WhatsApp has officially launched a new voice chat feature for group conversations, offering a more casual and spontaneous way for users to talk with multiple members of a group. Inspired by a similar feature already available on Telegram, this update allows group members to engage in live audio conversations without initiating a formal group voice call.
Previously limited to large groups, Meta has now made voice chats available to all group sizes. This feature enables users to talk as if they were in the same room, without having to start a traditional voice call or leave the chat interface. To begin a voice chat, users simply swipe up from the last message in the group conversation.
One of the key distinctions from regular group voice calls is that voice chats are less intrusive. They don’t notify everyone in the group, don’t appear as ongoing calls, and aren’t logged in the chat history. This design encourages more informal and fluid interaction, making it ideal for casual group conversations.
The voice chat feature also includes interactive tools to improve the communication experience. Users can “raise their hand” to signal a desire to speak, maintaining order during larger discussions. Additionally, participants can react with emojis in real time, adding a layer of engagement without interrupting the conversation.
Importantly, WhatsApp confirms that all voice chats are protected with end-to-end encryption, maintaining the platform’s standard of user privacy and data security.
If the feature is not yet visible on your device, updating WhatsApp to the latest version via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store may be necessary to access it.
With this update, WhatsApp continues to expand its functionality, aiming to offer a communication experience that rivals platforms like Telegram, while maintaining its core values of simplicity, security, and user control. The introduction of voice chats enhances how users connect in groups, providing a more natural and dynamic way to interact.
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