WhatsApp testing a Discord-like voice chat feature for groups

Group calling could become a lot more convenient as WhatsApp is rolling out a new voice chat system for beta testers. Here’s what we know about it.

Watch Video

WhatsApp voice chat is available in the latest WhatsApp beta version. (Pixabay)

WhatsApp has been getting special treatment this year as several key features have been rolled out that were long-requested by users. In May, the ability to edit sent messages made its way onto the Meta-owned platform. Moreover, users can also use WhatsApp without the internet through the Proxy feature. Such additions are introduced to keep users from switching to alternative apps such as Telegram and Signal. With a community of over 2 billion users, WhatsApp is certainly the most popular instant messaging service in the world, and it seems to have replaced SMS as the primary form of messaging.

Now, WhatsApp is set to take on Discord with a new feature that will make group calls a lot easier! Know details about this upcoming feature.

WhatsApp voice chats

Voice calling is one of WhatsApp's most popular features as it allows users to call anyone free of cost over the internet, even if they are in another country. You can do the same with up to 32 participants in a group. However, if everyone leaves the call, it ends. But it could change soon as WhatsApp is gearing up to bring a new feature called Voice chats to its platform.

According to a report by WABetaInfo, this feature works similarly to group chats on Discord, where users can join a server anytime to start a conversation. Up to 32 participants can join the voice chat at once although it will also be available in groups with more users. This feature is being rolled out to make group calling easier, without ringing the phone of every individual user.

Users will see a new waveform banner at the top, and tapping on it will start the voice chat, as per the report. Additionally, users will also get a push notification anytime someone starts a voice chat. If the voice chat remains empty, it will automatically end after 60 minutes if no one joins in.

When will it be available?

The new voice chat feature has been rolled out with the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.16.19 update and beta users can test the feature for functionality as well as bugs and glitches. Such features are first issued for Beta users who test it for stability and performance, before being rolled out to the community.