Testing of Discord-Style Voice Chat Feature for WhatsApp Groups Underway
WhatsApp has received preferential treatment this year with the introduction of highly anticipated features that users have been requesting for a long time. In May, the Meta-owned platform finally added the ability to edit sent messages. Additionally, users can now utilize WhatsApp without an internet connection through the Proxy feature. These new additions aim to prevent users from migrating to alternative apps like Telegram and Signal. Boasting a massive user base of over 2 billion people, WhatsApp has undeniably become the most widely used instant messaging service globally, effectively replacing SMS as the primary mode of communication.
Now WhatsApp is introducing Discord with a new feature that makes group calls much easier! Learn more about this upcoming feature.
WhatsApp voice chats
Voice calling is one of the most popular features of WhatsApp because it allows users to call anyone for free over the Internet, even if they are in another country. You can do the same in a group of up to 32 participants. However, if everyone leaves the call, it ends. But that may change soon as WhatsApp prepares to bring a new feature called Voice chats to its platform.
According to a report by WABetaInfo, this feature works similarly to Discord’s group chats, where users can join a server at any time to start a conversation. Up to 32 participants can join the voice chat at once, although it is also available in groups with more users. This feature is introduced to facilitate group calls without each individual user’s phone ringing.
Users will see a new waveform banner at the top, and tapping it will start a voice chat, according to the report. In addition, users receive a push notification whenever someone starts a voice chat. If the voice chat is left empty, it will automatically end after 60 minutes if no one joins.
When will it be available?
The new voice chat feature has been introduced with the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.16.19 update, and beta users can test the functionality of the feature as well as bugs and glitches. Such features are first released to beta users who test its stability and performance before being rolled out to the community.
