WhatsApp now under the Meta umbrella
WhatsApp revealed the rollout of a novel voice chat feature designed for large groups, resembling the functionality found in Discord. Unlike traditional group calls that ring every member, this feature initiates voice chats quietly through an in-chat bubble, allowing users to join with a simple tap.
This new feature enables users to engage in conversation with those who are available, while still being able to message those who aren’t. Users can easily unmute, hang up, or send messages within the voice chat without exiting by using the convenient call controls located at the top of the chat.
WhatsApp is gradually introducing voice chats globally to large groups over the next few weeks, prioritizing those with 33 members or more. It’s noteworthy that the company has emphasized the default end-to-end encryption to safeguard the privacy of these voice chats.
The mechanics of WhatsApp’s voice chats closely mirror similar features on platforms like Discord, Telegram, and Slack, providing a means for large groups to connect through spoken communication.
The introduction of this feature aligns with WhatsApp’s recent trend of incorporating various enhancements into its platform. Notably, the ability for users to manage two accounts simultaneously was recently rolled out. Other additions include passkey support on Android and the implementation of “Flows,” enriching the app’s shopping experience by allowing users to perform tasks such as selecting a flight seat or booking an appointment without leaving the app.
The unveiling of this feature follows Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s disclosure during the Q3 earnings call that users and businesses are engaging over 600 million times daily across Meta’s platforms. Zuckerberg highlighted a 53% year-over-year increase, reaching $293 million in Q3, driven significantly by the WhatsApp Business platform’s contribution to the family of apps and other revenue.
