WhatsApp just announced a new feature to make it easier to connect with your large groups. It is about the voice chatswhich operate very similar to that of X Spaces (Twitter).
The idea of WhatsApp is to offer an easier feature for having voice conversations in large groups, without being as intrusive as group calls. In this way, it is intended that only those users who are available can join the chat, while the rest can continue sending messages normally.
Without a doubt, a very interesting alternative that promises to be especially attractive when you want to follow a particular event live, or when you want to discuss matters that, in the conventional way, could require the exchange of dozens—or even hundreds—of messages.
As we indicated at the beginning, the new voice chats for WhatsApp groups are clearly inspired by X Spaces (Twitter). In this sense, participants will have the opportunity to connect in communication, being able to converse with others in a more direct and simultaneous way.
Quick controls will appear at the top of the WhatsApp interface to activate or deactivate the microphone, as well as to leave the chat whenever you want. Both those who are connected and those who choose not to participate will be able to continue interacting within the group with absolute normality.
Voice chats reach large WhatsApp groups
It is true that this new feature is not revolutionary. What’s more, we can say that, in addition to the X Spaces (Twitter), is also inspired by Discord channel calls. However, it is presented as a very seductive option to simplify communications at times when, perhaps, the level of activity in a WhatsApp group is very high.
The main attraction of the new voice chats is that they can be started “silent”. The members of the group they will receive a push notification, but it will not sound to them as if it were an audio call. In addition, whoever initiates it will be able to later select who to notify. To access the conversation you just have to click on the bubble that appears within the group chat.
Like the rest of the communications, both text, audio and video, the new voice chats are end-to-end encrypted. Additionally, before joining, users can see who is connected through a banner displayed at the bottom of the screen.
It is worth clarifying that this new feature will not be available in all WhatsApp groups. It will only reach those who have between 33 and 128 participantsand its global launch will occur in the coming weeks.
For now, the messaging app has not explained if in the future they plan to take it to groups with any number of members. Nor has it been specified whether voice chats will remain available for everyone to listen to once they have ended, at least temporarily. We will be attentive to any news.