According to WABetaInfo, the latest beta version of WhatsApp has a new voice chat feature that allows groups of up to 32 people to connect for an audio session. WhatsApp, which introduced instant video messages with the latest update, now offers the Voice Chat feature. According to WABetaInfo, the new feature is available to some beta testers running the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.16.19; It is expected to reach more users in the coming days.
According to the website, the new feature allows to join a common voice chat via phone call or messaging.
This feature can be accessed via the wave-shaped button in the upper-right corner of the group chat screen. Any participant can start the voice chat and a custom user interface appears at the top of the screen.
It differs from phone calls in that the phone does not ring when a voice chat is started, and only a silent push notification is received when a chat is created in all users’ groups. Once started, any participant in the group can join and start voice chat. However, if the chat remains empty and no one joins, it closes after 60 minutes. WABetaInfo states that only certain groups can access the voice chat feature and currently supports up to 32 participants.
The instant messaging application owned by Meta is undergoing a change this year with features such as stickers, secret chats, muting unknown callers and editing sent messages. With a recent update, WhatsApp has also made it easier for users to message unsaved phone numbers without leaving the app.