WhatsApp recently introduced the ability to send 60 second video messages. Now an online report says that WhatsApp is bringing a new feature to groups that will help participants communicate better. The Meta-proprietary platform is rolling out the feature to the Android beta version.
As reported by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp has started rolling out a new group voice chat feature to Android beta testers on app version 2.23.16.19. Users will have to update their apps to access this upcoming feature.
How the feature works
A new voice waveform icon may be visible in a group chat if the feature is enabled for the account and compatible with the group. Tapping on this icon will automatically start the voice chat, and a dedicated interface will appear. Any chat in the group can join the voice chat at any time. is and can start speaking. If the voice chat remains empty, it will automatically end after 60 minutes if no one joins," the report mentioned.
The report also added that voice chats are limited to certain categories. Generally, they can be accessible in groups with more than 32 participants. The main advantage of voice chats lies in their ability to initiate a call without triggering the ringing of each participant's phone in the group.
However, each group member will still receive a mute push notification when creating a new voice chat in their respective groups, and the group icon will display a compact thumbnail symbolizing the voice chat in the chat list.
The report also adds that voice chats are also end-to-end encrypted.
WhatsApp to soon get an animated avatar feature
WhatsApp is currently in the process of rolling out animated avatar functionality. The messaging app recently unveiled two new upgrades for both iOS and Android versions, with a focus on avatars.
The initial enhancement simplifies the avatar setup process by enabling users to automatically generate avatars from their photos. Another enhancement includes a wider range of avatars, easily accessible to users who prefer to set their avatars directly from the app settings.