WhatsApp has introduced a new feature allowing users to engage in voice chats similar to Discord. This feature, resembling ‘group calls,’ functions differently from traditional voice calls and voice notes. Instead of ringing everyone in a group, it sends a silent push notification.
Similar to Discord, users can join or leave the voice chat at their convenience. Call controls are located at the top of the group chat, enabling users to send messages while participating in the voice chat. Participants in the group can see who has joined the voice chat through a banner at the bottom of the screen. Those not participating can view the profiles of participants in the chat header and the Calls tab.
To start a voice chat, users need to open the group chat, tap the waveform icon on the top right, and click the ‘Start Voice Chat‘ button. To end the voice chat, tapping the ‘X‘ icon in the top right corner is sufficient.
WhatsApp’s support page notes that ‘Voice Chats‘ are available for groups ranging from 33 to 128 people. The feature is currently limited to the primary device and will automatically end if the last person leaves or if no one joins the first or last person for an hour. Like personal WhatsApp calls and messages, all voice chats are end-to-end encrypted.
Initially spotted in August, ‘Voice Chats‘ was available to a select few users on the beta version of the app. WhatsApp is gradually rolling out the feature to all users, and it may take a few days before it becomes accessible on all devices.
