhatsApp Business on Android from the Google Play Store.
WhatsApp has yet to announce an official launch date for the UK version of the service.
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Businesses have profile pages with all the details you need, you can also order or chat directly
WhatsApp Business enables users to chat with representatives from companies – similar to the small chat windows that appear on the Support pages online.
The new app leverages the success of WhatsApp – the most popular messenger in the world – but has been designed from the ground-up to enable customers and companies to communicate. WhatsApp COO Matt Idema talked about WhatsApp Business to Fox last year.
Since WhatsApp Business is a standalone app, those who run small businesses can keep their current WhatsApp app and conversations intact – and completely separate – from their customers.
It also has two new sections within the Settings menu that you won’t find in the standard version of WhatsApp, Statistics and Business Settings.
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Customers can raise queries with companies, as well as place orders, or ask advice
It also lets users set an automated response when customers try to get in touch outside business hours.
According to the official FAQ for the new app, users on the platform will be able to choose from three possible status updates – unconfirmed, confirmed or verified.
Business accounts which have yet to be verified by WhatsApp will have a grey question mark displayed in their profile.
“WhatsApp has confirmed that the phone number of this account matches the phone number for this business,” the FAQ clarifies.
These businesses are more likely to be genuine, but WhatsApp is unprepared to guarantee it.
Finally, there are verified accounts, which are emblazoned with a green checkmark.
This is a surefire sign, you’ll conversing with a legitimate business account.
“WhatsApp has verified that an authentic brand owns this account,” the FAQ adds, however, it does not stipulate what additional verification steps are involved in the process.
WhatsApp Business has been in development for over a year.
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