Over the past few months, WhatsApp has rolled out noteworthy improvements and updates, including the introduction of avatars and WhatsApp communities. Now, the Meta-owned company is trialling letting users upload voice recordings as status updates.
First spotted by WABetaInfo, the publication which tracks WhatsApp updates, wrote, “WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.2.8: what’s new? WhatsApp is releasing the ability to share voice notes via status updates to some lucky beta testers!”
Just like video status updates, WhatsApp will limit your voice recordings to only 30 seconds. Should you wish to record for a longer time, you would presumably have to split your recording into multiple 30 seconds chunks. Before posting, WhatsApp will let tinker with your recording and also let you discard it should you have a change of heart.
As are most things on WhatsApp, the voice recordings are end-to-end encrypted, meaning that people within your privacy settings are the only ones who will be able to listen to them. Furthermore, just like status updates including images and videos, your voice notes will disappear after 24 hours, but you can also delete them for everyone before the 24-hour period lapses.
Currently, only those users running the latest Beta from WhatsApp have access to the feature. However, it should be rolling out to more users running stable builds over the coming weeks. Therefore, do not be alarmed if you do not spot it right away on your device.
Another addition from WhatsApp is the ability to add a caption to an image or video that you are forwarding. Previously, forwarded media would come with no caption for additional context. Adding a caption will make it easier to quickly identify what the forwarded media is about and also make it easier to locate the media in a long chat after a few days, weeks or even months by just quickly searching the caption.
