Whatsapp tests more convenient way to record voice messages

WhatsApp is preparing a more convenient recording function for voice messages. The first users can test the function in the beta program on iPhones.

With the new recording function for voice messages, in future it will only be necessary to tap the microphone icon once to start recording. The blog WABetaInfo discovered the change in the beta version of the iPhone app.

WhatsApp combines previous methods of voice message recording

Previously, Whatsapp users had to hold down the microphone icon to record a voice message. When the button is released, the message is sent. Alternatively, the button can be swiped upwards to activate a lock. If the lock is activated, longer voice messages can also be recorded without permanently holding your finger on the microphone button.

In the new beta version, Whatsapp appears to link the two options together. Pressing the button automatically triggers the lock, which was previously only accessible using the swipe gesture. In addition, the duration of the voice message, an audio wave and controls for deleting, pausing and sending the message appear after tapping the micro icon. Users can also specify whether a message can only be listened to once by the recipient before it is sent.

Beta function currently only available for a few users

The redesign of the voice recording function is intended to make messaging more fluid and simplify operation. However, the redesign could potentially lead to accidental activation of the voice recording function more often, as tapping the microphone icon is now sufficient to trigger the recording.

According to WABetaInfo, the beta is currently only available to some testers who have installed the app via TestFlight. The function will be made available to other beta users in the coming weeks.

For users who are not fans of voice messages, Meta could gradually make the integrated transcription function available in other languages in return.

(afl)