One of the features we've been expecting WhatsApp to add is the support for mentions in group conversations. That way, not only you would be able to quote someone or some specific message, you'd also be able to directly address a contact inside a group to get their attention. This feature is now live in the latest WhatsApp beta v2.16.272.

When you're in a group chat, try typing the symbol @ and you'll get a list of all the participants in that chat. You can tap any of them or just type the first letters of anyone's name and it'll narrow down to them. Select them and the name will show up as hyperlinked (blue) in the text entry box. Once you send the text, the hyperlink will still be there in the sent message.

Anyone can tap the hyperlinked name to get to the specific contact's page details. It's also worth pointing out that the exact name will depend on how each participant has saved that person's name in their address book.

So far, the option doesn't seem to specifically alert the named person of this direct mention, but I suppose that will be implemented in a future update.

To get this option, you'll need WhatsApp beta v 2.16.272 which you can grab on APK Mirror or by joining the Play Store beta program.

Thanks: Everyone who sent this in