A new audio chat function designed for use in large groups is being rolled out by WhatsApp.
On November 14, the Meta-owned Messaging Platform revealed that the new function is comparable to a group call; however, rather than ringing each participant, it enables users to join in silently with a popup notification that appears within the chat window.
A user needs to enter the group chat that they wish to start the voice chat with and then tap on the blue icon that represents voice chat, which is located in the upper right corner of the screen. Only then can the user begin the voice chat.
WhatsApp Rolls Out Voice Chat Feature For Large Chat Groups
The chat can then be started by selecting the ‘Start Voice Chat’ option from the menu. When the group has been successfully formed, members will receive a push notice inviting them to join.
Users will be able to participate in the audio chat at any time and leave at any time without the conversation being interrupted. While the audio chat is going on, the call controls will be displayed at the top of the chat screen.
This will enable members who are participating in the voice chat, as well as those who are not participating, to send text messages. In addition, users will be able to view the profiles of other users who have joined the discussion by clicking on the banner that is located at the bottom of the page.
Other social media and messaging platforms, such as Discord, Telegram, and Slack, offer functionalities that are analogous. These platforms enable members belonging to the same group or server to connect with one another through the use of voice chat.
Meta is rolling out voice chat to all Android and iOS smartphones, with the initial phase focusing on large groups with at least 33 users. WhatsApp has indicated that the feature will be accessible to all users within the next several weeks, once the roll-out cycle has been completed.
Recent announcements made by WhatsApp include a new privacy feature for voice calls that will enable users to conceal their IP addresses while conversing on the phone.
Users will have the ability to enable the “Protect IP address in calls” option by accessing the advanced settings menu inside the Privacy section of WhatsApp and selecting the “Protect IP address in calls” option. WhatsApp made this announcement in a blog post and stated that the rollout of this new feature has begun.