Meta-owned messaging app The latest beta version of WhatsApp includes a new voice chat feature that allows groups of up to 32 people to connect for a spoken session.
WhatsApp new feature
According to recent notes published by WABetaInfo. WhatsApp beta version 2.23.16.19 is now available to Android testers, and it includes features similar to Telegram and Discord chats, Slack’s Huddles, and Meta’s own Messenger platform.
This new feature is visible in group chats as a waveform icon. This icon, however, will appear only if the WhatsApp account has enabled the feature and the group is compatible with it.
By pressing this button, the voice chat begins immediately, displaying its distinctive interface. As a result, anyone in the group, up to a maximum of 32 people, can seamlessly join and initiate discussions.
Unlike the current group call functionality, group voice chats will not cause all participants’ phones to ring at the same time.
???? WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.16.19: what's new?
WhatsApp is rolling out voice chats, a new feature to communicate in your groups, and it’s available to some beta testers!https://t.co/FxlDMc22HX pic.twitter.com/eBUnDVaeBE
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) August 6, 2023
When everyone leaves, the session remains active but expires after an hour. WhatsApp’s voice chats, like its other messages, are end-to-end encrypted by default.
According to WABetaInfo, the new WhatsApp voice chat feature’s release may go beyond beta installations.
Although Meta was not among the first to introduce this feature (Telegram has had voice chat features since 2020),
WhatsApp has the advantage of being one of the most widely used messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users.
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