WhatsApp is testing a new voice channel feature for groups, similar to Discord’s voice channels and Twitter Spaces. The novelty appeared in update 2.23.7.12 of the beta version of the application for Android, released to members of the Google Play testing program. The feature is accessed at the top of the conversation, next to the call button in the groups.
As it is still a tool in beta and without any ads from Meta, little is known about the operation of the voice channel. The name of the feature in English is “audio chat,” which can be translated directly as “audio chat.” As far as is known, the functionality will only allow voice and will always be “open”. Unlike group calls, which allow video and its participants are invited — and can be terminated.
WhatsApp expands capabilities for calls and communities
The feature begins testing days after WhatsApp updates the desktop app and delivers new tools to Communities. In WhatsApp for desktop, it is now possible to make video calls with eight people in groups and calls with up to 32 people – the same limits as the smartphone app.
In the case of Communities, WhatsApp has launched the option for administrators to approve or not new users in groups. The Communities itself is a tool that shows the “turn” of the messenger to a purpose of being more social network. Now, by testing the voice channel feature, it gets closer to that definition.
There is still not much information about the operation of the WhatsApp voice channel. However, there is no difficulty in imagining that the platform wants to increase the time that users spend in the app. And yes, one way to do this is to copy a feature of Discord. But the screenshot of the WhatsApp tool seems to indicate that it will only have one voice channel per group.
WABetaInfo tested the feature. When you open the channel, an audio bar animation starts. At the moment, the voice chat exit button is in the top corner. We can further assume that WhatsApp will allow the user to browse other conversations while on an audio channel.
