WhatsApp bringing ‘voice chats’ for groups, up to 32 participants can join: Report

The presence of a ‘voice waveform’ icon (top right) means the feature has been activated for a user.

Published on: Aug 8, 2023, 01:03:46 IST

By HT News Desk, New Delhi

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WhatsApp is rolling out a new ‘voice chats’ feature for groups, allowing up to 32 participants to join a voice chat at the same time.

This illustration photograph shows the US instant messaging software Whatsapp's logo (AFP)

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This is according to WhatsApp news tracker WABetaInfo, with the website noting in its report that the feature is currently being tested with select beta testers, and more people will get the ability in the coming days.

How does ‘voice chats’ work?

A screenshot uploaded by WABetaInfo explains how voice chats will work.

The all-new 'voice chats' feature (Image courtesy: WABetaInfo)

As seen in the attached screenshot, users will see a ‘voice waveform’ icon (top right, left of three dots) if voice chats has been activated for them; tapping on this icon will automatically start the conversation, and a dedicated interface will appear.

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The report further states that the feature is available only for certain groups, generally those with more than 32 members. However, not more than 32 people can join a conversation at the same time. Also, if no one joins after 60 minutes, the chat will end on its own.

Features of ‘voice chats’

As per WABetaInfo, the call is initiated without the phone of each participant ringing; they are, instead, informed via a silent push notification each time a new voice chat is created in the group. Also, the conversations are end-to-end encrypted, meaning that only group members can listen to the contents of a call.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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