Similar to Discord, WhatsApp is in the process of introducing a Voice Chat feature for its groups. This move is part of WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to enhance its platform with new capabilities. The application, owned by Meta, aims to offer users a Voice Chat functionality akin to Discord, enabling group members to engage in voice-based interactions within WhatsApp groups.
According to information from WABetaInfo, a reputable source for WhatsApp-related updates, the Voice Chat feature is poised to introduce a novel method for group members to communicate using their voices. It’s worth distinguishing this feature from the existing Group Voice Call feature that WhatsApp already offers.
In contrast to the Group Voice Call, which dials all invited participants simultaneously, the Voice Chat feature establishes a virtual space where interested members can join and converse. This concept shares similarities with platforms like Discord and Twitter’s “X” Space.
A visual preview shared by WABetaInfo showcases a new icon resembling sound waves within the Group chat interface. Users can conveniently tap on this icon to initiate a Voice Chat session, leading to a dedicated interface that opens at the top of the screen.
When a Voice Chat session is ongoing, push notifications will be sent to all members of the group, alerting them to the ongoing voice conversation. To participate, members can simply tap the “Connect” button. Additionally, the Voice Chat session will automatically conclude if the chat remains inactive for a duration of 60 minutes.
However, it’s important to note that this Voice Chat feature is reportedly only accessible to specific groups consisting of more than 32 members. Moreover, the maximum capacity for participants in a single Voice Chat room is set at 32 individuals.
As of now, this new feature is exclusively available in the Beta version of WhatsApp for Android users, with a likelihood of a subsequent release for iOS users in the near future. The precise timeline for a general release remains unknown. Given these developments, what are your thoughts? Is the Voice Chat feature something you’re eagerly anticipating?
